Automated Total Nitrosamine Analyser (ATNA)

Introduction

The Automated Total Nitrosamine Analyser (ATNA) is a rapid screening system designed to measure the total amount of nitrosamines in a sample. Instead of analyzing individual compounds through complex methods, the ATNA provides a single total value. This helps pharmaceutical and cosmetics laboratories quickly determine if a sample contains nitrosamines, thereby deciding whether further in-depth analysis is needed. This system is particularly useful when dealing with high sample volumes and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.

Product Overview

The ATNA system operates on the principle of releasing and detecting nitric oxide (NO) gas. Samples are placed in sealed headspace vials and loaded into the autosampler. Upon heating, the nitrosamine structure breaks down, releasing NO gas into the headspace. This vapor is then drawn into a thermal energy analyser (TEA), which responds selectively only to the nitric oxide group. The result is a single value reflecting all present nitrosamines, including those without available standards or those formed unexpectedly during production or storage. This process does not require individual compound standards, making it an extremely efficient initial screening tool.

Key Features

• Total Measurement: Provides a single value for total nitrosamines, including unknown compounds.
• No Individual Standards Required: Analysis is based on NO group detection, removing reliance on specific nitrosamine standards.
• High Sensitivity: Capable of detecting total nitrosamines down to low ppb (parts per billion) levels.
• High Throughput: The autosampler holds 120 headspace vials, processing up to 10 samples per hour.
• Selective Detection: Uses a TEA detector to eliminate background interference, responding only to nitric oxide.
• Compact Design: Easily integrates into standard laboratory bench space.

Technical Specifications

Applications

• Initial screening of pharmaceutical products (e.g., Ranitidine, Sartans, Metformin) for nitrosamine formation.
• Testing raw materials, ingredients, and excipients in pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing.
• Assessing the risk of nitrosamine formation during product storage.
• Handling high sample volumes in quality control (QC) labs before proceeding to targeted GC/LC analysis.

Pricing

Please contact us for consultation and detailed quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does the ATNA measure?

The ATNA measures the total amount of nitrosamines in a sample and reports a single combined value. This includes known nitrosamines as well as those that may form unexpectedly or do not have available standards.

2. Does the ATNA identify individual nitrosamines?

No. The ATNA is designed for total screening rather than compound identification. It shows whether nitrosamines are present and when further targeted analysis may be required.

3. How does the ATNA fit alongside GC or LC methods?

The ATNA is typically used as a first screening step. When a total nitrosamine result indicates formation, targeted GC or LC methods can then be used to identify and quantify individual compounds.

4. What type of samples can be analysed?

The ATNA is used with a wide range of sample types, including solid dose products, liquids, creams, and other complex matrices.

5. Does the ATNA require nitrosamine standards?

No. Because the ATNA measures total nitrosamines via nitric oxide detection, individual compound standards are not required for screening.

Conclusion

The Automated Total Nitrosamine Analyser (ATNA) is a powerful screening tool that helps laboratories quickly assess nitrosamine risks in complex samples. By providing a rapid total result without the need for standards, the ATNA optimizes workflows and saves valuable time before conducting in-depth analyses. Contact us for more details.