Inorganics Pricing
Why Are Some Calibration Standards More Expensive?
Understanding the Accustandard Difference...
Laboratory budgets are finite, and making the most of those resources is critical to getting more science done. However, the real question is not, "What's the cheapest product?" It's, "How can I reduce the total cost of analysis?" .The answer is often more nuanced than simply choosing the lowest purchase price.
The goal is to achieve the lowest cost per successful result by minimizing failed runs, repeat testing, troubleshooting, and downtime while maximizing data
quality and productivity. AccuStandard is a prime example of how this approach can be applied to reference materials.
How Will Accustandard Save Me Money in the Long Term?
The short answer is that you're paying for a strong commitment to stability, accuracy, and long-term reliability.
Rather than combining all analytes into a single solution, AccuStandard's formulations are often designed to maximize the stability of each analyte over time.
In some cases, that means supplying certain components separately so they can be mixed immediately prior to analysis.
Let's look at two common examples: Mercury and Nitrate/Nitrite
Why Is Mercury Supplied Separately?
Mercury presents unique challenges in standard preparation because it is inherently difficult to maintain in a stable solution over long periods.
Some of the characteristics that affect mercury stability include:
- Mercury can be reduced to its metallic state.
- It can volatilize or evaporate relatively easily.
- It may precipitate when exposed to even trace amounts of halogens, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) vapours.
- It can adsorb onto or plate onto certain container surfaces.
Because of these properties, mercury may not remain stable when stored with other analytes for extended periods.
To ensure the highest level of accuracy, AccuStandard supplies mercury as a separate standard. Laboratories can then combine it with the remaining elements immediately before analysis when required. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the standard and reduces the risk of concentration changes during storage.
Why Are Nitrate and Nitrite Provided Separately?
Nitrate and nitrite standards present a different stability challenge.
Over time, nitrite naturally oxidizes to nitrate. When both analytes are stored together for prolonged periods, this conversion can alter the certified values
of the standard.
For laboratories requiring reliable quantitative results, even small concentration changes can affect data quality.
By supplying nitrate and nitrite separately, AccuStandard helps ensure that the certified concentrations remain accurate throughout the product's shelf life.
The standards can then be combined shortly before use, providing greater confidence in analytical results.
What Are You Really Paying For?
When purchasing a calibration standard, you're not simply buying a bottle of solution.
You're investing to mitigate risks and reduce long-term costs such as:
- Failed quality control and re-analysis
- Questionable Data Integrity
- Regulatory and Audit Risk
-
Lost Productivity
Is a Lower-Priced Standard Really Less Expensive?
Not always.
When comparing calibration standards, it's important to look beyond the purchase price. A standard that saves a few dollars upfront may ultimately cost significantly more if it contributes to failed QC checks, additional troubleshooting, repeat analyses, or questions about data quality.
AccuStandard's approach may sometimes require additional preparation steps, but those steps are designed with one goal in mind:
Providing the most reliable and stable standard possible for your analysis.
Chromatographic Specialties Inc. (CSI) offers long-term quotations valid for up to one year, helping laboratories secure predictable pricing and simplify purchasing planning.
If you'd like a quote or have questions about selecting the right AccuStandard reference material for your application, contact our Technical Team and we'll be happy to assist.
