Dry Sampler Makes Easy Work of Accurate Isocyanate Measurement in Air

Sigma-Aldrich/Supelco (USA) recently launched the new ASSET EZ4-NCO Dry Sampler for reliable isocyanate measurements in air. The easy-to-use sampler was developed by the Institutet För Kemisk Analys Norden AB (IFKAN) in Hasselholm, Sweden and complies with ISO 17734-1 Determination of organonitrogen compounds in air using LC-MS Part 1: Isocyanates using dibutylamine derivatives.

The patented design of the cartridge and the use of dibutylamine as a derivatising reagent provide the highest sensitivity and stability of the derivatives. Unlike common isocyanate sampling devices, ASSET EZ4’s capacity allows for work place measurements from 5 minutes to 8 hours for true time-weighted average (TWA). Additionally, the design ensures particulates are completely derivatised, preventing underestimation of exposure.

It does not require field desorption or any special storage conditions before or after sampling; has a two-year shelf life; and it is recommended to be analysed by LC-MS/MS within four weeks after sampling. It is supported by a set of calibration standards, including a deuterated internal standard.