Course Objectives:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Introduction to Sample Preparation and Analysis

• Understand the importance of proper sample preparation in laboratory analysis.
• Learn how sample integrity, contamination, and handling impact analytical results.
• Identify key regulatory standards (ASTM, ISO, EPA, USP, FDA) governing sample preparation.

2. Sample Collection and Handling

• Learn best practices for sample collection in different industries (environmental, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, food, forensics).
• Understand sample preservation and transport techniques to prevent degradation.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure sample reliability.

3. Solid, Liquid, and Gas Sample Preparation Techniques

• Understand various preparation techniques based on sample type:
• Solid Samples: Grinding, sieving, digestion (acid/base), filtration.
• Liquid Samples: Dilution, extraction, centrifugation, pH adjustment.
• Gas Samples: Collection in sample bags, cryogenic trapping, sorbent tube collection.

4. Sample Extraction Methods

• Learn different extraction techniques:
• Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) for water and solvent-based samples.
• Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) for trace analysis in complex matrices.
• Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) for high-purity sample isolation.
• Headspace Extraction (HS) for volatile compounds in environmental and food analysis.

5. Instrumental Analysis Techniques

• Understand how to match sample preparation techniques with analytical methods:
• Chromatographic Techniques:
• Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid Chromatography (LC).
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for pharmaceutical and chemical analysis.
• Spectroscopic Techniques:
• Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for metals.
• UV-Vis and Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical characterization.
• Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS, LC-MS) for compound identification.
• Thermal Analysis Techniques:
• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).

6. Sample Preparation for Microbiological and Biological Analysis

• Learn microbial testing sample preparation techniques, including:
• Sterile sampling and media selection.
• Culture preparation and incubation.
• DNA/RNA extraction for molecular analysis (PCR, sequencing, electrophoresis).

7. Quality Assurance and Troubleshooting in Sample Preparation

• Identify sources of error in sample preparation and how to mitigate them.
• Understand contamination control, equipment calibration, and method validation.
• Learn about data integrity and regulatory compliance in analytical laboratories.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world applications of sample preparation in different industries.
• Develop problem-solving techniques for laboratory sample inconsistencies.
• Learn best practices from successful sample analysis case studies.

Target Audience

This course is designed for professionals involved in laboratory analysis, quality control, and sample preparation, including:

1. Laboratory & Analytical Testing Teams

2. Quality Control & Regulatory Teams

3. Industry-Specific Professionals