EPL Bio Analytical Services (BAS) is a contract laboratory located in Decatur, IL, USA, providing analytical data for the safety assessment of genetically modified crops as required by the American authorities. Valid analytical methods and efficient workflow have a very high priority at EPL BAS. Halogen Moisture Analyzers from Mettler-Toledo were chosen to speed up moisture analysis.

High Quality Standards
Genetically modified organisms undergo rigorous safety assessments before they become available on the market. EPL BAS is a laboratory specialized in agricultural chemistry and helps to determine whether, for example, genetically engineered soybeans are as safe as conventional beans. The contract laboratory works in full compliance with Good Laboratory Practice standards. Up to 70 different samples of crops such as soy, corn and cotton are analyzed daily. But this is not enough. Because of the growing interest in genetically modified plant varieties, EPL BAS has experienced increased demand for their analytical services and sample throughput is aimed to be doubled.

Guaranteed by Top Technology
Moisture is the first parameter to be determined since analytical results are generally expressed on a dry matter basis. The reference method, drying in the oven, is not efficient enough to keep up with the growing sample demand. The HR83 was the right instrument to free the bottleneck right at the beginning of the test series. After verifying that the HR83 provides precise and highly repeatable results that match the reference method, six HR83 instruments were installed in parallel. A continuous workflow of samples now feeds liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and many other high-tech analyzers. When countless analyses are based on the dry matter content, efficient and error-free data transfer from the HR83 to EPL BAS’s lab information system is key. LabX Direct Moisture Software transfers the moisture results automatically and error-free. The drying curve can be visualized on-line allowing the operator to monitor moisture analysis at a glance. Mettler-Toldeo contributes to the assessment of the safety of genetically modified crops - and to the growth of our customers, in this case, the EPL BAS lab. ♦

Visit www.mt.com/moisture for more information.