Analytical instrument & pharma spectroscopy equipment

THE analytical instrument is a device that enables analytical measurements to be carried out automatically and objectively. It helps analysts to work out composition, characterize samples, separate mixtures, yield useful and accurate results.

- P Mandal

The instruments are often broken down into component parts such as electronic signal modifier, e.g. filter or amplifier; signal generator, e.g. radiation source; input transducer/detector; and output transducer, e.g. computer. The instruments measure critical process parameters such as pH, conductivity in a wide variety of applications for reliable monitoring.

Applications of analytical instruments are connected with a variety of fields not only in laboratory areas, but also in areas such as pharmaceutical analysis; materials characterization and research; life science research of metabolomics, genomics, proteomics; and clinical analysis.

An analytical scientist should have precise knowledge about various types of analytical instruments, analytical procedures, principles and techniques as well as a strong theoretical knowledge of the fundamental science behind them. This enables critical thinking and an understanding behind the techniques used, something that distinguishes the analytical scientist's difference from other scientists.

Analytical scientists also need to be able to critically evaluate an issue or problem held up and decide on the best course of action taking into account time people and sample turnaround, cost, availability of people and instruments, accuracy and knowledge of any knock-on effects or consequences that the result will have and this is the analytical procedure.

Analytical method development

Analytical method development involves the evaluation and selection of the most precise assay procedures to determine the composition of a drug. Thus, analytical method development and validation is tremendously important for a drug development programme.

Analytical procedures are developed to test specific characteristics of the substances against the predefined acceptance criteria for characteristics.