Are Hamilton syringes suitable for PFAS testing?
Are Hamilton syringes suitable for PFAS testing?
Yes, Hamilton's Microliter syringes are commonly used for PFAS testing as the fluid path contains only stainless steel and borosilicate glass (700 Series), or stainless steel and tungsten (7000 Series).
Here's a breakdown of the materials by syringe series:
- For syringes from 5 µL to 500 µL: The 700 Series syringe fluid path is constructed exclusively of the stainless steel needle, stainless steel plunger, and borosilicate glass barrel.
- For syringes from 0.5 µL to 5 µL: The 7000 Series syringe fluid path is constructed exclusively of the stainless steel needle and tungsten plunger wire.
Important Note on Contamination:
While Hamilton's Microliter syringe fluid paths are constructed of materials that are inherently PFAS-free, it's crucial to be aware that PFAS contamination can still occur from external sources within the environment. Common culprits include:
- Latex gloves
- Tin foil
- Certain water purification systems
- Clothing
- Lab tissues
Therefore, it is always recommended to rinse syringes with a high-purity extraction solvent, such as "PFAS grade" methanol, prior to use. This proactive step helps mitigate potential contamination from external sources.