Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)
Measures one metal at a time by how much light of that element's own wavelength is absorbed by free atoms in a flame or graphite furnace. Simple, robust and still widely used for metals in pharma QC.
- Pharmaceutical
- Food & beverage
- Environmental
- Mining & metallurgy
- Agriculture
- Clinical
AAS calibration procedures
Sensitivity (characteristic concentration)
Checks that the AAS gives enough absorbance for a known standard, expressed as the concentration that would give 1% absorption (absorbance 0.0044).
Open procedurePrecision
Measures the same standard repeatedly and checks that the absorbance readings agree closely (low %RSD).
Open procedureInstrument qualification (DQ · IQ · OQ · PQ)
- 01
DQ — Design qualification
Defines needs such as flame and/or furnace, elements and detection limits required, background correction type and software with audit trail.
- 02
IQ — Installation qualification
Confirms correct delivery and installation, including gas supply, exhaust, electrical supply, lamps, software version and documentation.
- 03
OQ — Operational qualification
Tests wavelength accuracy, sensitivity (characteristic concentration), precision, baseline stability and background correction against specifications.
- 04
PQ — Performance qualification
Shows routine fitness for use, e.g. a sensitivity check standard and calibration curve meeting limits each day of use.
Keep every AAS in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.