New Capabilities for Filtrona Scientific Services

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 08/12/2011

Filtrona Scientific Services (FSS), a leading independent laboratory specialising in the commercial testing of tobacco products, has expanded its testing methods with the acquisition of two new state-of-the-art testing machines. An Agilent 1200 series LC [liquid chromatograph] and an AB Sciex Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) have been installed at the company's laboratory in Jarrow, UK, to help develop new methods for testing tobacco specific nitrosamines and other compounds in smoke and tobacco. The company says the new machines will also significantly reduce analysis turnaround time, providing FSS' customers with the ability to get their products to market sooner. Dr Mike Taylor, director of scientific development, said that FSS had invested significantly to improve FSS' service offering and develop new testing methods. "This will help us continue to offer a world-class laboratory and one that is capable of meeting the needs of the tobacco industry for many years to come," he added. Meanwhile, FSS said that within the past five years, world-wide tobacco legislation and regulatory compliance requirements had risen dramatically, increasing the demand for independent, accredited and reliable laboratories capable of testing for elements, such as the Hoffman analytes. Since its foundation in 1950, FSS has been a leading independent provider of testing for the tobacco industry. In recent years, the laboratory has undergone significant expansion, with the addition of a wide range of new equipment, including new mainstream and sidestream smoking machines, analytical equipment and facilities to measure fiber and particle releases from cigarettes. Enditem