Ultima Gold, 4x2.5L

A researcher wanted to know the percentages of the elements present in various commonly used cocktails to satisfy regulations concerning the disposal of cocktail waste by incineration.

In Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC), preparationof biological samples has always been treated as aspecial case because of the difficulties associated with their preparation for counting. In general, all biological samples contain components not generallyfound in any other sample types, therefore it is of benefit to understand the composition of these samples to fully understand the need for the slightly unusual sample preparation methods.

One researcher commented that the addition of a 5.0 mLof 0.1 M HCl sample to 10.0 mL of ULTIMA™ Gold,followed by mixing at 24 °C, resulted in a “slightly hazy” system. The researcher was concerned that this might indicate an unstable mixture.

The primary objective of all sample preparation procedures for liquid scintillation counting (LSC) is to obtain a homogeneous solution for efficient energy transfer from the sample to the LS cocktail. Aqueous solutions are some of the simplest and most commonly found in liquid scintillation analysis. In general, they provide the environment necessary for many assays and separations, and include the most encountered solvent media for the numerous radioisotopes usedin LSC.

One of PerkinElmer’s field sales engineers forwarded a request for assistance regarding the selection of the optimal cocktail for use with a sample containing 4.5 mL deionized water and 0.036 N sulfuric acid. The nuclide of interest was 3H, and polyethylene vials were used extensively in the laboratory.

For over 50 years PerkinElmer has been a leading supplier of radiochemicals, liquid scintillation cocktails, vials and nuclear counting detection instruments. Today is no different. We have always been committed to providing you products for all of your radiometric needs and we are still committed today.