August 2009, Sunnyvale, CA—The new AutoTrace^® 280 system is an automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) instrument designed to be used with large volume (20 mL–4 L) samples for the isolation of trace organics in water or aqueous matrices.

The instrument traps compounds of interest on SPE adsorbents (in cartridge or disk format) and then elutes them with strong solvents to generate an analysis-ready extract, thus saving time, solvent, and labor, and ensuring high reproducibility for analytical laboratories. The instrument can process up to 6 samples in 2–3 h with only 15 min of operator involvement. Powerful pumps (no check valves) and a proven, positive-pressure technology efficiently process even the most difficult samples.

The AutoTrace 280 instrument features a new multiple-port-switching valve, improved electronics, and a USB port for connecting to a PC. Up to 24 methods can be stored in the instrument and each method can be uploaded from the front panel using the software, which includes a new feature for method editing.

Current analytical methods that could benefit from SPE sample preparation include GC, GC-MS, LC, and LC-MS.

Dionex (NASDAQ:DNEX) is a global leader in the manufacturing and marketing of liquid chromatography and extraction systems, consumables, and software for chemical analysis. The company's systems are used worldwide in environmental analysis and by the life sciences, chemical, petrochemical, food and beverage, power generation, and electronics industries. Our expertise in applications and instrumentation helps analytical scientists to evaluate and develop pharmaceuticals, establish environmental regulations, and produce better industrial products.

AutoTrace is registered trademark of Dionex Corporation.