Supelco 57333-U / 57357-U SPME Sample Handling Platform for 4 mL and 15 mL Vials
| Brand | Supelco |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 57333-U (for 4 mL vials) / 57357-U (for 15 mL vials) |
| Sample Vial Capacity | 4 mL or 15 mL |
| Number of Samples | 8 positions |
| Compatibility | Manual SPME fiber holder only |
| Base Design | Compatible with standard magnetic stirrer/heater plates |
| Temperature Control | Dependent on external heater/stirrer unit |
| Stirring Speed | Dependent on external magnetic stirrer |
| Regulatory Compliance | Designed for use in GLP/GMP-compliant laboratories per ASTM D7216 and ISO 17025 workflows |
Overview
The Supelco 57333-U and 57357-U SPME Sample Handling Platforms are precision-engineered laboratory fixtures designed to standardize and stabilize solid-phase microextraction (SPME) procedures. These platforms serve as mechanical support systems that simultaneously secure eight sample vials—either 4 mL (57333-U) or 15 mL (57357-U)—while accommodating a manually operated SPME fiber holder. By fixing both vial position and fiber insertion geometry, the platform ensures consistent immersion depth of the SPME fiber into the sample headspace or liquid phase—a critical parameter for method reproducibility in quantitative and semi-quantitative analysis. The design integrates seamlessly with external magnetic stirrer/heater units (e.g., Supelco PC-420D), enabling controlled agitation and thermal equilibration during extraction. As a non-electronic, passive mechanical aid, it does not perform extraction itself but is an essential component in validated SPME workflows used prior to GC, GC–MS, or HPLC analysis.
Key Features
- Stable, rigid aluminum-and-steel construction for long-term dimensional integrity and vibration damping
- Dual-model configuration: 57333-U optimized for 4 mL crimp-top or screw-cap vials; 57357-U engineered for standard 15 mL conical-bottom vials
- Eight precisely spaced vial holders with chamfered alignment guides to ensure repeatable positioning
- Integrated SPME fiber holder clamp slot—compatible exclusively with manual Supelco SPME holders (e.g., 57330-U), not automated or HPLC-integrated systems
- Open-base architecture allows unobstructed placement of magnetic stir bars and compatibility with benchtop hotplates featuring built-in stirring functions
- Chemically resistant surface finish suitable for exposure to organic solvents, aqueous matrices, and volatile analytes common in environmental and food testing
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The platform supports widely adopted vial formats used across regulated analytical laboratories—including those specified in EPA Method 8270D, ASTM D7216 (Standard Practice for SPME Sampling of Volatile Organic Compounds), and ISO 17025-accredited validation protocols. It is routinely deployed in labs conducting residue analysis in water, soil extracts, food homogenates, biological fluids, and forensic evidence samples. While the platform itself carries no intrinsic calibration certificate, its geometric consistency contributes directly to inter-laboratory method transferability and supports audit readiness under FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned data governance frameworks when paired with compliant SPME instrumentation and LIMS-integrated reporting.
Software & Data Management
As a hardware-only mechanical fixture, the 57333-U/57357-U platform requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. Its role is strictly procedural standardization—therefore, all metadata (vial ID, fiber type, extraction time, temperature setpoint) must be recorded externally via laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN). When used within validated SPME-GC/MS methods, the platform’s contribution to reduced positional variability enhances traceability and supports full audit trails required under GLP and GMP environments. No proprietary software or cloud connectivity is associated with this device.
Applications
- Environmental monitoring: Extraction of PAHs, PCBs, chlorinated pesticides, and VOCs from aqueous and sediment extracts
- Food safety: Residue screening of organophosphates, pyrethroids, and mycotoxins in fruits, dairy, and beverages
- Clinical toxicology: Quantification of drugs of abuse (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids) in urine and plasma
- Flavor & fragrance analysis: Headspace SPME of esters, aldehydes, and terpenes in essential oils and fermented products
- Forensic chemistry: Recovery of accelerants from arson debris and volatile compounds from post-mortem specimens
- Pharmaceutical development: Stability-indicating assays involving residual solvents in drug substance batches
FAQ
Can the 57333-U platform accommodate 15 mL vials?
No. The 57333-U is dimensionally constrained for 4 mL vials only. Use model 57357-U for 15 mL vials.
Is this platform compatible with autosampler-integrated SPME systems?
No. It is intended solely for manual SPME fiber handling and does not interface with robotic arms or autosampler carousels.
Does the platform include a heating or stirring function?
No. It is a passive support structure. External magnetic stirrer/heater units (e.g., Supelco PC-420D) must be used separately.
What materials are in contact with the sample vials?
Anodized aluminum vial sleeves and stainless-steel base components—both inert to common SPME solvents and matrix types.
Can I use this platform for direct immersion SPME in viscous samples?
Yes, provided the vial geometry remains stable and the fiber holder maintains vertical alignment; however, viscosity effects on mass transfer kinetics must be addressed at the method development stage.
