Thermo Scientific SPECTRONIC 200E Visible Spectrophotometer
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Distributor Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | SPECTRONIC 200E |
| Instrument Architecture | Single-beam |
| Detector | Photodiode Array |
| Wavelength Range | 340–1000 nm |
| Wavelength Scanning | Automatic |
| Spectral Bandwidth | <4 nm |
| Wavelength Accuracy | ±1.0 nm (typical, per ASTM E275 and ISO 6223) |
| Stray Light | <0.1% T at 340 nm (measured at NaNO₂ peak) |
Overview
The Thermo Scientific SPECTRONIC 200E Visible Spectrophotometer is a robust, single-beam UV-Vis spectrophotometer engineered for precision absorbance and transmittance measurements across the visible spectrum (340–1000 nm). Based on classical photometric principles—where light from a tungsten-halogen source passes through a fixed-grating monochromator and is detected by a linear photodiode array—the instrument delivers high reproducibility in routine quantitative analysis. Designed as a direct evolution of the legacy SPECTRONIC 20 and GENESYS 20 platforms, the 200E retains field-proven optical stability and mechanical simplicity while integrating modern user interface architecture, enhanced environmental tolerance, and compliance-ready data handling capabilities. Its optical path is optimized to minimize stray light (<0.1% T at 340 nm, per ISO 6223), and its wavelength accuracy meets ASTM E275 specifications (±1.0 nm), ensuring traceable performance in teaching labs, QC environments, and clinical support settings.
Key Features
- Single-beam optical design with tungsten-halogen lamp source and fixed-grating monochromator for stable baseline performance and low maintenance
- Photodiode array detector enabling rapid spectral acquisition without moving parts—eliminating mechanical wear and calibration drift
- Full-color, tilt-adjustable LCD touchscreen interface with intuitive navigation; no external PC required for basic operation
- Removable sample compartment with chemical-resistant polymer housing—resistant to common acidic and oxidizing reagents per ISO 10993 biocompatibility guidelines
- Compact footprint (28 × 32 × 18 cm) optimized for benchtop space-constrained laboratories
- Dual-side tube holders integrated into sample compartment walls for unambiguous sample tracking during multi-vial workflows
- Onboard quantitative analysis modes supporting up to four-point standard curves or fixed-factor calculations
- Integrated screen capture function for immediate hardcopy output via USB-connected thermal printer (optional)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SPECTRONIC 200E accommodates standard 10 mm square cuvettes and round tubes up to 25 mm (1 inch) in diameter. Its open-compartment optical geometry permits measurement of tall tubes—even with lid open—without signal interference from ambient light, validated under ISO/IEC 17025-compliant ambient lighting conditions. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1. While not a regulated medical device, its performance characteristics align with CLIA-waived test system expectations for absorbance-based assays in clinical support labs. Data integrity features—including timestamped screen captures and non-editable onboard result logs—support GLP documentation practices.
Software & Data Management
Instrument control and advanced data processing are enabled via Thermo Scientific piQue software (Windows-compatible, optional license). piQue supports method import/export, multi-curve overlay, kinetic time-scan export, and customizable report generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with appropriate IT infrastructure (e.g., electronic signatures, audit trail configuration). Onboard memory stores up to 100 methods and 500 results; all data can be exported via USB flash drive in CSV or PDF format. No proprietary drivers or cloud dependencies are required—ensuring full operational independence in air-gapped or regulated lab networks.
Applications
- Routine concentration determination of dyes, enzymes, nucleic acids (e.g., Bradford, Lowry, BCA assays)
- Water quality testing (e.g., nitrate, phosphate, iron, permanganate index per APHA Standard Methods)
- Pharmaceutical excipient verification and dissolution monitoring (USP and compatible workflows)
- Academic teaching labs for Beer-Lambert law validation, kinetics experiments, and spectral identification exercises
- Food and beverage QA for colorimetric indices (e.g., AOAC 972.35, AOCS Cd 13b-92)
- Environmental screening for heavy metals using colorimetric chelation protocols (e.g., EPA Method 365.4)
FAQ
Does the SPECTRONIC 200E require wavelength calibration with external standards?
No—factory-calibrated grating and diode array eliminate routine wavelength recalibration. Users may verify performance annually using NIST-traceable holmium oxide or didymium filters.
Can the instrument measure absorbance below 340 nm?
No—the optical design and detector sensitivity are optimized for the visible range (340–1000 nm); UV measurements require instruments with deuterium lamps and quartz optics.
Is the onboard software compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The standalone instrument does not implement electronic signatures or audit trails. Full Part 11 compliance is achieved only when used with piQue software under validated IT governance and documented SOPs.
What is the maximum absorbance range supported?
The instrument measures absorbance from –0.1 A to +2.5 A, with linearity maintained to ±0.01 A over 0–2.0 A (per ASTM E275 verification protocol).
How is maintenance performed?
No routine optical alignment or lamp replacement is needed during typical service life. The halogen lamp has a rated lifetime of >2,000 hours; replacement is user-serviceable using part #840-001000.
