A high-throughput method for the conversion of CO2 obtained from biochemical samples to graphite in septa-sealed vials for quantification of 14C via accelerator mass spectrometry.
The growth of accelerator mass spectrometry as a tool for quantitative isotope ratio analysis in the biosciences necessitates high-throughput sample preparation. A method has been developed to convert CO(2) obtained from carbonaceous samples to solid graphite for highly sensitive and precise (14)C quantification. Septa-sealed vials are used along with commercially available disposable materials, eliminating sample cross contamination, minimizing complex handling, and keeping per sample costs low. Samples containing between 0.25 and 10 mg of total carbon can be reduced to graphite in approximately 4 h in routine operation. Approximately 150 samples per 8-h day can be prepared by a single technician.
Ognibene
Ted J
TJ
Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA. ognibene1@llnl.gov
Bench
Graham
G
Vogel
John S
JS
Peaslee
Graham F
GF
Murov
Steve
S
D001671:Biochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis*; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D006108:Graphite; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D015032:Zinc / Q000737:chemistry
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D006108:Graphite; D015032:Zinc