Efficient Sample Evaporation Using the Organomation MULTIVAP® Nitrogen Evaporator

Sample preparation is one of the most important stages of the analytical process in an LC-MS/MS laboratory. The quality of this step has a significant impact on result reproducibility, laboratory throughput, and the overall efficiency of the analytical method. In our laboratory, we therefore use the Organomation 80 Position MULTIVAP® nitrogen evaporator for sample preparation in the determination of steroid hormones and in our newly developed method for the determination of vitamins B3 (nicotinamide), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B7 (biotin). The system has proven to be a reliable solution for the rapid and reproducible evaporation of organic solvents.

SPADIA LAB: Organomation 80 Position MULTIVAP® nitrogen evaporator

In our workflow, the instrument is primarily used to evaporate methanol and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) following sample extraction. Rapid removal of these solvents is an important step before subsequent sample reconstitution and LC-MS/MS analysis. Uniform nitrogen flow combined with controlled heating enables efficient solvent evaporation while maintaining high reproducibility throughout sample preparation.

SPADIA LAB: Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry Ostrava, Department of Chromatography and Spectrometry

The instrument combines nitrogen blow-down evaporation with controlled heating using an aluminum dry block. This combination enables gentle analyte concentration while reducing evaporation time. A major advantage is the ability to process up to 80 samples simultaneously, significantly increasing laboratory capacity when analyzing larger sample batches.

The MULTIVAP is equipped with digital temperature control over a range of 30–120 °C, maintaining the set temperature with an accuracy of approximately ±2 °C. Uniform nitrogen distribution through stainless-steel needles provides consistent evaporation conditions across all positions. Another practical feature is the ability to independently shut off the nitrogen supply to individual rows of ten samples, enabling more efficient gas consumption when working with smaller batches. The instrument also provides nitrogen flow control from 0–25 L/min and features a precision-machined aluminum block optimized for a specific tube diameter, ensuring efficient heat transfer and high process reproducibility.

SPADIA LAB: Organomation 80 Position MULTIVAP® nitrogen evaporator

In everyday operation, we particularly appreciate the stable performance, straightforward operation, and ability to process a large number of samples in parallel without compromising sample preparation quality. The instrument has proven effective both for routine steroid hormone analyses and during the development of new LC-MS/MS methods for the determination of B vitamins. Its major benefits include not only shorter sample preparation times but also highly reproducible evaporation across the entire sample batch.

SPADIA LAB: Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry Ostrava, Department of Chromatography and Spectrometry

Based on our experience, we consider the Organomation MULTIVAP a robust and reliable laboratory instrument that has become an integral part of our analytical workflow. Its combination of high sample capacity, efficient nitrogen utilization, and precise temperature control makes it a suitable solution for laboratories using modern LC-MS/MS methods.

What Other Tests Are Performed by the Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry Ostrava, Department of Chromatography and Spectrometry?

• Vitamins: B1, B2, B6, A, C, D2 (25-OH), D3 (25-OH), E, coenzyme Q10
• Ions, trace elements, and toxic elements: magnesium in erythrocytes, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, titanium, aluminum, nickel, cadmium, lead, mercury
• Fatty acid profile analysis: including determination of the Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio and three additional nutritional indicators

SPADIA LAB: LC-MS-MS system for measuring fatty acids in the Chromatography and Spectrometry Department

• Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM): digoxin, theophylline, amiodarone, antibiotics, antiepileptics, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants
• Toxicology: toxicological screening (amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, tricyclic antidepressants, opiates, methadone, kratom), toxicological confirmation (LC-MS/MS, GC/MS)
• Biogenic amines and their metabolites: catecholamines, metanephrines, serotonin, vanillylmandelic acid, homovanillic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
• Steroid hormones: dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, 17-OH-progesterone
• Porphyria diagnostics: 5-aminolevulinic acid, porphobilinogen
• Other specialized tests: fecal hemoglobin (FOB), serum amyloid A, complement activity (CH50), angiotensin-converting enzyme, bile acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, urinary oxalates
• Veterinary testing: CRP, SAA (serum amyloid A), SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine)

SPADIA LAB: Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry Ostrava, Department of Chromatography and Spectrometry