The ATNA measures the total amount of nitrosamines in a sample and reports a single value for the entire group. This includes known nitrosamines as well as those without standards or those that form unexpectedly during production or storage. It gives teams a fast indication of when further targeted testing may be needed.
It does not require individual compound standards, making it well suited to early screening and investigation work.
ATNA: an introduction
An introduction to the ATNA, showing how automated total nitrosamine screening works and where it fits into routine laboratory testing.
How automated total nitrosamine testing works
The ATNA measures total nitrosamines by heating the sample to release nitric oxide and then detecting this gas with a nitrogen-selective analyser. All nitrosamines contribute to the signal, which produces a single total value. This makes it straightforward to see when nitrosamine formation is occurring, even if unexpected compounds are present. It provides a quick way to decide whether further investigation is required.
Samples are placed in sealed headspace vials and loaded into the autosampler. Each vial is mixed and heated to release nitric oxide from any nitrosamines present.
Heating breaks the nitrosamine structure and produces nitric oxide in the headspace. This approach allows all nitrosamines to be measured together, including those without available standards.
The vapour is drawn into a thermal energy analyser, which responds only to the nitric oxide group. This selectivity removes background interference and provides a clear total nitrosamine value.
The final output is a single value that reflects the total amount of nitrosamines in the sample. This gives a quick indication of whether formation is taking place and whether targeted analysis should be considered.
From tablet to chromatogram
An step by step demonstration of the screening process, from sample preparation to total nitrosamine measurement.
Working with your samples
If you are testing solid dose products, lotions, shampoos, or other complex matrices, we can walk through how your samples fit into the screening process.
Detects total nitrosamines down to low ppb levels, providing clear results even when concentrations are minimal. Replace with: Detects total nitrosamines at low ppb levels. Sensitivity is sufficient for compliance screening against limits such as the 50 μg/kg threshold under EU Cosmetics Regulation EC 1223/2009.
Capacity
Holds 120 headspace vials, making it suitable for batch screening and longer unattended sequences.
Throughput
Processes up to 10 samples per hour, giving teams quick access to clear screening results.
Footprint
Fits on a standard laboratory bench and integrates easily with existing gas supplies and workflows. Replace with: Fits on a standard laboratory bench. Requires a connection to an inert gas supply. No specialist infrastructure needed beyond what most analytical laboratories already have.
Specifications
The ATNA combines the 800 Series TEA with an automated PAL RSI headspace autosampler in a single integrated system.
Dimensions 95 cm (W) × 80 cm (D) × 120 cm (H)
Weight 30 kg
Sensitivity < 1 ppb total nitrosamines
Capacity 120 headspace vials
Throughput Up to 10 samples per hour
Detection 800 Series Thermal Energy Analyser (TEA)
Selectivity gN/gC > 10⁷
Operation Fully automated, including unattended overnight runs
The ATNA measures the total amount of nitrosamines in a sample and reports a single combined value. This includes known nitrosamines as well as those that may form unexpectedly or do not have available standards.
No. The ATNA is designed for total screening rather than compound identification. It shows whether nitrosamines are present and when further targeted analysis may be required.
The ATNA is typically used as a first screening step. When a total nitrosamine result indicates formation, targeted GC or LC methods can then be used to identify and quantify individual compounds.
The ATNA is used with a wide range of sample types, including solid dose products, liquids, creams, and other complex matrices. Preparation and handling depend on the sample, and suitability can be discussed in advance.
Once samples are loaded, results are generated quickly as part of the automated sequence. Throughput depends on method settings, but the system can process multiple samples per hour.
