Even the most advanced laboratories are vulnerable to common sources of variability. Missed or delayed equipment calibrations, differences in technique, and cross-contamination can all influence results and strain resources. Determining the origin of these issues is essential for reducing preventable errors and maintaining data integrity.
Among the many contributors, water is one of the easiest to overlook. While some tasks may tolerate low levels of impurities, sensitive applications, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), HPLC, and LC-MS, can be disrupted by contaminants carried in water. Contaminant levels are influenced by the purification system and its maintenance, as well as downstream choices such as final filters and storage conditions. When these elements are not aligned with the application, it can lead to failed runs, elevated background signals, and repeated work.
This compendium brings together resources that help lab managers recognize and control these risks. It clarifies how water quality requirements differ between applications, where contamination can be introduced, and provides best practices for handling and maintenance, supporting more reproducible results and less time spent on avoidable troubleshooting.
Access the compendium to learn how to:
- Match water quality to regulatory expectations and the needs of your application
- Improve water purification and handling practices to preserve water quality
- Reduce the risk of interference and instrument contamination in sensitive analyses, including NGS and LC-MS
- Generate nuclease-free water in a way that improves safety and efficiency
