Patricia Atkins is a Senior Applications Scientist with SPEX CertiPrep and a member of both the AOAC and ASTM committees for cannabis.

Patricia Atkins

Articles

From simple separations to detailed wavelength analysis, we examine the important concepts and techniques needed to make liquid chromatography work its best in the laboratory.

Looking with Light: Understanding the Principles of Analytical Liquid Chromatography

An in depth look at the most common PPE in laboratories and cleaning procedures that can be enhanced to increase safety.

Keeping Up-to-Date with Safety: A Look at PPE and Cleaning for Safety in the Laboratory

Here we examine the history of cannabis in the US, the role the USP played in that field, and the new role the USP is taking with cannabis for medical use.

Everything Old is New Again: Cannabis Returns to USP

This informational article is an attempt to organize all of the pertinent information about COVID-19 and pandemics from a chemistry point of view.

A Chemist’s Guide to the COVID-19 Outbreak

We once again go beyond cannabi¬noids and look at the importance and chemistry of flavonoids in cannabis.

Beyond Potency: Flavonoids-the Purples, Reds, and Blues 

Some of the most common pesticides monitored within the cannabis industry are examined here and the function and chemistry of these agents in cannabis pest control is broken down.

Debugging the System: Understanding Pests,  Pest Control, and Pesticides

The world of fungi, mold, and mycotoxins is explored and discussed.

Beyond Potency:  Fungi, Mold, and Mycotoxins

There are thousands of other potential analytical targets in cannabis that are relatively unexplored. Here, the author examines terpenes.

Beyond Potency: The Importance of Terpenes

Laboratories are challenged with highly regulated and difficult sample schematics, sample preparation, extraction, and testing procedures that try to ensure accuracy and precision of testing. Accuracy in analytical testing starts at the very beginning with sampling and sample preparation prior to testing.

Right From the Grow: A Look at Sampling and Sample Preparation Methods of Solid Cannabis for Analysis

In this guide, we look at the most common sources of contamination and error in an analytical process.

Holding Data to a Higher  Standard, Part II: When Every  Peak Counts-A Practical Guide to Reducing Contamination and Eliminating Error in the Analytical Laboratory