EPA Recommended HPLC Vial Wash Procedures

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established specific guidelines for cleaning and preparing sample containers used in the analysis of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), as outlined in Section 4.1.4.1 of EPA Method Guidelines. These standards are designed to minimize sample contamination, ensure analytical accuracy, and maintain compliance with environmental testing protocols.

EPA Guidelines for Sample Containers

For SVOC analysis, the EPA recommends using glass containers with PTFE-lined threaded caps. If PTFE liners are unavailable, solvent-rinsed aluminum foil may serve as an alternative. However, caution should be exercised with acidic or basic samples, as they can react with aluminum and introduce contaminants over time.

To reduce contamination risks, laboratories should always use new, disposable, pre-cleaned, and certified containers rather than reusing older glassware. Plastic containers or lids without PTFE liners are discouraged, as they may introduce contaminants such as phthalate esters or hydrocarbons, or absorb analytes from the sample.

If there is any suspicion that sample containers could contribute to contamination—particularly during low-level analyses—they should be wash-treated and solvent-rinsed according to EPA recommendations. A method blank should also be analyzed to confirm that no contamination is present from the containers themselves.

EPA-Recommended HPLC Vial Wash Procedure

According to the EPA’s cleaning protocols, all reusable glassware and sample containers should be:

• Washed thoroughly with laboratory-grade biodegradable, non-phosphate detergent
• Rinsed multiple times with ASTM Type I deionized water
• Oven-dried in a clean, dust-free environment
• Assembled or capped in a contamination-controlled area

This process ensures that each container meets analytical-grade cleanliness requirements for environmental and chromatographic testing.

Pre-Cleaned and Certified EPA/VOA Vials from Chrom Tech

To streamline compliance with EPA standards, Chrom Tech provides EPA/VOA vials that are pre-cleaned, certified, and ready for immediate use. Available in 20 mL and 40 mL volumes, these vials eliminate the need for manual washing, saving time while ensuring sample integrity.

Class 1 EPA/VOA Vials – Standard

These vials are assembled with liner and closure but receive no additional washing treatment. They are suitable for general use where certified cleaning is not required.

Class 2 EPA/VOA Vials – Pre-Cleaned

Class 2 vials are processed according to EPA-recommended wash procedures:

• Cleaned with laboratory-grade biodegradable, non-phosphate detergent
• Rinsed with ASTM Type I deionized water
• Oven-dried and assembled in a contamination-free environment

Each case is labeled with a lot number and includes a copy of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for traceability.

Class 3 EPA/VOA Vials – Certified

Class 3 vials are processed with the same cleaning steps as Class 2 but include additional verification steps:

• Each case contains a Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
• An independent laboratory certifies container cleanliness for impartial results
• All cases are labeled with traceable lot numbers for quality assurance

These vials are ideal for regulatory, environmental, or trace-level analytical applications where validation and documentation are required.

Conclusion

Following EPA-recommended cleaning and certification standards is essential for accurate, contamination-free results in environmental testing and chromatography. Chrom Tech offers a complete line of HPLC vials, bottles, and environmental sampling containers cleaned and certified to EPA standards.

For assistance choosing the correct vial class or to request documentation, please contact Chrom Tech—our technical team is here to help ensure compliance and confidence in your analytical workflow.