Good Laboratory Practice

The GLP Software Package

TheGLPSetupMenu
The Setup Menu

 

The GLP Main Window

The GLP software package is started from the XWIN-NMR program with the command glp. The Initiates file downloadmain screen contains a so-called "group" file which must be selected or defined with the "Set up group file" option. This "group" file contains those experiments, which demonstrate the overall performance of your spectrometer in the best possible way. Typically, different "group" files will be used for different probes. The setup menu for GLP "group" files is shown in the figure to the right.

WaterSuppressionTest
Water Suppression Test

The GLP Specification Parameters

Once the evaluation tests have been defined, the specifications must be defined for the tests that will be performed. Bruker provides all commonly used evaluation tests along with suitable specification values. These values can be adjusted to the individual performance criteria applicable "on site". An example of the "Water Suppression Test" is shown in the figure to the right. It is also possible to modify the tests, add new tests and change the specification values. A detailed manual supplied with the program expands upon these possibilities.

The GLP Plot Title and Test Report

The main GLP interface allows the creation of a user defined title which is plotted on every spectrum generated by the test ("Define plot title"). In addition, the final report can be individually designed according to the specific needs of the laboratory (Define report layout"). An example of a report print-out is shown in the accompanying Sample Test Report.

Archiving Options

The test reports can be archived with or without their corresponding datasets. A tar archive is created at a location predefined by the user.

Modes of Operation

There are three modes of operation that can be used to execute the tests:

  • The "Select" (manual) mode - In this mode, an XWIN-NMR dataset with all necessary parameters is created. Tuning, matching and shimming may be satisfactorily adjusted in order to obtain good test results. The acquisition is then started and the resulting data are processed. The "Determine Specs" function performs all necessary calculations and the "Print actual spectrum" function will all you to view or plot the spectrum. Typically, this option can be used to check the general performance of the instrument before running a sequence of tests under automatic conditions.
  • The "Auto" mode - Here, one test as described above is run completely automatically.
  • The "Start GLP" mode - In this mode, all tests are run fully automatically and the GLP report is printed out.

Conclusion

With the introduction of the GLP software package, Bruker offers the right solution for every aspect of "Analytical Method Validation". The program can be easily adjusted to the individual demands of the environment in which the spectrometer is installed. Additional tests can be inserted either "on site" (by the customer/user) or as part of an update of the program package.