The TOC value provides information about the contamination of purified water or ultrapure water by carbon-containing organic compounds

What is TOC?

TOC stands for Total Organic Carbon and is a sum parameter in water analysis.

The TOC value represents the sum of the total carbon with a very low limit of detection (“LOD”) in a sample. The analysis method used at BioChem is based on combustion of the sample. An aliquot of the sample is burnt in a furnace at up to 950 °C. The carbon contained in the sample oxidises to carbon dioxide (CO₂) and is then analysed and evaluated using an infrared detector (NDIR detector)

When is TOC needed?

In water analysis, the TOC value of ultrapure water is an important sum parameter to ensure process and product safety in the pharmaceutical and active ingredient industries. In addition, regular monitoring of the water by means of TOC enables fast detection of problems and malfunctions  at an early stage. This leads to reduced downtime of production plants, which in turn results in increased production efficiency, while also protecting the budget and the environment through reduced waste production.

TOC is an established and monographed analytical method in the pharmaceutical, active ingredient manufacturing and environmental industries to quickly and easily check the purity of water. TOC can also be used for cleaning validation in combination with a swab test to check for residues of active ingredients, solvents and cleaning agents.

What does BioChem Labor für biologische und chemische Analytik GmbH offer?

BioChem offers its customers routine and rapid water analysis (TOC) of WFI and ultrapure water. On request, analyses of the TN_b value (total bound nitrogen) can also be carried out.

In addition, the BioChem experts are available with their analytical know-how for cleaning validation and can additionally identify and quantify solvents or residual active substances by means of GC and LC.

By the way: BioChem also offers microbiological tests including sterility and testing for bacterial endotoxins on water.

Please contact us if you are interested in our analyses. The experts of our analytical department will be pleased to provide you with further information.