Accurate identification of natural raw materials prior to manufacturing is vital for preventing adulteration. A solution recently introduced to the industry involves using handheld Raman analyzers to perform immediate raw material identification (RMID) on the spot.

Handheld Raman spectroscopy is a popular and approved GMP (good manufacturing practice) technique, accepted for raw material identification and other uses by government regulatory departments. The ease and speed of use of handheld Raman, as well as its analytical capabilities, provide the market with improved QC and increased production efficiency.

Previous handheld Raman analyzers utilized shorter wavelength laser excitation sources, but sample-induced fluorescence interference can mask spectral peaks and prevent positive identification. Therefore, some studies show a 1064 nm analyzer that uses longer excitation wavelengths may be necessary.

Choosing a handheld Raman system with all the bells and whistles—barcode scanner and camera, administrator-controlled log-in, customizable reporting and more—can help properly document manufacturing processes to help facilitate regulatory compliance.

Handheld Raman devices provides a viable solution to the once time-consuming, expensive raw materials identification process.

To learn more about handheld Raman analyzers, download INSIDER’s Establishing a Successful Contract Manufacturing Partnership Digital Magazine.