Helium Usage Management – Preparing for a Sustainable Future

Helium has been the preferred carrier gas for gas chromatography (GC) testing, but its finite supply, environmental impact, and recent supply chain issues have prompted Eurofins Lancaster BioPharmaceutical Chemistry teams to actively seek alternatives and reduce helium usage in laboratories. Conservation efforts include evaluating gas chromatography methods, checking for helium leaks during audits, and avoiding idle periods between analytical runs. Nitrogen and hydrogen are explored as alternatives, with challenges noted. Eurofins is committed to developing strategies to conserve or eliminate helium usage, recognizing the importance of reducing reliance on this non-renewable resource in the industry.