Hand Sanitizer Analyzer Detects Methanol in 30 Seconds or Less

PerkinElmer, Inc. has announced that its Hand Sanitizer Analyzer instrument can be used to test for the presence of methanol in alcohol-based hand sanitizer products with pass/fail results delivered in 30 seconds or less. Recent warnings and recalls from the FDA indicate that methanol can be toxic to consumers if absorbed through the skin and life threatening if ingested.

The instrument, brought to market in April 2020, also tests hand sanitizers for concentration levels of desired alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropanol, to help assure product efficacy per WHO, USP or FDA guidelines.

The compact and portable analyzer is based on the Company’s Spectrum Two™ FT-IR spectrometer solution. The underlying technology allows for rapid detection of methanol contamination down to 0.03% (or 300 parts per million) which is more sensitive than the FDA mandated detection limits.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing and the flu season on its way, it is critical that consumers can trust the safety and efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products,” said Suneet Chadha, VP/GM, Applied Markets, PerkinElmer. “Our PerkinElmer Hand Sanitizer Analyzer puts fast and reliable results into the hands of the producers and suppliers of these high-demand products, protecting consumers and avoiding counterfeit ingredient use and recalls.”