Pulverizing of Tablets and Pills

The pulverizing of pills and tablets prior to analysis can be accomplished using either the GenoGrinder 2010 or the HT Homogenizer. These two high throughput homogenizers can completely eliminate any manual processing of these samples. Pills and tablets can be processed individually using 4 ml polycarbonate vials, or in batch using 15 ml vials (see Rat Feces Homogenization Protocol). In either case, pills and tablets are homogenized dry using stainless steel grinding balls. The resulting product is a very fine powder.

Method

Homogenization can be performed using either the HT Homogenizer or GenoGrinder 2010. Each homogenizer can hold 24 Well Vial Sets (4 ml vials) and 15 ml Vial Sets. The HT Homogenizer having a capacity of one vial set and the GenoGrinder 2010 having two vials, which can be expanded to four vials.
One 4 ml vial can hold a single tablet or pill. Remove the cap from the vial and add the sample. The vial requires a single grinding balls (3/8" stainless steel) which are supplied with the vial sets. When using replacement vials, either re-use existing grinding balls or obtain new balls. Replace the cap and set the vial sets into their foam rack. A 24 well sealing mat is available that can be used to speed up preparation.
Remove the lid of the vial set and place the vial set into the homogenizer. For the HT Homogenizer, adjust the latches on the lid to it securely holds the vials. For the GenoGrinder 2010, place spacers on top of the vials so that they are secure when the lid in clamped into place.
Process the pills/tablets at 1200 rpm for 2 min. Remove the vials from the homogenizer. Grinding balls can be removed using Magnet Tips.
Ground samples can be stored in the grinding vial until needed.

Pill before and after grinding

Tablet before and after grinding