Despite this, many laboratories still rely on traditional Total Organic Carbon (TOC) monitoring approaches based on periodic, offline sampling. Results are often available hours or days after water has been used, creating a fundamental blind spot. If contamination occurs between tests, non-compliant water may already have affected multiple workflows, leading to failed analyses, wasted samples and increased operational risk.

Why TOC monitoring must evolve?

TOC is one of the most comprehensive indicators of water purity, capturing a wide range of organic contaminants in a single measurement. As analytical techniques become more sensitive and regulatory scrutiny increases, laboratories can no longer rely on retrospective verification.

For ultrapure water applications, acceptable TOC levels are typically below 5–10 ppb. At these concentrations, even brief exposure to ambient air or system fluctuations can introduce variability. Traditional monitoring methods struggle to provide the frequency, accuracy and responsiveness required to manage this risk effectively.

PURELAB® Chorus Complete: real-time control at point of use

The PURELAB® Chorus Complete system, from Veolia, addresses these challenges by integrating real-time TOC monitoring directly at the point of dispense. Instead of periodic checks, the system measures TOC every 2–3 seconds, providing continuous verification of water quality.

This approach enables laboratories to:

• Detect contamination immediately, before it impacts experiments or analyses
• Maintain complete, automated traceability for audits and inspections
• Move from reactive troubleshooting to proactive quality assurance

Advanced UV photo-oxidation technology combined with dual deionisation ensures consistent TOC performance at ultra-low levels, typically below 5 ppb. Customisable alarm thresholds (from 3–50 ppb) allow laboratories to align monitoring with specific application and regulatory requirements.

Confidence, compliance and operational efficiency

By embedding real-time TOC monitoring into the water purification system, PURELAB® Chorus Complete transforms water quality from a hidden risk into a controlled, documented parameter. Laboratories gain confidence in every litre dispensed, reduce the likelihood of costly reruns, and strengthen compliance with GxP, USP and EP expectations.

In an environment where data integrity and operational efficiency are non-negotiable, real-time TOC monitoring with PURELAB provides a practical, future-ready approach to laboratory water quality management.