Product Operation
Purpl PRO is the flagship product offering by Purpl Scientific, and the first affordable, accurate, portable potency measurement device. The Purpl PRO is a combination of a “laboratory bench” device the size of a Post-It stack and a mobile App that allows users to run the system through a smartphone.
Purpl PRO utilizes near-infrared spectroscopy, which involves shining light on the sample and analyzing the light that is returned. In this part of the light spectrum (just beyond the red light human eyes can see) molecules react to specific regions of the light to generate a “molecular fingerprint” that can be correlated with concentration. The Purpl PRO was calibrated against HPLC measurements from multiple state-certified testing laboratories.
Overall, Purpl states a +/- 2% accuracy
First, make sure you operate the Purpl PRO according to its instructions—they’re fairly straightforward but must be done carefully as the Purpl PRO is still a scientific testing device. Grinding a flower sample is critical to allow proper homogenization of the sample. It is also crucial that seeds, stems, or other non-flower material be avoided, and that the sample chamber is properly filled before compressing with the cap. Beyond these basic setup tips, it is expected that results may vary +/-~2% between readings, which is the error of the predictions.
Purpl selected the SLX grinder for inclusion in the Purpl PRO kit because its non-stick coating provided a significantly better resistance to product sticking. Not only does this make repeat measurements quicker and easier, it also minimizes cross-contamination of older samples from influencing the results of a new sample ground for testing. Purpl designed the add-on funnel attachment specifically for this SLX grinder to allow easier product loading into the Purpl PRO, and the included cleaning brush does a fine job of removing any residual bits from the grinder teeth.
Yes, either a WiFi or cell network connection is required for the Purpl PRO to communicate with the cloud servers that compute and store the results. Errors will be shown in the Purpl PRO app if this connection isn’t present.
Not yet. Soon we’ll release an optional software update and disposable sample cups that can be used with the Purpl PRO to measure a tiny amount (~100 uL) of extract.
No. Infused products contain a number of other ingredients that interfere with the optical measurements.
No. The technology behind the Purpl PRO can only measure down to ~1-2%, and contaminants must be several orders of magnitude lower to be safely consumed.
No. The technology behind the Purpl PRO can only measure down to ~1-2%, and contaminants must be several orders of magnitude lower to be safely consumed.
Product Usage
No. Most states name only HPLC or GC as certified methods. The Purpl PRO is not intended to replace mandatory third-party testing of final product and is intended to replace R&D testing which does not require HPLC or GC.
Any time a potency measurement is needed that doesn’t require third-party lab testing. Pheno hunting, optimization of cultivation parameters, R&D testing, transparency during transactions, and many more.
No. Third-party testing is critical to maintaining proper quality assurance in final products. But the Purpl PRO can be used for all cases where third-party testing is NOT required.
In some cases it will, and in others it might not. The reason for this is that different labs generally don’t obtain the same results even from the same flower sample (several published reports show this variation). Depending on the exact procedures your lab uses, the alignment of the Purpl PRO results with your lab may differ. But even if the Purpl PRO provides a different absolute result than your lab, it can still be used for comparisons between flowers, establishing trends in potency, pheno- hunting, etc.
Before calibration, make sure your measurement window is clean. You may wipe the calibrator with a microfiber cloth to remove dust, but any solvent or fluid may damage the puck.
- Remove the protective cover from the calibrator inside the case
- Place the Purpl PRO glass-side-down over the White Calibration Puck
- Press the “Calibrate Now” button from within the app
- The app will tell you the calibration was successful
- Pressing “Let’s Go” will take you to the Measurement screen, where you can make your first measurement.
Why do we recommend grinding your sample? Can’t you use an intact flower? Grinding a flower sample is critical to allow proper homogenization of the sample. Grinding the sample homogenizes what is a very non-homogeneous natural product, for maximum accuracy.
Placing an intact flower in the Sample Holder may yield an accurate result for a portion of the flower, but will not be representative of the entire flower.
More Useful Tips for consistent results
- Make sure you operate the Purpl PRO according to the instructions.
- Beyond grinding the flower sample, it is also crucial that seeds, stems, or other non-flower material be avoided.
- Ensure the sample chamber is properly filled before compressing with the cap.
- Beyond these basic setup tips, it is expected that results may vary +/-~2% between readings, which is the error of the predictions.