Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) separates chemical mixtures (gas phase) and identifies components at the molecular level (mass phase). It is one of the most accurate tools for analyzing environmental samples. Gas chromatography works on the principle that a mixture is separated into its constituent components when heated. The heated gases are passed through a column filled with an inert gas (such as helium). When the separated materials exit the column, they flow into a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometry identifies compounds by the mass of the analyte molecule. Mass spectrometry is considered the only definitive analytical detector.

Application of Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

GC/MS is a method that can be used to separate volatile organic compounds and pesticides. Portable GC units can be used to identify airborne contaminants and are currently being used to investigate vapor permeation. However, other applications of GC/MS, along with other separation and analytical methods, have been developed for radionuclides, explosive compounds such as RDX and TNT, and metals.

Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Applications

Pharmaceutical

GC-MS is used in screening tests to diagnose several inborn errors of metabolism. It detects trace levels of compounds in the urine of patients with genetic metabolic disorders. It can also detect the presence of oils in ointments, creams, and lotions.

Environmental Monitoring

Monitoring environmental contaminants is one of the main applications of GC-MS. It is widely used in the detection of dibenzofurans, dioxins, herbicides, sulfur, pesticides, phenols and chlorophenols in air, soil and water.

Food and Aromatic Compound Analysis

Aromatic compounds such as fatty acids, esters, aldehydes, alcohols and terpenes present in food and beverages can be easily analyzed using GC-MS. This method can also be used to detect food spoilage or contamination. Analysis of a wide range of oils such as lavender oil, olive oil, peppermint oil and essential oils, perfumes, fragrances, allergens, menthol and syrups is also possible using GC-MS.

Forensic Science

Fire residue analysis can be performed using GC-MS in accordance with the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). GC-MS is widely used in forensic toxicology to identify toxins and steroids in biological samples and in anti-doping laboratories to detect performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids.

Biological analysis

GC-MS can be used to analyze body fluids to identify narcotics, barbiturates, alcohols, and drugs such as anticonvulsants, anesthetics, antihistamines, hypnotics, and antiepileptic drugs. It is also useful in the detection of contaminants and metabolites in serum and in the characterization of fatty acids in microbes.

Industrial applications

GC-MS is ideal for the analysis of inorganic gases and aromatic solvents, the detection of impurities and allergens in cosmetics. It is also used in the synthesis of cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polyvinyl, and synthetic fibers.

# Specialized Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) Analysis by Abrizan Company