Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS)

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) combines two instrumental systems: a gas chromatograph component where the sample is volatized, followed by a mass spectrometer, which filters the incoming gaseous particles by their mass. This system outputs a quantitative representation of the chemicals present in a sample.

Strengths

• Highest sensitivity for identification of trace organic impurities / contaminants
• Requires minimal sample volume
• Optimized for organic compound analysis
• Cost-effective chemical analysis

Limitations

• Requires time-intensive data analysis / interpretation
• Destructive analysis
• Cannot directly analyze non-volatile, polar, or combustible samples

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Example Outputs Instruments Used How GCMS Works

• Different method setups can accommodate solid or liquid phase
  • Please note: Gas samples are difficult and sometimes impossible to analyze with our current instrumental setup.

In the GC component, the sample is vaporized and accelerated with a carrier gas (typically He or Ar) into a chromatographic column, where the sample particles begin to separate based on their variable interactions with the column walls. They are carried onward to pass through an ionizing domain, which imbues the incoming particles with charge.

Finally, the sample ions continue to travel through an electrostatic field, which filters them according to their mass / charge (m/z) ratio. They arrive at a detector which reads out the number of incident particles associated with each mass increment, to produce a spectrum of peaks at the characteristic m/z ratios of all chemical constituents of the sample.

GC-MS is distinct from ICP-MS in that it captures more molecular structure information for organic samples, and can be used to separate and quantify compounds in chemical mixtures.

Learn more about using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy testing services today!