Gas Chromotography - Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS)
Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectroscopy allows for separation, identification, and quantification of individual chemicals within a specimen.
Gas Chromatography Example Analyses How it works: Separation - Samples are injected into a long column in a temperature controlled oven. By precisely controlling the temperature ramp rate we can separate compounds in the sample by how volatile they are and by how strongly they interact with the walls of the column. Small molecules traverse the column more quickly. Big molecules take longer to traverse the column. Detection - On the outlet side of the column the chemicals are fragmented with an electron beam generating charged ion fragments. The count and mass to charge ratio of these ions fragments is measured by the mass spectrometer. Specific molecular structures tend to fragment in the same way. By comparing the fragment mass to charge ratio (m/z) with library references we can identify unknown compounds in the sample. Strengths:
Limitations:
Required sample sizes and detection limits vary widely depending on the method please submit an inquiry to discuss your testing needs. Gas Chromatography Example Analyses |