RMS Foundation
Bischmattstrasse 12
2544 Bettlach
Switzerland
Phone +41 32 644 2000
METHODS
Gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC‑MS)
Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a powerful analytical technique used for the separation, identification, and quantification of chemical substances in a sample.
The method combines gas chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometry (MS) by first separating the components in the sample in the gas phase, followed by detecting individual compounds in the mass spectrometer based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).
According to which standards do we test?
Whenever possible, we carry out our testing services in accordance with or based on these international standards:
- Own methods
Which devices do we use?
- Thermo GC-MS/MS: Trace GC 1310 coupled to a TSQ 9000 mass spectrometer
For which material tests
do we use this method?
We use gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) for the following material tests, among others:
- Identification of organic compounds in complex sample matrices
- Analysis of off-odors from samples
- Identification and quantification of plasticizers in PVC
- Leachables/Extractables studies of polymer products (VOC + sVOC)
What experimental options are available?
The system offers different measurement methods that can be optimally applied depending on the analytical problem:
- Liquid injection: Solutions, extracts etc. are injected into the GC and analyzed.
- Headspace (HS-GC): the gas space above the sample (solid or liquid) is enriched with volatile components which then are analyzed.
- Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME): Similar to HS-GC, volatile compounds are enriched in the headspace. The sample needle (SPME Arrow) is coated with an adsorbant material that can further enrich the volatile components. In the injector, the compounds desorb from the coating material and are then analyzed.
- The triple quadrupole mass spectrometer can be operated in full-scan mode or in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) or multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. In full scan mode, compounds can be identified by evaluating the MS spectrum. In SRM or MRM mode, compounds can be quantified down to lowest concentrations.
What you should know about this method?
For which materials is the method suitable?
- Solid, liquid and gaseous samples
- The compounds to be analyzed must have a certain volatility (boiling point is not too high)
- The compounds to be analyzed must have a certain temperature stability (no decomposition or reaction at elevated temperatures)
Which materials can be analyzed quantitatively?
- Polymer samples (directly via HS-GC, HS-SPME GC)
- Organic compounds in extracts or dissolved (liquid injection)
- Hydrocarbons in waste water
- Medical devices or components contaminated with organic hydrocarbons.
- and much more.
How much sample material is required?
The amount of sample material depends heavily on the aim of the analysis. Contact us and we will discuss the possibilities in detail.
Are the methods accredited?
The analytical questions and the associated method development are sometimes very individual. We offer validated methods for certain routine services. For individually required services, we can also validate the method in advance.
