Adding GC-MS Capability to a Laboratory
Adding GC-MS requires a gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer, carrier and detector gas supply, sample introduction suited to your matrices (liquid injection, headspace, thermal desorption or purge-and-trap), data software and a validated method set.
What is this capability?
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry separates volatile and semi-volatile compounds and identifies them by mass spectrum. Uses include residual solvents, VOCs, SVOCs, extractables, fragrance and unknown identification.
Typical equipment (categories)
- GC with single-quadrupole, triple-quadrupole or high-resolution MS
- Autosampler and inlet(s) suited to the matrices
- Headspace, thermal desorption or purge-and-trap where required
- Spectral library and data software
Supporting equipment
- Carrier gas supply (helium or hydrogen) with purifiers
- Sample preparation: extraction, concentration, derivatisation equipment
- Analytical balance, fume hood
Facility considerations
Gas cylinder storage or generators, ventilation, dedicated power and exhaust for the vacuum pump. Hydrogen carrier gas requires additional safety measures.
Calibration and service
Regular mass-spectrometer tuning, source cleaning, column and liner maintenance, and calibration with reference standards for each quantitative method.
Before bringing it in-house, decide
- Which methods and standards you must run, and whether customers require accredited results
- Realistic annual sample volume and how steady it is
- Who will operate, calibrate and maintain the equipment — and who covers when they are away
- Whether the space, utilities and environmental control are adequate today
- Whether outsourcing until volumes are proven is the lower-risk first step
Common questions
- Helium or hydrogen carrier gas?
- Helium is traditional; hydrogen is increasingly used because of helium supply issues, but it needs method adjustments and safety controls. Discuss with the instrument supplier.
- Does Laboratory Vortex supply the equipment?
- No. Laboratory Vortex is a discovery and request platform. Submitting a lab project helps identify equipment suppliers and service providers; you contract with them directly.