Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Intertek GCMS laboratories provide an extensive range of gas chromatography mass spectroscopy analytical instrumentation and expertise for client testing and research projects. 

Expert and experienced staff coupled with a wide variety of techniques are essential for industry demands regarding research and testing, and the necessity to achieve regulatory compliance pertaining to REACH and NIAS.

Intertek GCMS laboratories provide an extensive range of gas chromatography mass spectroscopy analytical instrumentation and expertise for client testing and research projects, compliancy needs. The laboratories are staffed with experienced GCMS chemists, and analyze a diverse variety of samples and sample matrices.

Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has long been used in industry to identify and quantify unknown components in compounds down to ultra-trace levels. GCMS is ideal for impurity analysis and as a QC method. GCMS provides trace-level molecular characterization of many sample types and is a powerful analytical tool for trace and ultra-trace analysis, unknowns identification, and other applications. 

It is the technique of choice for a large proportion of regulatory work where it is essential to identify components present down to very low levels, and is also one of the foremost techniques used for organic analysis. 

Our laboratories are staffed with experienced GCMS chemists who analyze a diverse variety of samples and sample matrices. GCMS provides molecular characterization of many sample types and is a powerful analytical tool for trace analysis, unknowns identification, and other applications. 

Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analytical techniques

• GC ICP MS Analysis Laboratory
• GCMS Headspace Analysis
• Headspace is often used when clients are faced with odor issues. During this process a sample is heated in a sealed vial to an elevated temperature for a period of time. A proportion of the headspace is then introduced into the GCMS in order to identify volatiles produced. Headspace essentially replicates volatiles being released during the production stage of materials or whilst a product is in use.
• Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry GCMS
• GC-MS Selected ion monitoring (SIM)
• Quadrupole GC/MS Standard GCMS analysis ideal for analysis of known samples and repeat methods.
• HR/GC/MS (High Resolution Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry)
• GC/MS/MS (GC Tandem MS)
• Tandem GC Mass Spectrometry, GC/MS/MS
• Thermal desorption GCMS:Thermal desorption is similar to headspace analysis but provides a wider temperature range. A useful technique for identifying volatile compounds released from systems without the need to introduce the whole sample in to the GCMS. Thermal desorption has many uses including NIAS, regulatory, air sampling, residual monomer, additives and solvent identification.
• GC-QTOF MS: QTOF MS combines both a Quadrupole and Time of Flight mass spectrometer. This provides high resolution and high mass accuracy. Where it is not possible to find a match for compounds using conventional MS using QTOF mass accuracy will be able to provide a definitive chemical formula. This can be combined with headspace or thermal desorption.
• Pyrolysis GCMS: Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analysis combines three analytical tools: Pyrolysis, Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. Adding pyrolysis to the traditional GC-MS provides the ability to heat samples to 1200°C in either an inert atmosphere or under air, breaking down large, complex molecules into smaller and more analysable fragments. In industry, pyrolysis provides the ability to identify, characterise and fingerprint complex polymer systems such as plastics, rubber and paints. The process allows analysis of high molecular weight, insoluble, crosslinked and thermally stable polymers. Additionally, pyrolysis, when harnessed with GC-MS, does not require the use of solvents which means that it is possible to identify low level monomers, residual solvents, additives and crosslinkers without adding further contaminants. We are also able to use the equipment to produce data similar to that of EGA-MS.