Application Notes: GC-MS
Identifying Drugs of Abuse Using Gas Chromatography-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC-TOFMS)
June 1st 2009Illegal drug use worldwide is at an all time high. Forensic laboratories are seeing increased sample loads creating an immediate need for fast and accurate analysis to positively identify confiscated materials in criminal investigations. This application highlights the value of gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) for drug testing in forensic laboratories. A method was developed to successfully identify twenty drugs of abuse in 4.5 min. This GC-TOFMS method shows good chromatographic peak shape for even the most challenging drug analytes; even the peak shapes for amphetamine and methamphetamine were exceptional considering they were analyzed underivatized. The total ion chromatogram (TIC) for the twenty drug analytes is shown in Figure 1.
Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers by Comprehensive GCxGC-TOFMS
February 1st 2009Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are persistent environmental contaminants that are being extensively studied by environmental researchers worldwide. Their potential for toxicological impacts on humans and wildlife has made them a focal point of regulatory agencies. Their widespread use as flame retardants in electronics, household furniture, and many other building materials has lead to a need for analysis of many different sample matrices, including very complex environmental samples.
GC–MS Screening for Melamine Adulteration in Baby Formula and Dairy Products
February 1st 2009Melamine is an industrial chemical with a high nitrogen content that can cause kidney stones and lead to renal failure. In some instances, melamine has been added to baby formula and dairy products as a substitute for protein. This paper presents an efficient and definitive gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method to identify melamine and related compounds based on the released US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) method.
Using the Stratum PTC for Newly Proposed US EPA Method 524.3
February 1st 2009Purge and trap concentration (P&T) along with gas chromatographic analysis is a widely used method for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This methodology was developed to achieve the high sensitivity necessary to determine VOCs in drinking water according to EPA Method 524.2. Research is now complete and the EPA currently proposes a revision to this method that may include a revised list of analytes including iodinated trihalomethanes, fuel oxygenates, and Contaminant Candidate List 3. This new method will be 524.3 and may include new parameter optimizations not previously permitted in 524.2 as well as the ability to use selective ion monitoring (SIM) analysis for troublesome compounds.