Agilent Thermal Separation Probe

Significance of the Topic

Analytical workflows in gas chromatography mass spectrometry often face delays and contamination risks due to extensive sample preparation. The Agilent Thermal Separation Probe (TSP) offers a streamlined alternative enabling direct thermal desorption of solids liquids and slurries into a GC inlet. This capability accelerates analyses reduces maintenance and improves reliability in laboratory and field environments.

Objectives and Overview

This document presents the design implementation and performance evaluation of the Agilent TSP. It highlights how the probe integrates with various Agilent GC/MS systems to support rapid screening of complex and neat samples across food safety forensic toxicology and environmental monitoring applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

Sample introduction is achieved by placing microquantities of solid powder or liquid into a disposable micro-vial mounted on the TSP. The probe assembly is inserted into a heated split/splitless or multimode inlet where controlled temperature programming vaporizes analytes. Nonvolatile matrix residues remain in the vial preserving inlet cleanliness. Split flow ratios are tuned to prevent column and detector overload. High carrier gas flows allow sample swaps without air ingress.

• GC/MS platforms: Agilent 5975T transportable GC/MSD with LTM inlet and Agilent 7890A GC with 5975C MSD 7000 Series Triple Quadrupole 220 and 240 Ion Trap or 7200 Q-TOF detectors
• Inlet hardware: split/splitless and multimode inlets with temperature programming
• Consumables: disposable micro-vials probe adapters O-ring sealed inlet liners and 1 m deactivated capillary column

Main Results and Discussion

Application studies demonstrated:

• Direct screening of codeine and other opioids in blood on 5975C/5975T systems without prior extraction
• On-site detection of multiple pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables using the transportable 5975T GC/MSD
• Sensitive identification of cocaine in hair matrix via the 220 Ion Trap GC/MS after thermal desorption

The TSP’s selective desorption ensures only volatile compounds enter the GC column while high boiling matrix components remain trapped. This approach significantly reduces inlet liner fouling extends maintenance intervals and maintains quantitative performance across successive injections.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Elimination of solvent-based extraction simplifies workflows and accelerates sample throughput
• Reduced contamination and extended inlet lifetimes lower maintenance burden and operating costs
• Adjustable temperature and split ratio control enable analysis of both trace level and neat substances
• Field deployable GC/MS compatibility allows rapid on-site testing in environmental food forensic and QA/QC laboratories

Future Trends and Applications

Integration of TSP technology with compact high-resolution MS platforms and automated sampling systems may further expand its use in real-time environmental monitoring metabolomics and quality assurance. Advances in microfabrication and portable GC modules promise enhanced sensitivity and fully autonomous field operation.

Conclusion

The Agilent Thermal Separation Probe represents a versatile tool for fast direct sample introduction in GC/MS analysis. By combining thermal desorption with precision split-flow control and disposable vials it delivers rapid results with minimal contamination risk. Adoption of the TSP enhances analytical flexibility productivity and uptime across diverse laboratory and field applications.

References

• Amirav A and Dagan S Development of the Thermal Separation Probe Tel Aviv University
• Agilent Technologies 2011 Agilent Thermal Separation Probe Kit User Guide 5990-8715EN