An Integrated Solution to Speed up Routine Analysis

Importance of the Topic

Routine laboratories face increasing sample volumes but limited throughput due to time-consuming preparation and analysis steps. Combining rapid direct MS screening with targeted GC-MS confirmation streamlines workflows and enhances efficiency by focusing detailed analysis only on positive samples, thus reducing resource usage and accelerating decision-making.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work presents an integrated two-step approach using SICRIT® plasma ionization for fast pre-screening and conventional GC-MS for confirmatory analysis. Key goals include maximizing sample throughput, maintaining quantitation rigor, and demonstrating economic and operational benefits in routine laboratory settings.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The workflow begins with direct MS screening using a SICRIT® GC/SPME/Desorption module coupled to a mass spectrometer via plasma ionization. Samples flagged as positive are automatically forwarded by a PAL autosampler for GC-MS analysis. Quantification employs individual MRM transitions for trace-level detection. Major instrumentation:

• SICRIT® Ion Source with cold plasma ionization
• SC-30 Control Unit for ion source and module management
• SICRIT® GC/SPME Module with heated transfer line
• SICRIT® MS Interfaces for mechanical and electronic coupling
• Gas chromatograph (e.g., Agilent 8860 GC)
• CTC PAL RTC autosampler

Main Results and Discussion

The integrated workflow reduces full GC-MS assays to only suspicious samples (~20%), while rapid screening (~15 s/sample) handles the remainder. This approach doubles throughput and cuts analysis time by over 50%. Plasma ionization delivers soft, fragmentation-free spectra and improved sensitivity down to ppt levels, as demonstrated for nitrosamine MRM transitions. The reproducible automated injections ensure consistent quantitation across runs.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages include:

• Substantial time savings through selective GC-MS confirmation
• Lower capital and space requirements by using a unified platform
• High sensitivity and broad analyte coverage via triple-mechanism ionization
• Fully automated sample handling with PAL systems for consistent results

This solution suits pesticide screening, trace contaminant analysis, and high-throughput QC in pharmaceutical, environmental, and food safety laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging developments may integrate machine learning for automated flagging of positives and adaptive method optimization. Expansion into multi-omics, real-time process monitoring, and portable ambient plasma platforms could further broaden routine applications and decentralized testing.

Conclusion

The SICRIT®-based integrated solution effectively addresses throughput bottlenecks in routine analytical laboratories by combining rapid prescreening with targeted confirmatory analysis. This approach enhances operational efficiency, reduces costs, and maintains high analytical performance for trace-level quantification.

References

• NIST Chemistry Webbook, z1539516568939611113