Fast Analysis Workflow with No Sample Preparation for Forensic Applications Using QuickProbe GC/MS

Significance of the Topic

Rapid and reliable identification of illicit substances is critical in forensic laboratories. Traditional workflows require extensive sample preparation before confirmation by GC/MS, leading to delays. A faster, direct analysis approach can reduce backlog and improve turnaround for emergency casework.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluated the Agilent QuickProbe GC/MS system for direct, no-preparation analysis of seized drug samples. The goals were to demonstrate sub-minute analysis, maintain basic chromatographic separation, and achieve robust identification using standard mass spectral libraries.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The QuickProbe accessory mounts on the GC inlet, creating a heated, open port with a helium curtain to exclude air. A short Agilent J&W DB-1ht capillary column (1.5 m × 0.25 mm × 0.10 μm) is rapidly heated at up to 960 °C/min. Samples in solid, liquid or powder form are transferred by touching a glass probe and inserting it into the inlet for three to six seconds. Data were acquired on an Agilent GC/MS system and processed in MassHunter Qualitative, Quantitative and Unknowns Analysis software. The screening workflow consists of:

• System blank
• Probe blank
• Sample analysis
• Final system blank

Main Results and Discussion

Analysis of a pulverized Vicodin tablet (5 mg hydrocodone:300 mg acetaminophen) achieved separation of both actives in under one minute. Extracted ion chromatograms at m/z 151 and 299 produced clean peaks with NIST library matches >90. A complete oxycodone tablet screening, including blanks, was completed in less than five minutes, yielding a NIST match of 93. Sub-minute analyses of a cannabis edible, black tar heroin and magic mushrooms identified major and minor components (THC, dronabinol, acetylcodeine, 6-MAM, papaverine, psilocin) with match scores typically above 90. A summary table reported each compound’s formula and library match.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Extremely fast screening reduces evidence backlog
• Eliminates chemical reagents and cleanup steps
• Supports diverse sample types without extraction
• Leverages standard library matching for confident ID

Future Trends and Opportunities

Further developments may extend direct-sampling probes to additional analyte classes and matrices. Automation of data analysis and reporting will enhance throughput. Future studies could validate quantitative capabilities, integrate high-resolution MS and adapt the workflow for biological specimens.

Conclusion

The QuickProbe GC/MS system enables forensically sound, direct analysis of seized drug samples in under one minute. By removing sample preparation and combining rapid chromatography with library matching, laboratories can achieve high confidence identifications while dramatically reducing analysis time.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent QuickProbe direct sample introduction accessory
• Agilent GC/MS system with heated open inlet
• Agilent J&W DB-1ht capillary column (1.5 m × 0.25 mm ID, 0.10 μm film)
• Helium carrier gas at constant flow
• Agilent MassHunter Qualitative, Quantitative and Unknowns Analysis software

References

• Demoranville LT and Brewer TM. Ambient Pressure Thermal Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Substances of Forensic Interest. Analyst 2013;138:5332.
• Deimler RE et al. Direct Analysis of Drugs in Forensic Applications Using Laser Ablation Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LAESI-MS/MS). Anal Methods 2014;6:4810.
• SWGDRUG Recommendations, 7th Ed. United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration; 2016.
• SWGDRUG Supplemental Document SD-2. United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration; no date.