<p><strong>Ask any analytical chemist which hyphenated technique has become indispensable over the past decade, and the answer will almost certainly be the same: tandem chromatography–mass spectrometry. Whether it is </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/preparing-samples-for-lc-ms/ms-analysis"><strong>LC–MS/MS</strong></a><strong> quantifying a novel biologic’s metabolic fate, or </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/preparing-samples-for-gc-ms/ms-analysis"><strong>GC–MS/MS</strong></a><strong> chasing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) down to sub-part-per-trillion levels in municipal water, the combination of chromatographic separation with the specificity of tandem mass detection has become the analytical workhorse of choice across virtually every regulated sector.</strong></p><p>Below we examine the key forces propelling this expansion, from biopharma pipeline dynamics and PFAS regulatory mandates to AI-driven automation and reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing—and explore what each trend means for laboratories managing sample preparation and analytical workflows.</p><h3><strong>Biopharma: The Engine Room of LC–MS/MS Demand</strong></h3><h4><strong>GLP-1 Agonists and the Metabolomics Gold Rush</strong></h4><p>The explosive commercial and scientific interest in GLP-1 receptor agonists—<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sepscience.com/advancing-glp-1-peptide-analysis-chromatography-challenges-and-innovations-12163"><strong>semaglutide and related peptide therapeutics </strong></a>for diabetes and obesity—has dramatically expanded the analytical demands placed on tandem MS platforms. Discovery programs require precise quantification of peptide drug candidates and endogenous biomarkers across complex biological matrices. These workflows rely on high-sensitivity LC–MS/MS for pharmacokinetic profiling, receptor occupancy studies, and metabolomics characterization. Metabolomics is, in fact, projected to be the fastest-growing application segment in mass spectrometry, driven in part by its growing role in cancer screening, biomarker discovery, and metabolic disease research.</p><p>I have been spending more time learning about GLP-1s because this is the hot topic that people want to discuss on the Concentrating on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL?si=n9GLz9zjSCOrVfXPxFPhng&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=52868e027aad4d22"><strong>Chromatography podcast</strong></a>. With that said, I was astounded looking at CNBC.com during breakfast this morning to see that <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/21/glp-1-diets-restaurants-protein-fiber-weight-loss-drugs.html"><strong>one in eight Americans are currently taking one of these drugs such as Ozempic</strong></a>.</p><h4><strong>Antibody–Drug Conjugates and Gene Therapy: Complexity at Every Step</strong></h4><p>The ascent of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) and gene therapies has introduced a new level of analytical complexity. ADCs blend the target specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxic potency of small-molecule payloads—and characterizing the linker chemistry, drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR), and conjugate stability demands high-resolution LC–MS/MS at every stage from discovery through QC release testing. Gene therapy vectors require equally rigorous characterization of impurities, aggregates, and empty/full capsid ratios.</p><p>This translates into a direct need for low-evaporation, high-recovery concentration methods that preserve labile protein structures and maintain sample integrity prior to LC–MS/MS injection. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/5392"><strong>Nitrogen evaporation workflows</strong></a> that minimize oxidative stress and maintain sample temperature are increasingly critical in these pipelines.</p><h4><strong>Precision Medicine and Multi-Omics Integration</strong></h4><p>The shift toward precision medicine has accelerated adoption of high-throughput, multi-analyte MS platforms. Proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics workflows are converging on a single analytical platform—tandem MS—and generating datasets of a scale and complexity that were unimaginable ten years ago.</p><p>Make no mistake: the triple quadrupole serves an irreplaceable role in quantitative targeted analysis. At the same time, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=134&amp;manufacturerItems=3"><strong>Orbitrap </strong></a>and <strong>Q–TOF</strong> hybrid platforms are growing rapidly as researchers demand full-scan accurate mass for untargeted discovery.</p><h3><strong>Environmental Mandates: PFAS Testing Drives Adoption</strong></h3><p>Environmental testing is something that every person, chemist or not, can understand the importance of. Mounting mandates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and European regulators regarding PFAS—the “forever chemicals” whose extraordinary environmental persistence is matched only by the analytical challenge of detecting them at trace levels—have created immediate, compliance-driven investment in LC–MS/MS infrastructure.</p><h4><strong>The Regulatory Framework Chemists Need to Know</strong></h4><p>The EPA has codified a suite of LC–MS/MS-based methods as the analytical standard for PFAS in water and solid matrices:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/epa-533-drying-down-pfas-samples-after-spe"><strong>EPA Method 533</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Weak anion exchange SPE combined with LC–MS/MS; covers 25 PFAS including short-chain compounds in drinking water.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/sample-concentration-epa-method-537-pfas-determination"><strong>EPA Method 537.1</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Reversed-phase SPE followed by LC–MS/MS; covers 18 PFAS including the GenX compound, with method detection limits in the low ng/L range.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.agilent.com/en/solutions/environmental/water-testing/pfas-in-water/us-epa-method-8327?srsltid=AfmBOooCY1pcavj7B1PH-75d3HO4BGDglNlhmyTyrpDY3zvUksMO1dlg"><strong>EPA Method 8327</strong></a><strong>: </strong>LC–MS/MS for selected PFAS in prepared extracts of aqueous and solid matrices.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/preparing-diverse-sample-matrices-for-epa-method-1633"><strong>EPA Draft Method 1633</strong></a><strong>: </strong>The emerging benchmark for PFAS in non-aqueous matrices—aqueous, solid, biosolids, and tissue—quantifying up to 40 PFAS.</li></ul><p>All of these methods designate LC–MS/MS, specifically LC coupled to triple quadrupole or tandem-in-time platforms operating in negative electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), as the required or recommended analytical technique. PFAS analysis is, at its core, an LC–MS/MS problem.</p><h4><strong>The Sample Preparation Bottleneck</strong></h4><p>Chemists who have worked with PFAS methods understand the particular demands they place on sample preparation. The ubiquity of<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/tackling-pfas-contamination-practical-insights-from-epa-537.1-method-development"><strong> PFAS in laboratory materials</strong></a>—PTFE tubing, some SPE sorbents, standard bench supplies—means that blank contamination control is as analytically demanding as the detection itself. EPA 537.1 requires that sample volumes of approximately 250 mL be extracted and reconstituted in as little as 1 mL, creating a 250:1 concentration factor that can expose even trace contamination in the sample processing chain. The installation of a delay column between the LC pump and autosampler to prevent instrument background interference is now standard practice.</p><p>This is precisely where robust, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/5385"><strong>inert nitrogen evaporation </strong></a>systems earn their keep. PFAS workflows that use nitrogen-assisted evaporation to concentrate extracts prior to reconstitution benefit from materials that avoid PTFE and other fluoropolymers that can leach PFAS background—a consideration Organomation addresses in its concentration system designs.</p><p>The analytical community is also moving beyond targeted PFAS analysis. High-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) spectrometry via Orbitrap technology, paired with non-targeted screening workflows, is gaining traction for the identification of the more than 5,000 currently catalogued PFAS compounds and the novel structures that continue to emerge. LC–MS/MS remains the quantitative gold standard; HRAM provides the discovery layer.</p><h3><strong>Technological Trends Reshaping the LC–MS/MS Workflow</strong></h3><h4><strong>Artificial Intelligence and Automated Data Interpretation</strong></h4><p>The datasets generated by modern tandem MS platforms—particularly in omics applications—are too large and too complex for conventional manual review. AI-driven spectral deconvolution, automated peak integration, and AI-assisted hypothesis generation are now embedded in the software suites accompanying leading instruments. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/presrel/2022/17feb-gp22004.html?srsltid=AfmBOop3warRIaEojXM2YyMML6RXfMIDzE-Wm0h-SiKkkocBeeET2m7u"><strong>Agilent’s acquisition of Virtual Control’s ACIES </strong></a>software specifically to automate LC–MS and GC–MS data analysis is emblematic of this direction.</p><p>For laboratory managers, AI integration means smaller specialized teams can operate high-throughput multi-analyte workflows—but it also means that the front-end sample preparation must be even more reproducible, since algorithmic interpretation amplifies inconsistencies introduced upstream.</p><h4><strong>Online SPE Coupling and “Chromatography Without Walls”</strong></h4><p>A significant trend is the integration of solid-phase extraction directly into the HPLC flow path—so-called online SPE–HPLC coupling. Systems that combine extraction and chromatographic separation in a single analytical instrument reduce manual transfer steps, minimize the risk of sample loss or contamination, and dramatically increase throughput. For analytes at very low concentrations, online SPE provides the on-column concentration capability that traditional offline preparation achieves with manual evaporation steps.</p><p>That said, offline sample preparation—including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/5392"><strong>nitrogen-assisted evaporation</strong></a> under controlled conditions, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2407"><strong>liquid–liquid extraction</strong></a>, and protein precipitation—retains significant advantages in flexibility, matrix handling, and the ability to process sample volumes that exceed online system capacity. The two approaches are increasingly complementary rather than competitive in well-designed analytical laboratories.</p><h4><strong>High-Purity Solvents and Reference Materials</strong></h4><p>As detection limits push further into the femtogram range and regulatory methods demand demonstrable blank performance, the quality of analytical consumables—mobile phase solvents, derivatization reagents, reference standards—has moved from background consideration to front-of-mind. Method validation in regulated environments now routinely requires vendor certification of solvent purity at a level that directly interfaces with instrument performance.</p><h3><strong>The Ever-Present Need for Sample Evaporation</strong></h3><p>As LC–MS/MS methods push detection limits lower, the analytical burden shifts increasingly upstream. The quality of the concentration, cleanup, and reconstitution steps preceding injection determines whether the instrument’s theoretical sensitivity is achievable in practice.</p><p><strong>Several specific developments are particularly relevant:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>ADC and gene therapy characterization workflows</strong> require gentle, low-temperature evaporation that preserves protein structure and prevents aggregation prior to LC–MS/MS. Nitrogen evaporation under controlled conditions is the preferred approach.</li><li><strong>PFAS trace analysis</strong> demands evaporation systems constructed from PFAS-inert materials, with rigorous attention to avoiding fluoropolymer surfaces throughout the sample path.</li><li><strong>High-throughput pharmaceutical QC</strong> driven by reshoring demands parallel processing capability—multi-position evaporators that maintain consistent flow and temperature across all positions simultaneously.</li><li><strong>Multi-omics and metabolomics workflows</strong> generate large sample batches that benefit from automated, walk-away evaporation with programmable endpoints to ensure reproducible final volumes across a cohort.</li></ul><p>Tandem chromatography–mass spectrometry is not merely growing; it is becoming structurally embedded in the analytical workflows of every major regulated industry. The convergence of biopharma complexity, PFAS regulatory mandates, AI-enabled data analysis, and pharmaceutical reshoring is creating a multi-year demand cycle that will require laboratories to invest not only in instruments, but in the entire sample preparation ecosystem that makes those instruments perform.</p><p>For analytical chemists, the practical takeaway is this: as mass spectrometry sensitivity continues to advance, the sample preparation step becomes the binding constraint on method performance. Whether you are developing a new PFAS method to meet EPA 1633, characterizing an ADC’s drug-to-antibody ratio, or running a 500-sample metabolomics cohort overnight, the reliability and cleanliness of your concentration and cleanup workflow determines the quality of every data point that follows.&nbsp;</p>

The Continued Rise of Tandem Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

RI Calibration in NIST26 Chromatogram and Applying to Calculating RI in Samples

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 29th June 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application note by <strong>Agilent Technologies, </strong>presentation by <strong>MDCW / William &amp; Mary </strong>and posters by <strong>Shimadzu</strong> and <strong>Thermo Fisher Scientific</strong> <strong>/ ASMS!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Residual Solvents Analysis Based on the 2025 USP &lt;467&gt; and Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP 0861)</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/br_8890b_gc_5994_9205en_agilent_fb5db29527.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p><strong>Using the </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8697"><strong>Agilent 8697 headspace sampler</strong></a><strong> and </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890B"><strong>Agilent 8890B GC system</strong></a></p><p>Residual solvents are routinely introduced during pharmaceutical manufacturing as part of synthesis, purification, or formulation processes. Because these volatile organic compounds may pose toxicological risks, their levels must be carefully monitored to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. As a result, residual solvent analysis remains a critical component of quality control throughout the pharmaceutical development and manufacturing lifecycle.&nbsp;</p><p>USP &lt;467&gt; provides a harmonized framework for residual solvent analysis, defining solvent classifications, concentration limits, and analytical requirements.1 In September 2025, USP &lt;467&gt; was revised to reflect updated toxicological evaluations and regulatory expectations. The revised chapter expanded the class 2B solvent list and introduced performance requirements for newly added compounds, including tertiary butyl alcohol and cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME). These updates increase the analytical scope of residual solvent testing and place greater emphasis on consistent system performance and suitability verification. In China, residual solvent control is governed by General Chapter 0861 of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP 0861)2 , which adopts a risk based classification system consistent with the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q3C.3 Although the Chinese Pharmacopoeia uses different terminology for analytical procedures, its regulatory intent, solvent classification, and control principles are harmonized with USP &lt;467&gt;.&nbsp;</p><p>Gas chromatography with headspace sampling is widely used for residual solvent determination due to its robustness and suitability for volatile analytes. Alongside evolving regulatory requirements, modern GC systems have increasingly focused on intelligent operation to support method execution and compliance. The Agilent 8890B gas chromatograph incorporates GC Assist to help users perform a performance check of the GC system. When performance criteria are not met, the GC system provides alerts to notify the user. Upon user instruction, the GC can initiate a guided troubleshooting workflow, supporting step-by-step fault diagnosis through autonomous diagnostic functions, helping both experienced and less experienced analysts resolve issues efficiently during routine operation. In this application note, a headspace GC/FID method is presented for the determination of class 1, 2A, and the expanded class 2B residual solvents. This study demonstrates how updated regulatory requirements can be addressed using an intelligent GC platform that supports reliable system performance assessment, simplified troubleshooting, and consistent analytical performance.</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><p>The experimental conditions described in this study follow the general chromatographic principles outlined in USP &lt;467&gt; procedures A and B. They are also consistent with the recommended headspace GC methods described in ChP 0861. In this work, the screening and confirmation concepts of procedures A and B were implemented simultaneously through a dual-column, dual-FID/GC configuration. Samples were introduced by an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8697"><strong>Agilent 8697 headspace sampler</strong></a> to an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890B"><strong>8890B GC</strong></a> and equally split to an Agilent DB-Select 624 UI and a DB-WAX UI column for parallel detection, as shown in Figure 1. Comparable chromatographic performance was achieved with both helium and nitrogen carrier gases. Data were acquired using Agilent OpenLab CDS version 2.8, and noise was determined using a peak-to-peak (PtoP) approach for calculation of signal-to-noise ratios for target analytes.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>This application note demonstrates a harmonized headspace GC/FID workflow suitable for residual solvent analysis in compliance with both the 2025 revision of United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) &lt;467&gt; and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP 2025, General Chapter 0861). By implementing a dual‑column, dual-FID configuration on a single inlet, screening and confirmatory analyses can be performed simultaneously, significantly reducing total analysis time compared to traditional sequential approaches while maintaining orthogonal separation selectivity. The integrated Agilent 8697 headspace sampler and 8890B GC platform provides consistent chromatographic performance with both helium and nitrogen carrier gases, supporting flexible laboratory operation without compromising data quality. Beyond analytical performance, the intelligent capabilities of the 8890B GC enhance operational reliability and simplify daily use. Through continuous interaction with the user, the built‑in GC Assist function operates in a guided, wizard‑like manner, leading users step by step through the troubleshooting process for effective fault diagnosis. Together, these features enable a compliant, time-efficient, and user-friendly solution for residual solvent testing under the latest USP &lt;467&gt; and ChP&nbsp;0861 requirements.</p><h3><strong>2. MDCW / William &amp; Mary: Developing a Combined Approach to Green Gunshot Residue Analysis in the Forensic Laboratory</strong></h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_24_Saunders_f2c5bcdb20.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>Developing a Combined Approach to Green Gunshot Residue Analysis in the Forensic Laboratory presents a multidisciplinary strategy for improving the forensic analysis of <strong>"green" gunshot residue (GSR)</strong>, which originates from lead-free ammunition. Traditional GSR analysis relies heavily on the detection of lead, barium, and antimony particles using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). However, environmentally friendly ammunition replaces these heavy metals with more common elements, making conventional forensic protocols less effective. The authors therefore propose combining inorganic GSR (IGSR) characterization by SEM-EDS with organic GSR (OGSR) analysis using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS).</p><p>The presentation first describes the development of a new SEM-EDS characterization strategy tailored to green GSR particles. Instead of relying solely on the elemental composition defined by existing OSAC guidelines, the approach incorporates both particle morphology and elemental complexity. In parallel, the researchers optimized an extraction procedure for organic residues and developed a dedicated GC×GC-MS method. Method optimization focused on key chromatographic parameters such as inlet temperature, modulation period, carrier gas selection, and oven temperature program. Compared with previously published methods, the optimized workflow provided higher peak capacity, improved analyte resolution, and enhanced detection of characteristic OGSR compounds.</p><p>To verify the analytical performance, the optimized GC×GC-MS method was evaluated using several reference standards, including phthalates, nitroaromatic explosives, nitroglycerin, and a multi-component gun surveillance standard. The resulting two-dimensional chromatograms demonstrated excellent separation and clear identification of compounds relevant to firearm discharge residues, confirming that the method can reliably detect a broad range of organic GSR markers. The combination of enhanced chromatographic separation with mass spectrometric detection offers substantially greater resolving power than conventional one-dimensional GC-MS, making it particularly valuable for complex forensic samples.</p><p>The authors conclude that integrating SEM-EDS with GC×GC-MS provides a more comprehensive approach to modern GSR analysis, particularly for lead-free ammunition. The study successfully established a characterization strategy for inorganic green GSR, optimized extraction and chromatographic conditions for organic GSR, and verified the visibility and identification of target analytes using certified standards. Future work will focus on further method validation, incorporating retention indices and sorbent-based extraction techniques, and strengthening the scientific robustness of the approach to support forensic evidence under <strong>Rule 702</strong>, thereby improving the reliability and courtroom acceptance of green GSR analyses.</p><h3><strong>3. Shimadzu / ASMS: Impact of Soil Matrix on Microplastics Analysis by Py-GC/MS</strong></h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/TP_222_Impact_of_Soil_Matrix_on_Microplastics_Analysis_by_Py_GCMS_63fdb8ef7d.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>The matrix is not just background—it actively participates in pyrolysis chemistry. Lignin-rich soils can co-pyrolyze, producing compounds that overlap with common PS or PVC markers, complicating interpretation. Matrix variability is substantial, with clear chemical and physical differences between forest soils, agricultural land, river sediments, and landfill cover materials. Soil particles act as sinks and sorbents, interacting with microplastics and altering degradation pathways. Sample preparation can introduce bias, and in some cases does more harm than good.&nbsp;</p><p>In this poster, we present a method to improve quantitative accuracy in Py-GCMS microplastics analysis by assessing the matrix effect, while also addressing key challenges in the qualitative identification</p><h4><strong>Experimental Methods&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Three soil samples were collected from different locations (Figure 1) and homogenized using a mortar/pestle.&nbsp;</li><li>From each sample, 200g were dried in a vial for 3 hours at 40C and 2mg was weighed into a PY cup.&nbsp;</li><li>Targeted microplastics include PE, PP, PS, ABS, PMMA, PC, PVC, N6, and N66. The percentage distribution of polymers in the MPs-CaCO3 standard, as well as the mass of each analyte in a 4 mg standard within a CaCO3 diluent, is shown in Figure 1.&nbsp;</li><li>These were analyzed using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Py-GC%2FMS"><strong>PY-GCMS instrument</strong></a>, shown in Figure 2.&nbsp;</li><li>A 5-point calibration curve was prepared, in triplicate, by weighing 0.2mg, 0.4mg, 0.8mg, 2.0mg, and 4.0mg from Frontier’s Low calibration standard mix of microplastics.&nbsp;</li><li>A matrix-matched calibration curve was generated by spiking sample B with the same concentration as the calibration levels.&nbsp;</li><li>Samples were analyzed, and analytes in the sample were quantified in µg, calculated using the calibration curve of known standard concentration.&nbsp;</li><li>Recovery studies were performed in blank samples to evaluate matrix effect for the targeted analytes. For this, a 2mg sample was weighed in triplicate, and 2mg of the standard mix was combined with 2mg of CaCO3 diluent.</li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusions</strong></h4><p>Future work will focus on improving microplastic identification by using multiple markers to reduce false positives, while advancing polymer identification tools and spectral libraries to better handle high-background matrix interferences.</p><p>Sample preparation is an important factor, and it needs to be considered and studied for different sample types, including environmental and clinical samples</p><h3><strong>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific / ASMS: Untargeted analysis of volatile PFAS in indoor air by thermal desorption GC high resolution </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/472"><strong>Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer</strong></a></h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_004717_lsms_volatile_pfas_air_exploris_gc_efs_po004717_asms2026_na_en_69541bd1e3.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent “forever chemicals” widely used in consumer products and commonly detected in indoor air. Volatile PFAS can originate from treated materials and degrade into harmful compounds linked to adverse health effects. Thermal desorption (TD) enables efficient air monitoring by preconcentrating volatile compounds for direct GC-MS analysis. Coupling TD with high-resolution Orbitrap GC-MS and advanced data processing allows comprehensive, untargeted screening of PFAS, supporting improved indoor air quality assessment.</p><h4><strong>Materials and methods</strong></h4><h5><strong>Sample preparation&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li>PFAS standards prepared in methanol and spiked onto sorbent tubes</li><li>Indoor air sampled (35 L) from carpeted, non-carpeted, and cleaning storage areas&nbsp;</li><li>Air collected using sorbent tubes with pumped sampling (TD-compatible). Test method(s)&nbsp;</li><li>Samples analyzed using thermal desorption (TD)–GC-MS (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/472"><strong>Orbitrap Exploris GC</strong></a>)&nbsp;</li><li>TD preconcentration followed by GC separation and HRAM full-scan acquisition (EI/CI)&nbsp;</li><li>Method enabled untargeted screening of volatile compounds.&nbsp;</li></ul><h5><strong>Data analysis&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li>Data processed using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/76"><strong>Thermo Scientific Chromeleon CDS</strong></a>, FreeStyle, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1759"><strong>Compound Discoverer Software&nbsp;</strong></a></li><li>Workflow included peak detection, deconvolution, and library matching.</li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusions&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>TD-GC Orbitrap MS enables sensitive, untargeted detection of volatile PFAS in indoor air with minimal sample preparation&nbsp;</li><li>HRAM data combined with advanced software workflows provides confident identification and efficient data filtering&nbsp;</li><li>Higher PFAS levels observed in carpeted and cleaning areas, highlighting indoor sources and exposure risk</li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></section>

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 27, 2026

Article

Application

Academy

Video

Software

Poster

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

My main interest is the identification of organic compounds by mass spectrometry in organic mixtures.

James Little/Mass Spec Interpretation Services

EST Analytical CENTURION Water/Soil Purge and Trap Autosampler

The EST Analytical CENTURION delivers reliable purge and trap VOC analysis with high sample capacity, robust design, and intuitive software for water and soil testing.

<p><strong>The CENTURION is a flexible purge and trap autosampler available in two configurations: a combined water/soil system or a water-only system. Purge and trap technology enables the extraction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from samples by purging them with an inert gas onto a sorbent trap, where they are concentrated and subsequently transferred into instruments such as GC or GC/MS for precise analysis.</strong></p><p>Designed for laboratories worldwide, the CENTURION enhances throughput, ensures reliable performance, and simplifies VOC sample preparation. With robust engineering and intuitive software, it helps analysts and technicians maximize efficiency and maintain consistent results across demanding workflows.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/EST_Analytical_CENTURION_Water_Soil_Purge_and_Trap_Autosampler_3_3cb7b848e1.jpg" alt="EST Analytical: CENTURION Water/Soil Purge and Trap Autosampler" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_EST_Analytical_CENTURION_Water_Soil_Purge_and_Trap_Autosampler_3_3cb7b848e1.jpg 141w," sizes="100vw" width="704" height="778"></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><h5><strong>Reliable Purge &amp; Trap Performance</strong></h5><ul><li>Proven XYZ autosampler design with heavy-duty rails for stability</li><li>Separate needles for water and soil samples to prevent cross-contamination</li><li>Internal standard addition with <strong>&lt;3% RSD precision</strong></li><li>Engineered for consistent results right from the start</li></ul><h5><strong>Optimized Productivity</strong></h5><ul><li>Supports <strong>up to 100 water samples</strong> and <strong>90 soil samples</strong></li><li>Single calibration method accommodates both water and soil matrices</li><li>Integrated optical sensors reduce vial and syringe handling errors</li><li>Includes methanol extraction capability and optional pH detection</li></ul><h5><strong>User-Friendly Operation</strong></h5><ul><li>Unique software for prioritizing urgent/rush samples</li><li><strong>400:1 dilution capability</strong> for flexible workflows</li><li>Intuitive control software accessible from any PC in the lab</li><li>Programmable soil needle depth to minimize clogging</li><li>Automated hot water rinse cycle to reduce carryover</li></ul><h4><strong>Technical Specifications</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Configurations</strong>: Water/Soil purge &amp; trap system or Water-only system</li><li><strong>Sample Capacity</strong>: 100 water samples / 90 soil samples</li><li><strong>Dilution Capability</strong>: Up to 400:1</li><li><strong>Carryover Control</strong>: Programmable hot water rinse</li><li><strong>Additional Functions</strong>: Methanol extraction, pH detection (optional)</li><li><strong>Software</strong>: Intuitive, PC-based control with rush sample handling</li></ul>

EST Analytical EVOLUTION 2 Purge and Trap Concentrator

The EST Analytical EVOLUTION 2 concentrator delivers EPA-compliant VOC analysis with patented flow control, faster cycles, and compact, user-friendly design.

<p><strong>Developed with direct input from laboratory users, the EVOLUTION 2 purge and trap concentrator combines USEPA compliance with high productivity, stability, and simplified maintenance. Designed for reliable VOC concentration, it delivers superior performance and minimizes downtime, making it an ideal solution for today’s demanding laboratory environments.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/EST_Analytical_EVOLUTION_2_Purge_and_Trap_Concentrator_2_b841c750b8.jpg" alt="EST Analytical: EVOLUTION 2 Purge and Trap Concentrator" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_EST_Analytical_EVOLUTION_2_Purge_and_Trap_Concentrator_2_b841c750b8.jpg 129w," sizes="100vw" width="570" height="689"></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><h5><strong>Engineered for Accuracy</strong></h5><ul><li>Unique 8-port valve pathway ensures advanced moisture control</li><li>Enhanced ventilation system shortens trap cool-down times</li><li>Patented <strong>Desorb Pressure Control (DPC)</strong> for improved chromatography results</li><li>Patented <strong>Desorb Flow Control (DFC)</strong> optimized for USEPA 524 methods</li></ul><h5><strong>Maximized Productivity</strong></h5><ul><li>Faster trap cooling reduces cycle times</li><li>Automated signaling boosts sample throughput</li><li>Innovative flow path design minimizes sample carryover</li><li>Proven <strong>Moisture Reduction Trap (MORT)</strong> technology</li><li>Dual-mode functionality for higher output and flexibility</li></ul><h5><strong>User-Friendly Operation</strong></h5><ul><li>Intuitive, advanced software interface</li><li>Quick-access design with removable covers for trap maintenance</li><li>Compact footprint saves valuable bench space</li></ul><h4><strong>Technical Specifications</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Compliance</strong>: USEPA 524 and related VOC methods</li><li><strong>Sample Pathway</strong>: 8-port valve with advanced moisture control</li><li><strong>Patented Features</strong>: DPC (Desorb Pressure Control), DFC (Desorb Flow Control), MORT (Moisture Reduction Trap)</li><li><strong>Productivity</strong>: Dual-mode operation, automated cycle optimization</li><li><strong>Design</strong>: Compact footprint, easy maintenance access</li></ul>

Products from category Purge and Trap focused on Purge and Trap from EST Analytical - page 1

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