<h4>Introduction&nbsp;</h4>Millions of tests, measurements and examinations are made every day in thousands of laboratories around the world. There are innumerable reasons underpinning them, for example: as a way of valuing goods for trade purposes; supporting healthcare and construction; checking the quality and safety of food and feed; and in forensic analysis and environmental monitoring. Virtually every aspect of society is supported in some way by analytical work.&nbsp;The cost of carrying out these measurements is high and additional costs may arise from decisions made on the basis of the results. For example, tests showing food to be unfit for consumption may result in compensation claims. In addition, tests confirming the presence of banned drugs could result in fines or imprisonment. Clearly it is important to make a correct measurement and be able to show that the result is correct.<h4>The validation/verification process</h4>Most analysts know that method validation/verification is important, but exactly why, how and when it should be done is not always clear.&nbsp;Method validation/verification is the process whereby the laboratory demonstrates whether or not a method is ‘fit for purpose’ (Fig. 1). This means that the tests carried out should be appropriate with respect to uncertainty, cost, time etc. The final report should present analytical data in such a way that the customer can, readily, interpret it and draw appropriate conclusions.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_The_validation_verification_82742c1029.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Fig. 1. The method validation/verification process. The laboratory ‘translates’ the customer’s problem into an analytical requirement, i.e. the method performance required to solve the problem. Method validation/verification includes a stage where various performance characteristics are evaluated and then compared with analytical requirements." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_The_validation_verification_82742c1029.jpg 124w," sizes="100vw" width="821" height="1029"><h4>The Eurachem Guide&nbsp;</h4>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2242">Guide from Eurachem</a> (Fig. 2) gives practical advice on how method validation/verification can be accomplished. The Guide and its supplements [1-4]:&nbsp;<ul><li>Introduce the basic concepts related to method validation and method verification;&nbsp;</li><li>Indicate how to plan, record and report validation and verification studies to best support the statement of ‘fitness for purpose’;&nbsp;</li><li>Provide key definitions and the rationale behind the experiments for assessing the various performance characteristics and related topics (Fig. 3);&nbsp;</li><li>Include quick reference tables that suggest experiments together with the necessary statistical calculations for evaluation and reporting each performance characteristic;&nbsp;</li><li>Provide support to the analyst on how to make the best use of method validation data for setting up an internal quality control plan.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_The_Fitness_for_Purpose_of_Analytical_Methods_95fc1a74e3.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Fig. 2. The Eurachem Guide is available free of charge at www.eurachem.org." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_The_Fitness_for_Purpose_of_Analytical_Methods_95fc1a74e3.jpg 135w," sizes="100vw" width="1062" height="1231"><h4>How should methods be validated/verified?</h4>The guide focuses on a single-laboratory approach to method validation/verification and gives guidance on planning, carrying out and reporting method validation and verification studies. Any method validation or verification study will require the laboratory to investigate several performance characteristics:<ul><li>Precision<ul><li>Repeatability&nbsp;</li><li>Intermediate precision</li></ul></li><li>Trueness</li><li>Selectivity</li><li>Working range</li><li>Analytical sensitivity</li><li>Limit of detection</li><li>Limit of quantification</li><li>Ruggedness</li></ul>Exactly which characteristics are studied will depend on the analytical application. Verification of the performance of a standard method requires substantially less work than validation of a method developed in-house. Legislative/sectoral requirements must also be considered.&nbsp;Sampling and subsampling can be part of the measurement or testing procedure and must, in those cases, be validated.

The importance of being fit for purpose

🎤 Presenter: Rachel Halvorsen (University of Washington)💾 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/paper/32777">PDF presentation</a><h3>Abstract</h3>Historically, tile-based Fisher ratio (F-ratio) analysis of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) data was developed for analysts to obtain a hit list to discover which analytes are top hits that most significantly distinguish the sample classes, with lower F-ratio hits being ignored and/or discarded. To broaden the scope of tile-based F-ratio analysis we explore the ability of the software to discover all analyte components that are detected in a set of samples, taking full advantage of the tiling aspect of the software which mitigates the adverse impact of sample run–to–sample run retention time misalignment.&nbsp;For this study a set of nine petroleum samples are simultaneously analyzed and statistically compared via p-testing to blank chromatograms to produce one comprehensive hit list. The pin locations and signal areas at the top m/z F-ratio are used together with replicate blanks to generate a master peak table (MPT) that in turn is used to generate sample-specific peak tables (SSPT) for each sample that are naturally retention-time aligned via the F-ratio software. The nine petroleum samples vary to a large extent in the identity and number of analytes present, and a large number of trace analytes were discovered across samples. This workflow also facilitated generating simulated distillation curves for the nine petroleum samples to provide further chemical distribution insight.<h3>Video Transcription</h3>Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC×GC–MS) represents a powerful analytical technique for the characterization of complex mixtures such as petroleum-derived products. The enhanced separation capacity achieved through orthogonal chromatographic dimensions significantly increases peak capacity; however, it simultaneously introduces challenges in data processing and interpretation.This work presents a chemometric workflow designed to generate sample-specific peak tables from GC×GC–MS datasets. The approach was developed in collaboration with industrial partners, including Chevron, with the aim of enabling comprehensive compositional analysis of petroleum samples.<h4>Analytical Strategy and Instrumental Configuration</h4>The analytical method employed a conventional GC×GC separation strategy tailored for petroleum matrices:<ul><li>First dimension (1D): Nonpolar stationary phase for separation based primarily on volatility</li><li>Second dimension (2D): Highly polar stationary phase to enhance orthogonal separation</li><li>Modulation: Thermal modulation to transfer effluent from the first to the second dimension</li></ul>This configuration enables the transformation of complex chromatographic signals into structured two-dimensional datasets, often visualized as folded chromatograms for improved interpretability.The use of a highly polar second dimension was intentionally selected to maximize separation of chemically diverse analytes. In some cases, controlled “wraparound” effects were accepted, provided that coelution was avoided, thereby increasing effective peak capacity.<h4>Challenges in GC×GC–MS Data Processing</h4>While GC×GC–MS significantly improves separation, it produces a large number of peaks, including:<ul><li>High-abundance compounds representing bulk composition</li><li>Trace-level analytes with low signal intensity</li><li>Instrumental background contributions (e.g., column bleed)</li></ul>Standard peak detection approaches often struggle to:<ul><li>Capture low-intensity analytes</li><li>Distinguish true signals from background noise</li><li>Generate reproducible, sample-specific peak lists</li></ul>These challenges necessitate robust chemometric tools capable of handling high-dimensional datasets.<h4>Chemometric Workflow Overview</h4>The proposed workflow consists of the following key steps:<ol><li>Acquisition of replicate datasets<ul><li>Three replicates per sample</li><li>Inclusion of blank replicates treated as a separate “sample class”</li></ul></li><li>Tile-based F-ratio analysis<ul><li>Identification of statistically significant features across sample classes</li></ul></li><li>Tile-based P-test filtering (novel step)<ul><li>Determination of analyte presence in individual samples</li></ul></li><li>Generation of sample-specific peak tables<ul><li>Comprehensive list of detected analytes per sample</li></ul></li></ol><h4>Tile-Based F-Ratio Analysis</h4>Tile-based F-ratio analysis evaluates the ratio of:<ul><li>Between-class variance</li><li>Within-class variance</li></ul>This metric highlights regions of the chromatogram where signal intensity differs across samples.<h5>Key methodological modification</h5>Unlike conventional approaches, blank samples were treated as an independent sample class. This ensures that:<ul><li>Even analytes present at similar levels across all real samples exhibit variance relative to the blank</li><li>Low-contrast but analytically relevant features are retained</li></ul>Importantly, no F-ratio threshold was applied, allowing retention of both high- and low-variance features for further evaluation.<h4>Detection of Trace Analytes</h4>Visualization of chromatographic data revealed that:<ul><li>Linear-scale chromatograms underestimate late-eluting, low-intensity analytes</li><li>Log-scale representation exposes a large population of trace compounds</li></ul>This observation underscores the importance of including low-intensity signals in comprehensive peak detection workflows.<h4>Tile-Based P-Test for Analyte Confirmation</h4>The key innovation of this work lies in the application of a tile-based P-test to determine whether detected features correspond to true analytes in specific samples.<h5>Method principle</h5><ul><li>Signal distributions from blank tiles are used to estimate instrumental background noise</li><li>A Gaussian distribution is assumed for noise behavior</li><li>A confidence interval (e.g., 99%) is established</li><li>Each detected feature is tested against this threshold</li></ul><h5>Outcome</h5><ul><li>Features exceeding the threshold are classified as true analytes present in the sample</li><li>Features below the threshold are considered background or noise</li></ul>This approach enables objective discrimination between real peaks and background contributions, even for low-intensity signals.<h4>Reproducibility Across Replicates</h4>Analysis of replicate data demonstrated:<ul><li>High consistency in analyte classification</li><li>Only ~6.3% of features showed disagreement across replicates</li></ul>In most cases:<ul><li>All replicates consistently passed or failed the P-test</li><li>This supports the robustness of the statistical approach</li></ul><h4>Generation of Sample-Specific Peak Tables</h4>The final output of the workflow is a sample-specific peak table, representing:<ul><li>All confidently detected analytes in a given sample</li><li>Inclusion of both major and trace-level compounds</li></ul>Notably:<ul><li>Approximately 50% of detected peaks correspond to low-abundance analytes</li><li>The number of detected peaks increases with sample complexity</li></ul>This highlights the ability of the method to capture comprehensive chemical information, including minor constituents.<h4>Advantages of the Proposed Approach</h4>The presented workflow offers several key benefits:<ul><li>Retention time robustness due to tile-based analysis</li><li>Improved detection of trace analytes without extensive manual intervention</li><li>Reduced sensitivity to chromatographic shifts</li><li>Applicability to complex mixtures, particularly petroleum products</li><li>Compatibility with commercially available software tools</li></ul>Furthermore, the approach is adaptable to other chemometric frameworks, including variance-based methods, making it broadly applicable across analytical workflows.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The integration of tile-based F-ratio analysis with a novel P-test filtering strategy provides an effective solution for comprehensive peak detection in GC×GC–MS datasets. By leveraging statistical evaluation of signal versus background, the method enables reliable generation of sample-specific peak tables, capturing both major and trace-level analytes.This workflow represents a valuable advancement in chemometric data processing for complex analytical systems and offers strong potential for application across a wide range of sample types beyond petroleum matrices.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote>

Tile-based Fisher ratio of GC×GC-TOFMS data in petroleum samples (Rachel Halvorsen, MDCW 2026)

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 6th April 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezICPMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, BaySpec, poster by MDCW / William &amp; Mary and brochure by Shimadzu!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: High-Throughput BTEX Analysis in Nail Products by SPME and GC/TQ</h3>Minimal steps, maximum precision<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_btex_analysis_nail_products_spme_gctq_5994_9009en_agilent_24ef32dd13.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>BTEX compounds—benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes—are volatile aromatic hydrocarbons widely used as solvents in industrial and consumer products. Among these, toluene is the most prevalent in nail polish formulations, where it serves as a solvent to dissolve resins and pigments, ensuring smooth application, uniform color dispersion, and rapid drying. Historically, these properties made toluene a preferred ingredient in nail coatings, including traditional polishes, gel formulations, and nail art products. However, its inclusion presents challenges for regulatory compliance and product reformulation. In response to these challenges, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has listed nail products containing toluene as Priority Products under the Safer Consumer Products Regulations.1 Manufacturers selling such products in California must submit a Priority Product Notification and conduct an Alternative Analysis if toluene concentrations exceed the 100-ppm threshold.&nbsp;To support compliance and ensure accurate monitoring of BTEX levels in nail products, robust analytical methods are essential. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/TQ) has emerged as a preferred approach for volatile organic compound analysis due to its solvent-free sample preparation, high sensitivity, and compatibility with complex cosmetic matrices. The 8890 GC with 7000 Series GC/TQ offers enhanced detection capabilities through dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (dMRM), enabling precise quantification of BTEX compounds at trace levels, below regulatory thresholds. This platform provides the analytical rigor required for method validation, including limits of detection, recovery, and precision, ensuring compliance with California's stringent performance criteria and supporting industry efforts toward improving consumer product&nbsp;quality.&nbsp;<h4>Experimental</h4><h5>GC/TQ analysis&nbsp;</h5>Analyses were performed on an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890+GC">8890 GC</a> coupled to a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7000">7000 Series GC/TQ </a>equipped with an EI extractor ion source (Figure 2). The instrument operating parameters are listed in Table 2. The system was operated in splitless mode with an inlet temperature of 200&nbsp;°C, a purge flow of 3 mL/min, and a purge flow to split vent of 50&nbsp;mL/min at 2&nbsp;minutes. Carrier gas was helium at a constant flow of 0.693&nbsp;mL/min with a total flow of 53.7 mL/min. The chromatographic separation was accomplished on an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=DB-624+Ultra+Inert+column">Agilent J&amp;W DB-624 Ultra Inert column</a> (20&nbsp;m × 0.18&nbsp;mm, 1&nbsp;µm, part number 121-1324UI). The oven program started at 40&nbsp;°C (hold 2&nbsp;minutes), ramped at 35&nbsp;°C/min to 160&nbsp;°C, and held for 2.58&nbsp;minutes, giving a total run time of 8.0&nbsp;minutes. The transfer line was maintained at 230&nbsp;°C, with the ion source at 230&nbsp;°C and quadrupoles at 150&nbsp;°C.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>A rapid, high-throughput headspace‑SPME GC/TQ method was developed for quantifying BTEX in nail product matrices, using a 100-µm PDMS Agilent Smart SPME fiber on an Agilent 8890 GC with Agilent 7000 Series GC/TQ. The method provides solvent-free extraction, 8-minute chromatographic runs, and an ~11-minute total cycle time, enabling high-throughput analysis with robust selectivity in dMRM mode. Quality control results demonstrated mean recoveries of 100 to 107% with RSDs ≤ 8%, meeting method acceptance criteria for compliance-focused testing for toluene. Integration of Smart SPME automation and the intelligent features of the 8890 GC and 7000 Series GC/TQ allows a practical, defensible solution for routine laboratories monitoring BTEX in nail products. Calibration performance showed high linearity and low variance across the working ranges, with all compounds meeting initial calibration criteria via R² ≥ 0.995 or average RF RSD ≤ 20%. Combined with the short cycle time and automated fiber tracking, this workflow is ideally suited for routine compliance testing of BTEX in nail products using the 8890 GC and 7000&nbsp;Series GC/TQ.<h3>2. BaySpec: Detection of residual pesticides on fruits and vegetables using Portability miniature mass s pectrometer</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bay_Spec_App_Note_Portability_Pesticides_4a7311fb3e.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Pesticides are used in a variety of different ways during the production of food. Ranging from preventing crop damage by insects, rodents and molds during growth to prolonging storage of food after harvest. Because of the frequent usage, the residual pesticides are often found in many agricultural products and their monitoring and control is an important step in achieving and maintaining overall food safety in the modern society.&nbsp;Mass spectrometry in connection with different separation techniques currently represents the main analytical approach for determination of residual pesticides in food. Traditionally, samples need to be collected and send to a laboratory for analysis using techniques such as GC-MS or HPLC-MS, which are costly and time-consuming. In addition, the conventional mass spectrometry usually requires laborious sample pretreatment, which does not allow for immediate in-situ sample determination. Presented here is an application of Thermal Desorption ElectroSpray Ionization (TD-ESI) for pesticide screening coupled to a portable mass spectrometer.&nbsp;TD-ESI is a mass spectrometry technique from the family of ambient ionization methods that utilizes very simple probing of different surfaces with no or limited sample pretreatment while it is still noted for its selective and sensitive detection capabilities. In TD-ESI a solid surface or a liquid sample is touched by a simple metallic probe that absorbs the analyte. The probe is then inserted into a heated tube and the desorbed analyte is carried by gas flow into an orthogonally mounted electrospray. The electrospraty plume extracts the analyte and further ionization and ion introduction follows the conventional electrospray mechanism.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2219">Bayspec’s Portability mass spectrometer</a> is less than 10kg highly portable and battery operated linear ion trap mass spectrometer with atmospheric pressure inlet (API). When TD-ESI is combined with PortabilityTM then it is possible to perform fast in-field detection of analytes including residual pesticides, directly of the surfaces of fresh food products without any sample pre-treatment. Fast pesticide screening by Portability mass spectrometer can immediately disclose fake organic food products as well as to discover elevated levels of residual pesticides.&nbsp;TD-ESI-MS was used to rapidly screen residual pesticides on the surfaces of different fruits and vegetables. Direct sampling probe was used to introduce analytes from surfaces of unprocessed samples. Due to short analysis times (1-5s a sample), the technique allows for fast screening for applications in food and environmental safety. MS (as well as MS/MS) analyses can be performed on surface-residual pesticides at ppm and sub-ppm levels. The miniaturized TD-ESI ion source compatible with Portability is available from BaySpec. This ion source mounts on the Portability front inlet and does not require any additional support, external power or gases. The simple intuitive software interface is operated by touch screen and makes the instrument extremely easy to control. The external TD-ESI source is fully integrated into the main software environment and the hyphenated system is thus very user-friendly, does not require excessive training and can be operated by persons with no previous mass spectrometry experiences.<h3>3. MDCW / William &amp; Mary: Volatile Characterization of American Foulbrood Disease Using Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/P_15_Christensen_39521e3391.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>American foulbrood (AFB) is a deadly disease spread by Paenibacillus larvae bacterial spores, targeting the brood stage of Apis mellifera honey bees. Broods perish in a matter of days after exposure to the spores, forming infected colloidal scales in the hive that adult bees cannot remove. 1,2 The spores are extremely persistent and resistant to typical treatment methods, which standardized the immediate euthanasia of bees and destruction of the hive and associated equipment by burning. 3 In an effort to expedite identification of the spores, scent-detection dogs have been trained for use in apiaries. Furthermore, gammairradiation has been tested as a proposed treatment method as it would offer a nondestructive alternative to sterilization.The goals of this study were to use comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography – time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) to characterize the volatiles associated with AFB disease for understanding scent detection and to measure the effectiveness of gamma-irradiation in sterilizing these volatiles.<h4>Methods</h4>Samples included blanks, material from healthy comb, aged unsterilized diseased scales, fresh unsterilized diseased scales, and diseased scales sterilized with the proposed treatment method of gamma-irradiation. These samples were stored in headspace vials (Figure 3) in the freezer when not in use. No sample preparation was required before injection with solidphase microextraction using the LPAL-3 (CTC Analytics).Analysis was performed using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/37">Pegasus BT4D</a> (LECO Corporation) according to the parameters described below in Table 1. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/41">ChromaTOF software</a> (LECO Corporation) was used to analyze the chromatographic data. Preliminary identifications were assigned to peaks using a minimum signal to noise of 200 and a minimum stick count of 3.<h4>Conclusions</h4>GC×GC-TOFMS can be used to distinguish the volatile profiles of A. mellifera samples at different stages of infection with AFB disease. Future Directions for Research:&nbsp;<ul><li>Discrimination of volatiles specific to AFB from non-specific volatiles&nbsp;</li><li>Characterization of AFB-specific volatiles for scent-detection purposes&nbsp;</li><li>Measurement of gamma-irradiation sterilization success in removing AFB volatiles</li></ul><h3>4. Shimadzu: Screening System for Phthalate Esters, Brominated Flame Retardants and Other Regulated Substances Py-Screener Ver.3</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/c146_e507_45f041b0d7.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Py-Screener">Py-Screener™ Ver. 3</a> can screen for 7 types of phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants (PBBs, PBDEs), including substances regulated under the RoHS Directive. In addition, it can also test for PIP (3:1), which is regulated under the US TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act), as well as UV-328, Dechlorane Plus (DP), and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), which are regulated under the Stockholm Convention (POPs Convention) on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). These regulated compounds, thermally extracted from the sample by Pyrolysis-GC-MS (Py-GC-MS), are selectively detected and quantified. Py-Screener Ver. 3 consists of dedicated software for easy screening, special standard samples, and a sampling tool kit, making it simple to operate even for first-time users.<h5>Shimadzu Corporation’s Solutions for Complying with International Hazardous Substance Regulations</h5>When manufacturing and exporting products, it is necessary to comply with the chemical and hazardous substance regulations established by each country. Products contain many parts and use various materials and substances. Therefore, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to manage the entire supply chain to ensure that harmful substances are not contained. Shimadzu Corporation provides analysis solutions that comply with these regulations.<h5>Applicable Systems and Software</h5><ul><li>GC-MS: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GCMS-QP2020+NX">GCMS-QP™2020 NX</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GCMS-QP2020">GCMS-QP2020,</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GCMS-QP2010+Ultra">GCMS-QP2010 Ultra</a></li><li>Pyrolyzer: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=42&amp;search=EGA%2FPY-3030D">EGA/PY-3030D</a> multi-shot pyrolyzer</li><li>Autosampler: AS-2020E, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=42&amp;search=AS-1020E">AS-1020E auto-shot sampler&nbsp;</a></li><li>GC-MS Workstation: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GCMSsolution">GCMSsolution</a>™ (Ver. 4.60SP2 or later) + <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=LabSolutions+Insight">LabSolutions Insight</a>™ (Ver. 5.0 or later)</li><li>Py Workstation: EGA-PY3030 program (Ver. 1.54 or later)</li></ul>

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 15, 2026

Article

Application

Academy

Video

Presentation

Poster

The Multidimensional Chromatography (MDC) Workshop draws experts in this exciting field to share and discuss their research.

The Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

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

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

Phenomenex

PerkinElmer

Frontier Lab

Restek Corporation

SelectScience

In our Microplastics Symposium, hear from industry experts and peers working within the field of Microplastics.
With a mixture of live talks across various topic areas and product demonstrations, this event is a great opportunity to uncover more about microplastics analysis in the lab. We will also have our experts available to chat live on the day, allowing you to further increase your knowledge and skills on this topical issue.
<h3>What topic areas can you expect to see on the day?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Microplastics Analysis with the 8700 LDIR with a focus on the marine environment;</li>
<li>Quantification of Microplastics with GC/MSD;</li>
<li>Current activities in the world of standardization;</li>
<li>Microplastics Analysis with the GC/Q-TOF;</li>
<li>And more.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Agenda Live Sessions</h3>
<h5>08:30 BST | 09:30 CET Plastic Pollution - Sources, Pathways and Solutions</h5>
Presenter: Joao Frias (Marine litter and microplastic researcher Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology)
<h5>09:00 BST | 10:00 CET Microplastic Analytics: Current Activities in the World of Standardisation</h5>
Presenter: Claus Gerhard Bannick (Head of wastewater technology research at the Federal Environment Agency)
<h5>09:30 BST | 10:30 CET Status of microplastics characterization via ICP-mass spectrometry</h5>
Presenter: Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez (Postdoctoral Researcher | Ghent University)
<h5>10:00 BST | 11:00 CET Mass Balance Measurements in Microplastics: An Analytical Comparison of Thermal Extraction, Pyrolysis, and Thermal Extraction – Desorption GC/MS</h5>
Presenter: Kurt Thaxton (International Product Manager, Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis | Gerstel)
<h5>10:30 BST | 11:30 CET Detecting microplastics in environmental samples – examples from sludge, mussels, and release experiments</h5>
Presenter: Anders Baun (Head of Department | DTU Environment)
<h5>11:00 BST | 12:00 CET Approaches for the Evaluation of FTIR images</h5>
Presenter: Jana Weisser (Scientist PhD | Technical University of Munich (TUM))
<h5>11.30 BST | 12:30 CET Thermal analytical methods for Microplastics Analysis</h5>
Presenter: Ulrike Braun (Head of department | German Environmental Agency)
<h5>12.00 BST | 13:00 CET Analysis of microplastics and organic contaminants in marine matrices</h5>
Presenter: Laure Papillon (Engineering Administrative Technician | Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography; Mélanie Ourgaud, Post-doc | Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography)
<h5>13:00 BST | 14:00 CET Microplastics in aqueous samples – Requirements for sample preparation and analysis</h5>
Presenter: Svenja Mintenig (Phd Student | University of Wageningen)
<h5>13:30 BST | 14:30 CET Nano- and Microplastics Analysis via LDIR and ICP-MS</h5>
Presenter: Lars Hildebrandt (Researcher - Inorganic Environmental Chemistry | Helmholtz-Zntrum Hereon)
<h5>14:00 BST | 15:00 CET Looking beyond the polymer: Characterisation of Microplastics by Thermal Desorption GC/MS</h5>
Presenter: Helen Martin (Business Unit Manager - Thermal Desorption Instruments | Markes International)
<h5>14:30 BST | 15:30 CET Purency- Machine Learning vs. Databases: A question of speed, accuracy and scalability</h5>
Presenter: Benedikt Hufnagl (Chief Technology Officer at Purency | Vienna University of Technology)
<h5>15:00 BST | 16:00 CET Screening of Plastic Addititves and Organic contaminates in microplastics exposed to the Marine Environment by GC-QTOF and LC-QTOF</h5>
Presenter: José Benito Quintana (Associate Professor | Universidade de Santiago de Compostela)
<h5>15:30 BST | 16:30 CET Effective Digestion of Fish Stomachs and subsequant microplastics by LDIR</h5>
Presenter: José Manuel Andrade-Garda (Professor of Analytical Chemistry | University of Coruna)
<h5>16:00 BST | 17:00 CET Environmentally relevant weathered polymer libraries: The current absence, the urgent need, and the potential usage</h5>
Presenter: Rick McCumskay, PhD (Researcher | University of Hull)
<h5>16:30 BST | 17:30 CET Analysis of microplastics in the gastro-intestinal tract of fishes using LDIR chemical imaging</h5>
Presenter: Florian Breider (Head of Unit | École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL)

Agilent Technologies: Agilent - Microplastics in the Environment Virtual Symposium 2021

Agilent - Microplastics in the Environment Virtual Symposium 2021

Microplastics Analysis in the environment is a challenging task because of its micro/Nano sizes and trace/ultra-trace level concentrations (ppb and sub ppb). Although the presence of microplastics in drinking water, seawater, sediment, biota and even in air is reported by numerous reports, there are still many unanswered questions in terms of method selectivity, sensitivity and data quality. Still researchers are looking for right choice of protocol for sampling and sample preparations and analysis.
For analysis, techniques like FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy are most commonly used. But all these methods have its own challenges. We will be presenting a new method for the analysis of Microplastics which is based on Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (PY-GCMS). Microplastics identification and quantification by PGCMS is boosted by Frontier Lab’s Microplastic Software. 
In this webinar, you will get to learn about microplastics and its importance, Current methods and Challenges, a new method using PYGCMS and a Software. Please come and join OUR WEBINAR to learn more about it. 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Sathrugnan Karthikeyan
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Ichi Watanabe
</blockquote>

Frontier Laboratories: Identification and quantification of environmental microplastics

Identification and quantification of environmental microplastics 

<blockquote>
Presenter: Bill Hahn (Principle Field Application Specialist, PerkinElmer)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bill has had an extensive 40 year career beginning with Forensics/methods development, then consulting for several years before being Vice president of operations for a chain of environmental testing labs, including a CLP lab and over 200 chemists. Founded and operated a calibration standard company for 18 years. After selling his company, Bill started with PerkinElmer in 2012, where he is a Principle Field Application Specialist for GC, GC/MS and the portable GC/MS systems in North America.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/wiredsmartio: Portable GC/MS Tips & Tricks

Portable GC/MS Tips & Tricks

Using technical controls in laboratory informatics solutions is the best way to achieve both data integrity and regulatory compliance.
Whilst designing electronic workflows, three principles of laboratory automation must be followed:
<h5>1. Data acquisition at the point of origin:</h5>
Always interface instruments to acquire analytical data
<h5>2. Never transcribe data:</h5>
All data must be transferred electronically between systems using validated processes to avoid making transcription errors
<h5>3. Know where data is stored:</h5>
This may involve location and file naming conventions so that data can be retrieved easily for audit or inspection quickly and easily
Data process mapping should be used to identify vulnerabilities in the process and well as process inefficiencies and by using the three automation principles above, the vulnerabilities can be eliminated as well as ensuing data integrity and regulatory compliance is achieved. This results in a more efficient and effective process.
Further examples upon the approaches involving sample preparation and chromatographic analysis will also be discussed.
<h3>Watch this webinar, to learn:</h3>
<ul>
<li>How to ensure the integrity and compliance of reported data, from sampling to reporting.</li>
<li>How to utilise technical controls in laboratory informatics to ensure integrity and compliance.</li>
<li>The three principles of laboratory automation for designing effective workflows.</li>
</ul>
Presenter: Bob McDowall (Director, R D McDowall Limited)

Technology Networks: Data Reporting, Integrity and Compliance

Data Reporting, Integrity and Compliance

Headspace sampling is a simple and elegant method for volatile organic compound (VOC) extraction, which has been successfully used to detect and quantify biomarkers for respiratory disease and liver impairment.
Learn about an optimized method for the detection of key analytes such as aldehydes, alkanes and ketones from culture media samples. The method combines high-capacity sorptive extraction technology with automated thermal desorption (TD), coupled with gas chromatography (GC) separation and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, to provide reliable detection below 1 ng and high-throughput analysis of samples.
This webinar will showcase how Owlstone Medical, in collaboration with Markes, has developed headspace analytical methods for the detection of volatile biomarkers, putting us much closer to breath-based diagnostics for lung disease and liver impairment.
<h3>By attending this webinar, you will:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Learn about HiSorb™ for the extraction and analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds as indicators of disease and organ impairment</li>
<li>See how the Centri® platform can fully automate sample extraction &amp; desorption, improving laboratory productivity and analytical sensitivity.</li>
<li>Understand how analyte preconcentration, using cryogen-free trapping technology, can be optimized for low-level compounds of interest in complex sample types</li>
<li>Hear how the technique helped to overcome complex challenges, enabling the discovery of biomarkers to advance breath-based diagnostics</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who should attend?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Laboratories thinking of extending their sample extraction and analysis portfolio to answer growing business and research demands</li>
<li>Scientists interested in simplifying and expediting the analysis of complex samples, whether for discovery and development or routine monitoring and quality control</li>
<li>Environmental, flavor, scents, toxicology and diagnostics scientists</li>
<li>Laboratory managers/directors/supervisors interested in how advanced analytical techniques can provide a competitive edge and expand capabilities</li>
</ul>
<h3>Certificate of attendance</h3>
<ul>
<li>All webinar participants can request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary for continuing education purposes.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Alexandra Martin (Analytical research &amp; Development Scientist, Owlstone Medical Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Following her MSci in natural sciences at the University of Birmingham, Alexandra also completed her Ph.D. in biophysical chemistry at the University of Birmingham in 2020, researching the physicochemical differences between mammalian and bacterial model cell membranes. She joined Owlstone in 2020 as an applications scientist and now works in breath biopsy test projects aiming to diagnose early-stage lung cancer and other diseases using breath sampling, with a focus on headspace GC-MS techniques.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rachael Szafnauer (Applications Scientist, Markes International Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rachael Szafnauer received an MSci in forensic science from the University of South Wales, UK, where her final-year project focused on fingerprinting emerging psychoactive substances using advanced techniques such as GCxGC–TOF MS, in collaboration with Markes International. She later took up the role of thermal desorption product specialist at Markes, providing technical and application support to the commercial team, before taking on her current role as product marketing manager for the Centri product line and specializing in the development of applications using extraction and enrichment techniques for GC-MS.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Sarah Thomas (Selectscience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sarah studied biology at the University of Bath, UK, and has worked in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis. As a member of the Editorial team, Sarah plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

Unsplash/Brett Jordan: Detect, discover, diagnose: Uncovering biomarkers to advance non-invasive breath-based diagnostics

Detect, discover, diagnose: Uncovering biomarkers to advance non-invasive breath-based diagnostics

Non-authorized presence of ethylene oxide (ETO) and 2-chloroethanol (2CE) in sesame seeds and other food commodities is a new emerging food safety issue. First notification about the presence of ETO in sesame seeds dates from August 2020, and since then over 500 new notifications were published on the European Rapid Alert Food and Feed Safety (RASFF) portal. To ensure that foods are safe for consumption, food industry and enforcement agencies need reliable and robust methods to detect ETO and 2CE in foods preferably at levels at or below the set maximum residue limit of 0.05 mg/kg.
For the determination of these contaminants a combination of a QuEChERS sample preparation method and a GC-MS/MS analytical method was proposed by the EU Reference Laboratories for Residues of Pesticides. However, several challenges are encountered when it comes to the analysis of ETO and 2CE in various food products. The high volatility of ETO requires the use of a dedicated column to ensure separation from possible interference from acetaldehyde. 
Secondly, QuEChERS extracts often contain high amounts of non-volatile material which can accumulate in the inlet liner and column inlet, affecting the accuracy and robustness of the analysis. Integration of the Automated Liner Exchange (ALEX) option in the analysis of ETO and 2CE allowed to exchange the GC liner without stopping the analysis sequence and therefore with no downtime related to inlet maintenance.
Additionally, the analytical column was further protected by the integration of a pre-column with backflushing option. This allowed to remove high boiling compounds which reach the analytical column. Back-flushing was carried out while the analysis was occurring on the analytical column, keeping sample throughput unaffected. 
With this dedicated set-up based on an Agilent 8890 GC, an Agilent 7010 triple quadrupole MS and a Gerstel MPS sampler, a robust analytical solution was obtained, ensuring less downtime related to inlet maintenance, column changing and/or MS source cleaning. Limits of detection in the low range of µg/kg with excellent recovery and repeatability were obtained for sesame and curcuma samples. 
<h3>What you will learn:</h3>
Attendees will learn about how to deal with the analytical challenges of the determination of ETOX and 2-CE in food commodities and how a novel, robust and automated method can be implemented in their labs
<h3>Who should attend:</h3>
Food safety chemists, researchers and lab managers
<blockquote>
Presenter: Tatiana Cucu, Ph.D. (Senior Scientist/Project manager, Research Institute for Chromatography (RIC))
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Tatiana received her Ph.D. degree in the field of food safety and food quality in 2011 at University of Gent, Belgium. During her Ph.D. and later during her post-doc she developed analytical methods for the analysis of among other food allergens and food additives. In 2005 she joined the Research Institute for Chromatography (RIC) as senior scientist where she is involved in project related to development and optimisation of GC-MS and GC-MS/MS methods, miniaturisation and automatization of sample preparation methods and development of new applications for food, environmental, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Ulrike Leone: Analysis of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol in sesame seeds and other food commodities: challenges and solutions

Analysis of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol in sesame seeds and other food commodities: challenges and solutions

An Agilent 8890 GC with 7010 QQQ MS and a Gerstel MPS sampler ensuring less downtime related to inlet maintenance, column changing and/or MS source cleaning.

Ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol in sesame seeds

<blockquote>
Presenter: Rahela Banu (Business Development Manager, Phenomenex India)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rahela Banu holds a master’s degree in Micro Biology from Osmania University. She worked as a Microbiologist in Royal life sciences doing analysis of FAME by Gas chromatography from various microbial samples. Later started working with Merck as Patient Support counselor. After successful 3 years stint with them she moved to Phenomenex. 
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
She started as an Application specialist with Gas Chromatography; Being the sole person to handle GC technique entirely for 9 years, Rahela has gained vast experience in handling customer Applications/Inquiries catering to wide extended market segments. 
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rahela has traveled extensively through all parts of India reaching customers of various segments working with GC/HPLC/SPE technique as Industry Specialist; Having visited manufacturing plant of Phenomenex Torrance unit Rahela works very closely with GC developing team making a bridge between advanced technologies and customer applications. 
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Currently she is working as a Business Development Manager at Phenomenex India and is responsible for Seminars/webinars/training&#39;s/Global coordination/market development in all product lines that goes into this applied market segment PAN India
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: How to Achieve FAST GC METHODS without altering the Resolution

How to Achieve FAST GC METHODS without altering the Resolution

As part of the close collaboration between Phenomenex and chromatographers in the Food and Environmental Field, you are invited to our online seminar.
<h3>Agenda:</h3>
<ul>
<li>10:00 Introduction (Kate Parkinson)
</li>
<li>10:05 Sample Preparation and Chromatography Considerations in PFAS LC-MS-MS workflows for Complex Matrices (Jörg Baute)
</li>
</ul>
(20 minutes presentation + 5 minutes questions)
<ul>
<li>10:30 Confident quantification of per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (Jianru Stahl-Zeng)</li>
</ul>
(25 minutes Presentation + 5 Minutes Questions)
<ul>
<li>11:00 GC-MS: Improving Speed and Resolution of Dioxin and PCB Analysis of Environmental and Food Samples (Patrick Borkulo-Sankofa)</li>
</ul>
(25 minutes Presentation + 5 Minutes Questions)
<ul>
<li>11:30 PPCP in water intended for human consumption (Jianru Stahl-Zeng)</li>
</ul>
(25 minutes Presentation + 5 Minutes Questions)
<ul>
<li>12:00 End</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Patrick Borkulo-Sankofa (Senior Technical Consultant, Food and Environmental Accounts in Benelux, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jörg Baute (European Business Development Manager/Bioseparation Specialist, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jianru Stahl-Zeng (Senior Technical Marketing Manager , Environmental Applications, SCIEX)
</blockquote>

Advancements in Food and Environmental Applications - analysis of Dioxins and PCBs, PFAS, and PPCPs

In Gas chromatography 90% of the trouble experienced, is happening in the injection system.
We will discuss a series of practical examples.

GC Troubleshooting Basics

In this troubleshooting session we will discuss the purpose and impact of split and splitless injection.

We probably have all experienced this at some point when performing gas chromatography and our peak shape begins to appear a bit different.
Often the best way to approach troubleshooting is to also consider what ‘cannot’ cause an issue so that precious time is not spent addressing something that cannot cause the issue. This webinar will arm you with some simple tools, and a different way to look at troubleshooting, should a problem arise.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mark Sinnott (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mark Sinnott works for Agilent Technologies as a Technical Support Engineer in the Consumables and Supplies Division (CSD) at the capillary column manufacturing facility (the “J&amp;W Scientific” location). In his position at Agilent, Mark performs technical support and applications assistance to gas chromatographers worldwide. He has more than 22 years of experience in gas chromatography, including environmental analysis of compounds in air, soil and water matrices, including dissolved gas analysis for the electrical industry. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from California State University, Sacramento, and currently resides in Sacramento.
</blockquote>

Get Your Peaks into Shape: General GC Column Troubleshooting