LimsPulse
Chromatography

Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Couples a gas chromatograph to a mass spectrometer so each volatile compound is separated and then identified from its fragmentation pattern. Used for unknown volatile impurities, nitrosamines, residual solvent confirmation and extractables.

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Environmental
  • Forensic and toxicology
  • Food & flavour
  • Petrochemical
  • Packaging
Photo of a Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Photo: Polimerek, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
CALIBRATION

GC-MS calibration procedures

Mass calibration (autotune)

Runs the automatic tune with perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA) to set lens voltages and calibrate the mass axis, then reviews the tune report.

Open procedure
QUALIFICATION

Instrument qualification (DQ · IQ · OQ · PQ)

  1. 01

    DQ — Design qualification

    Defines mass range, sensitivity, scan speed, ionisation modes, sample introduction (liquid, headspace) and software / library needs.

  2. 02

    IQ — Installation qualification

    Confirms installation, gas supplies, vacuum pump-down, exhaust, software and library versions.

  3. 03

    OQ — Operational qualification

    Tests GC functions (oven temperature, flow) and MS functions: mass calibration, resolution, sensitivity (S/N for a test compound such as octafluoronaphthalene) and scan performance.

  4. 04

    PQ — Performance qualification

    Routine tune checks and a system suitability standard show the system stays fit for its methods.

In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every GC-MS in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how