Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/GC-MS-MS)

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS and GC-MS/MS) combines the separation power of gas chromatography with the identification and quantification capability of mass spectrometry to analyze volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds with exceptional sensitivity and specificity. The technique works by vaporizing sample components, separating them through a capillary GC column, then identifying each compound by its unique mass fragmentation pattern — comparable to a molecular fingerprint matched against spectral libraries.

Auriga Research operates both single quadrupole GC-MS for identification and screening, and triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS for quantitative analysis at trace levels. The tandem MS configuration enables Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode, which provides the selectivity and sensitivity required for pesticide residue analysis in complex food matrices at residue limits as low as 10 micrograms per kilogram.

In pharmaceutical testing, GC-MS is the primary technique for residual solvent analysis per ICH Q3C and USP <467>. In food testing, GC-MS/MS is deployed for multi-residue pesticide screening covering 300+ pesticide compounds in fruits, vegetables, spices, cereals, and processed foods. Environmental testing uses GC-MS for volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis in air, water, and soil matrices.