Two-dimensional retention coordinates
GCxGC-TOF-MS
Material Analysis · Chromatography & Diagnostics
Comprehensive Two-Dimensional GC-MS (GCxGC-MS)
Characterise two-dimensional retention coordinates, volatile and semi-volatile composition, and co-eluting trace components and class patterns using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£60 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 8 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- LECO Pegasus BT 4DAgilent 7890APegasus 4DGC2022001 GGT0620
- Typical outputs
- 2D chromatogram/contour plotPeak table with spectra and library matchesTarget concentrations or class-group analysis where scopedProcessed chromatogram or spectrum
Why this service
What GCxGC-MS can help you understand
Comprehensive Two-Dimensional GC-MS is selected when the project needs defensible information on two-dimensional retention coordinates, volatile and semi-volatile composition, or co-eluting trace…
Volatile and semi-volatile composition
heart-cut multidimensional GC
Co-eluting trace components and class patterns
targeted or untargeted workflow
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
GCxGC-TOF-MS
two-dimensional retention coordinates
- Best used when
- two-dimensional retention coordinates
- Typical result
- 2D chromatogram/contour plot
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Heart-cut multidimensional GC
volatile and semi-volatile composition
- Best used when
- volatile and semi-volatile composition
- Typical result
- Peak table with spectra and library matches
- Preparation note
- Gas compatibility, fittings, flow and safety controls are confirmed before acceptance.
Targeted or untargeted workflow
co-eluting trace components and class patterns
- Best used when
- co-eluting trace components and class patterns
- Typical result
- Target concentrations or class-group analysis where scoped
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
2D chromatogram/contour plot reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Peak table with spectra and library matches supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Target concentrations or class-group analysis where scoped provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed chromatogram or spectrum included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Gas / headspace | Provide the gas composition, concentration range, cylinder or sampling format and required pressure. | Gas compatibility, fittings, flow and safety controls are confirmed before acceptance. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Comprehensive Two-Dimensional GC-MS?
Provide liquid / solution, gas / headspace, device / assembly, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For two-dimensional retention coordinates, start with GCxGC-TOF-MS; add heart-cut multidimensional GC when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 8 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Method optimisation and data processing are complex. Library identification remains provisional without standards and retention evidence.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope GCxGC-MS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth