Material Analysis · Chromatography & Diagnostics

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Characterise volatile and semi-volatile composition, retention time and mass spectrum, and target concentration or evolved-product profile using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.

  • Volatile and semi-volatile composition
  • Retention time and mass spectrum
  • Target concentration or evolved-product…
  • GC-FID
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Representative Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry equipment selected for the TESTDOG service catalogue
Price
from£450
per sample, excl. VAT
Turnaround
8 working days
Preparation and scope dependent
Available platforms
Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris GC 240Shimadzu GCMS-QP2050Agilent 5977BMettler Toledo TGA/DSC 3+
Typical outputs
GC chromatogramMass spectra and peak tableLibrary matches, target concentrations, or pyrolysis/thermal-desorption profileProcessed chromatogram or spectrum

Why this service

What GC-MS can help you understand

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry is selected when the project needs defensible information on volatile and semi-volatile composition, retention time and mass spectrum, or target concentration or…

01

Volatile and semi-volatile composition

GC-FID

02

Retention time and mass spectrum

GC-MS or GC-MS/MS

03

Target concentration or evolved-product profile

headspace, SPME, thermal desorption, or pyrolysis

Choose the scope

Start from the question, not the tool

The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.

GC-FID

volatile and semi-volatile composition

Best used when
volatile and semi-volatile composition
Typical result
GC chromatogram
Preparation note
Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.

Common outputs

A result package matched to the decision you need to make

Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.

StandardGC chromatogram

GC chromatogram reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.

StandardMass spectra and peak table

Mass spectra and peak table supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.

OptionalLibrary matches, target concentrations, or pyrolysis/thermal-desorption profile

Library matches, target concentrations, or pyrolysis/thermal-desorption profile provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.

OptionalProcessed chromatogram or spectrum

Processed chromatogram or spectrum included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.

Example results

What GC-MS results can look like

GC-MS result: The plot shows gas chromatogram analysis in total ion chromatogram mode of the 12 mycotoxins at 4 μg/mL
Separation chromatogram

The plot shows gas chromatogram analysis in total ion chromatogram mode of the 12 mycotoxins at 4 μg/mL.

Ziyang Jia et al. · source · CC BY
GC-MS result: The plot shows gas chromatogram analysis in total ion chromatogram mode of DON at two different derivatization temperature
Separation chromatogram

The plot shows gas chromatogram analysis in total ion chromatogram mode of DON at two different derivatization temperature.

Ziyang Jia et al. · source · CC BY

Sample requirements

What to provide before work begins

Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.

Suitable sampleSubmission requirementPlanning note
Powder / particlesProvide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container.Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.
Film / coatingProvide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked.State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Liquid / solutionProvide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent.Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Gas / headspaceProvide the gas composition, concentration range, cylinder or sampling format and required pressure.Gas compatibility, fittings, flow and safety controls are confirmed before acceptance.

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 Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry?

Provide powder / particles, film / coating, liquid / solution, gas / headspace 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 volatile and semi-volatile composition, start with GC-FID; add GC-MS or GC-MS/MS 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?

Non-volatile, thermally unstable, or strongly polar compounds may need derivatisation or another method. Library matches are provisional without standards and retention evidence.

Configure the service

Send the information needed to scope GC-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
GC-MS analysisfrom£450

Typical turnaround: 8 working days

Configure & Book