<title>Quality issues in the use of ion mobility spectrometry</title>

Abstract

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is often used in the detection of explosives and drugs in the laboratory and field scenarios. It is gaining popularity in the semiquantitative analysis of these and related compounds. We have successfully used IMS in studies with cocaine, 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene (TNT) and similar chemicals, and have developed a protocol to access and ensure the quality of our data. This protocol employs TNT as the reference standard in the IMS negative mode and cocaine hydrochloride as the reference standard in the IMS positive mode. A five-point calibration curve is normally generated for each reference compound in order to determine a concentration level suitable for quality control (QC) check solutions. We have established peak amplitudes and reduced mobility constants for the QC solutions that must be met each day before proceeding with analyses. Any deviation from these criteria requires assessment of the problem and appropriate corrective action. We have found this procedure helpful in maintaining data quality, and in providing an early indication of potential problems. The present paper focuses on the use of IMS with explosives though several examples are given with cocaine hydrochloride.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.