Open Probe fast GC–MS—Real time analysis with separation

Abstract

An Open Probe inlet was combined with a low thermal mass (LTM) ultra fast gas chromatograph (GC) and mass spectrometer (MS) of GC–MS for obtaining real time analysis with separation. The Open Probe is based on a vaporization oven that is open to room air while having helium purge flow protection to eliminate air leakage into the oven and MS ion source. Sample introduction into the Open Probe is as simple as touch the sample, push the sample holder into the Open Probe oven and have the results in 20–30s. The Open Probe is mounted onto the LTM fast GC that is coupled with the MS of either GC–MS with Cold EI or standard GC–MS. Open Probe fast GC–MS provides real time analysis in combination with GC separation, library identification, absence of ion suppression effects and uniform electron ionization response for improved quantitation, and it uses the low cost MS of GC–MS. The operation of the Open Probe fast GC–MS is demonstrated in the 20s separation and 40s full analysis cycle time of heroin in its street drug powder, cockroach repeller liquid residue on tomato in 30s and trace TNT on human hand in 40s.