Can the design of a gas chromatograph (GC) impact the productivity of your laboratory? The answer is yes, especially when it allows you to work more efficiently. In a previous blog post, I described <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/analyteguru/how-modularity-delivers-innovation-in-the-gas-chromatography/">how modularity delivers innovation in the gas chromatography world</a>. It highlighted the benefits to laboratories of the modular concept of the Thermo Scientific TRACE 1300 Series GC.With the introduction of the new Thermo Scientific <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/483">TRACE 1600 Series GC</a>, the modular architecture continues to deliver <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAvW8SQEQ0M&amp;pp=ygUKVFJBQ0UgMTYwMA%3D%3D">cost- and time-savings opportunities</a> to users, thanks to a comprehensive choice of self-installable iConnect injector and detector modules. Each module is identified by a serial number for easy tracking in the laboratory and can be qualified as a separate item, so it can be safely interchanged on a GC instrument maintaining compliance with internal quality protocols.An enlightening infographic is available for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://go.labx.com/4-routes-to-gc-lab-efficiency">downloading</a>, illustrating the four ways to increase laboratory efficiency through the modular concept of the TRACE 1600 Series GC. Don’t miss it.<h3>1. Swap downtime for runtime</h3>High-throughput testing laboratories as well as QA/QC labs need to deliver quality results on time.&nbsp; In a situation where a laboratory needs to quickly solve a contamination issue, for example, or needs to quickly recover a correct instrument behavior, the module replacement allows you to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/CMD/brochures/sp-74147-gc-modularity-TRACE1600-sp74147-en.pdf">restore running conditions in less than 30 minutes</a>, including cooling and powering down the instrument, disconnecting the column from the original injector module, removing the module, and plugging in the new one, re-connecting the column, and powering up the GC again. The same operation on a conventional GC design would require a service call and a day of instrument downtime. In a situation where the laboratory has a spare module available, no troubleshooting actions are needed and no service call, reducing instrument downtime to half an hour —all with the limited investment of a spare module.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_4_Ways_to_Increase_Your_GC_Lab_s_Efficiency_2_ec40ea6c18.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: 4 Ways to Increase Your GC Lab’s Efficiency" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_4_Ways_to_Increase_Your_GC_Lab_s_Efficiency_2_ec40ea6c18.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="719" height="479"><h3>2. Optimize running costs</h3>A way to increase your laboratory’s efficiency is to make better use of the available resources and optimize running costs by reducing underutilized instrumentation in the lab. The modular concept of unlimited GC configurations and the ability to share modules on any Thermo Scientific TRACE 1300 and 1600 Series GC, multiplies the analytical possibilities. With the increased flexibility gained from modular capabilities, an instrument no longer needs to remain idle because it’s not configured to run particular sample types. More efficient use of your GC instruments optimizes costs and accelerates the return on investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_4_Ways_to_Increase_Your_GC_Lab_s_Efficiency_3_9934c72df9.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: 4 Ways to Increase Your GC Lab’s Efficiency." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_4_Ways_to_Increase_Your_GC_Lab_s_Efficiency_3_9934c72df9.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="617" height="617"><h3>3. Maximize your investment</h3>Start-up, non-routine laboratories may initially face limited budgets, so investments need to be prioritized. Short-terms requirements are clear but future requirements remain uncertain; the same GC may be required for different applications. So which configuration should be considered to balance the initial investment with growing analytical requirements?With conventional GC, saving money today may mean higher costs in the future.&nbsp; Through modularity, you can invest based on current requirements and benefit from additional modules when they are necessary, with no additional fees. &nbsp;Modularity opens up to high flexibility to quickly adapt the GC system to current and future needs and easily address evolving priorities.<h3>4. Free up bench space</h3>With a width of only 44 cm (17.3 inch), the compact size of the TRACE 1600 series GC allows your lab to optimize valuable bench space, allowing you to position more instruments in a limited space. Additionally, having the capability to quickly install and uninstall injectors and detectors and having spare iConnect modules on hand for fast replacement, eliminates the need for maintaining a duplicate GC back-up instrument, removing associated cost of operation and further optimizing valuable bench space.The modular design of your next GC system will revolutionize the way you work in your laboratory.<blockquote><section>Dr. Daniela CavagninoDr. Daniela Cavagnino is global Product Marketing Manager for GC and Autosampler/front-end solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She received her Master's Degree in Chemistry at the University of Milan, Italy. She started her career in gas chromatography spending several years in R&amp;D laboratories working on GC technology innovation. She then conveyed her technical background into product management and marketing management roles with more than 20 years' experience in promoting GC/GC-MS technology and applications in several different market segments. During her career, she has participated as author and co-author in technical publications and actively operated as lecturer at international conferences.</section></blockquote>

4 Ways to Increase Your GC Lab’s Efficiency

Profiling of free fatty acids in wort using an isolator column-assisted LC-MS/MS approach

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 13th October 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you posters by Shimadzu / AOAC and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Shimadzu / AOAC: Determination of Toxic Elements in Chilli Powder using Shimadzu ICPMS-2050</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/aoac_2025_m026_c76104ed94.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Spices, particularly red chillies, are essential and integral part of cuisines, offering not only distinctive flavour and aroma but also provides nutritional and preservative benefits. However, the growing concern of heavy metal contamination in chillies presents a significant threat to food safety, public health, and international trade. Effective monitoring and stringent quality control are essential to safeguard consumer well-being and maintain economic stability.This study details a precise ICPMS method with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=ICPMS-2050">ICPMS-2050</a> for quantifying toxic elements in chilli powder, developed in strict adherence to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)1 regulations. The complex matrix of chilli powder presents significant analytical challenges for the accurate and efficient recovery of trace heavy metal elements. The presence of diverse organic compounds and high oil content can interfere with standard digestion procedures, leading to suboptimal extraction efficiencies and compromised analytical recovery of critical elements such as lead, cadmium and arsenic.<h4>Results&nbsp;</h4>Quantitation results for As, Cd, Hg &amp; Pb in chilli samples found to be BLOQ. Validation parameters like linearity, recovery and precision were studied to establish LOQs. This method successfully achieved LOQ of 0.250 ppm in sample. The summary results and system stability are shown in Table 4, 5, 6, 7 &amp; 8 respectively. As per FSSAI guideline. BLOQ – Below limit of quantitation, LOQ – Limit of quantitation&nbsp;<h5>Linearity&nbsp;</h5>NIST traceable calibration standards were used for linearity study and quantification of spiked samples. Six level calibrations curve was plotted for 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10 &amp; 20 ppb concentration levels. For all calibration standards accuracy was found within 80 to 120 % range.&nbsp;<h5>Recovery&nbsp;</h5>Recovery was studied at 0.250 ppm spiked samples against calibration curve. Six preparations for each brand of samples were prepared. Mean recoveries were found to be within 80 -120 % at LOQ level (Refer Table 5).<h5>Precision&nbsp;</h5>For precision, repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility studies were carried out. RSDr : The % RSD for 3 replicates of each sample aspiration at LOQ (0.250 ppm) levels was found to be less than 20 % (Refer Table 6). RSDR : Reproducibility experiment for recoveries was performed on 6 different spiked samples at 0.250 ppm concentration levels. The % RSD of 6 spiked samples at their respective LOQ level was found to be less than 10 % (Refer Table 7).&nbsp;<h4>Conclusion</h4><ul><li>This study demonstrates that the Shimadzu ICPMS system is a reliable and effective instrument for quantifying toxic elements in chilli powder samples.</li><li>Because of the complex nature of chilli powder, higher dilution factor needed to be applied in conjunction with Shimadzu’s Octa-plate Collision Cell technology to minimizes spectral interferences for achieving lower LOQs.</li><li>The Shimadzu ICPMS enables trace-level detection in samples, contributing to enhanced method ruggedness and ensuring consistent, reproducible analyte detection.</li><li>The combination of a highly sensitive instrument and a robust analytical method makes it wellsuited for use in testing laboratories for the analysis of toxic elements in chilli powder.</li></ul><h3>2. Thermo Fisher Scientific: High sensitivity tin speciation using a new GC interface with Sector Field High Resolution ICP-MS</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_43431_EWCPS_2017_high_sensitivity_tin_speciation_hr_icp_ms_gc_interface_po43431_en_ef893ded0e.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li><li>Often the total elemental concentration of an analyte is not sufficient to accurately assess its impact on the environment or human health.&nbsp;</li><li>That is because toxicity and mobility are dependent on the species of the analyte.&nbsp;</li><li>Tin, for example, can be found in a variety of molecules, each with different degrees of toxicity and persistence.&nbsp;</li><li>Tributyltin (TBT) is widespread in the environment due to its mobile and persistent nature.&nbsp;</li><li>As TBT is toxic at very low concentrations, there are strict legislative limits (e.g. the European Water Framework Directive)</li></ul><h4>MATERIALS AND METHODS&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1670">Thermo Scientific™ ELEMENT XR™ HR-ICP-MS</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/3">Thermo Scientific™ TRACE™ 1310 GC</a> were coupled with the Thermo Scientific™ GCI 200 Interface.<h4>CONCLUSIONS&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Because of the high acceleration voltage of Sector Field ICP-MS this technique is extremely sensitive.&nbsp;</li><li>In combination with its low backgrounds, this leads to the low detection limits required for sensitive tin speciation analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>The stable temperature profile and the absence of cold spots avoids condensation and peak broadening.&nbsp;</li><li>Minimal tailing on high boiling compounds.&nbsp;</li><li>Minimal memory and carryover effects.&nbsp;</li><li>By means of the flexible and light design of the heated transfer line, the ICP-MS torch position can be easily tuned.</li></ul>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 42, 2025

Determination of Chemical Mixtures in Environmental, Food, and Human Samples Using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry-Based Suspect Screening Approaches

Molecular Sensory Analysis Confirms Wood Smoke Exposure as a Source of Smoky Off-Flavors in Fermented Cocoa

<h3>Introduction</h3>MOSH and MOAH analysis remains one of the most challenging and closely scrutinized areas in food and packaging safety testing. With evolving regulations, updated standards such as ISO 20122:2024, and increasing expectations for data quality and throughput, laboratories are under constant pressure to deliver accurate, reproducible, and compliant results.To help laboratories navigate this complexity, Thermo Fisher Scientific and SampleQ hosted an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5817">Ask the Experts</a> session focused entirely on MOSH/MOAH analysis using LC-GC-FID and GC×GC-FID/MS workflows. Analytical specialists addressed real-world questions from scientists and lab managers—covering sample preparation, quality control, internal standards, data processing, and system selection.This blog brings together the most important expert insights and practical guidance from that session, providing a valuable reference for anyone responsible for MOSH/MOAH testing.<h3>Why MOSH/MOAH analysis is so challenging</h3>Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) are complex mixtures rather than single compounds. Their broad carbon number distribution, co-elution with natural matrix components, and sensitivity to sample preparation steps make analysis technically demanding.At the same time, regulatory scrutiny continues to increase, particularly for MOAH due to potential carcinogenicity. Laboratories must therefore balance:<ul><li>Regulatory compliance</li><li>Robust quantification</li><li>Reliable identification of markers</li><li>High sample throughput</li></ul>The Ask the Experts session focused on how modern, integrated workflows can help labs meet all these demands.<h3>Are MOSH/MOAH sample preparation steps matrix dependent?</h3>One of the most common questions from laboratories is whether MOSH/MOAH sample preparation can be standardized across all matrices.The expert answer: it depends on the matrix—and validation is essential.For fats and oils, certain steps are always required:<ul><li>Saponification</li><li>Epoxidation</li></ul>However, alumina (Alox) clean-up is matrix dependent. Practical comparisons show that:<ul><li>Some matrices benefit from Alox clean-up</li><li>Others may suffer from analyte loss if Alox is applied unnecessarily</li></ul>For non-fat matrices, sample preparation must be carefully selected, and method validation is critical to ensure accuracy and recovery.Key takeaway: There is no universal sample prep recipe for MOSH/MOAH. Laboratories must adapt workflows to their matrices while staying aligned with ISO 20122 guidance.<h3>Managing multiple sample prep options in a busy lab</h3>Many labs analyze a wide variety of matrices daily. Running different sample prep workflows manually can be time-consuming and error-prone.Experts highlighted how software-driven workflows help solve this challenge:<ul><li>Multiple sample prep methods can run in the same sequence</li><li>Optional steps (such as Alox clean-up) can be toggled per sample</li><li>Overlapping methods maximize instrument utilization</li><li>Analysts only need to weigh samples and load reagents—automation handles the rest</li></ul>E-workflows simplify method selection and ensure the correct prep is applied every time, reducing training requirements and minimizing human error.For lab managers, this translates into:<ul><li>Higher throughput</li><li>More consistent results</li><li>Less hands-on time for skilled analysts</li></ul><h3>Which internal standard is best for MOAH quantification?</h3>Internal standard selection is critical for reliable MOAH quantification. The experts addressed this directly, referencing extensive comparative studies.Three candidates were evaluated:<ul><li>1-Methylnaphthalene (1-MN)</li><li>2-Methylnaphthalene (2-MN)</li><li>Tert-butylbenzene (TBB)</li></ul>Based on repeatability, reproducibility, recovery, and accuracy, TBB emerged as the clear winner and is now specified in ISO 20122.<h3>Why TBB?</h3><ul><li>More stable behavior across sample prep steps</li><li>Better overall performance in routine analysis</li><li>Improved consistency between laboratories</li></ul>For labs updating or validating MOSH/MOAH methods, aligning internal standards with ISO recommendations is strongly advised.<h3>How should ISO criteria for internal standard recovery be interpreted?</h3>A frequent point of confusion is how to interpret internal standard recovery limits defined in ISO methods.The experts clarified an important distinction:<ul><li>Recovery criteria apply to direct injections of internal standards</li><li>All components should fall within 90–110% of the quantification standard</li><li>Perylene is allowed a slightly broader range (80–100%)</li></ul>In real samples, internal standard recoveries can vary due to legitimate chemical effects:<ul><li>Epoxidation may reduce perylene</li><li>Alox clean-up can reduce cholestane</li><li>Saponification may affect methylnaphthalenes</li><li>Some hydrocarbons may be naturally present in the matrix</li></ul>Bottom line: Deviations in sample recoveries do not automatically indicate method failure. Understanding the chemistry behind each step is key to correct interpretation.<h3>Do you still need LC-GC-FID if you have GC×GC-MS?</h3>As GC×GC-MS becomes more accessible, many labs ask whether it can replace LC-GC-FID entirely.According to current EURL guidance:<ul><li>GC×GC is primarily intended for identification, not quantification</li><li>Quantification using GC×GC-FID is technically possible but not yet recommended</li><li>LC-GC-FID remains the reference technique for MOSH/MOAH quantification</li></ul>GC×GC-MS plays a complementary role by:<ul><li>Confirming the presence of aromatic markers and MOSH markers like hopanes, steranes and particular naphthenes</li><li>Differentiating mineral oil components from biogenic interferences</li><li>Supporting risk assessment and regulatory discussions</li></ul>For now, the most robust approach is a combined workflow:<ul><li>LC-GC-FID for quantification</li><li>GC×GC-FID/MS for confirmation and identification</li></ul><h3>Using specific ion masses for marker identification in GC×GC</h3>GC×GC-MS offers powerful identification capabilities when used correctly.Experts highlighted that:<ul><li>The EURL provides recommended ion masses for key MOAH subgroups</li><li>Selective ion chromatograms (SICs) can be generated for markers such as:<ul><li>Naphthalenes</li><li>Hopanes</li><li>Steranes</li><li>DIPNs</li></ul></li></ul>Using multiple SIC views alongside total ion chromatograms (TICs) allows:<ul><li>Faster confirmation of markers</li><li>Clear differentiation from interferences</li><li>More confident reporting of MOAH presence</li></ul>This approach significantly improves interpretability compared to relying on TICs alone.<h3>How is GC×GC-MS data processed efficiently?</h3>One concern with GC×GC-MS is the perceived complexity of data handling.The experts demonstrated a streamlined workflow:<ul><li>Instrument control and acquisition remain in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/76">Chromeleon S/W</a></li><li>Raw data are automatically exported for GC×GC processing</li><li>Templates are applied to identify known marker regions</li><li>Results are organized by vial, run, and detector channel</li></ul>This structured approach ensures:<ul><li>Consistent marker identification</li><li>Reduced manual data handling</li><li>Faster reporting despite large data volumes</li></ul>For labs new to GC×GC, standardized templates and automated processing significantly reduce the learning curve.<h3>Comparing FID and MS chromatograms: why it matters</h3>Accurate comparison between FID and MS data is critical when combining quantification and identification.Thanks to synchronized acquisition:<ul><li>FID and MS chromatograms are recorded simultaneously</li><li>First-dimension retention times are identical</li><li>Second-dimension alignment is highly accurate</li></ul>This enables:<ul><li>Direct correlation of quantified FID regions with identified MS markers</li><li>Greater confidence in results</li><li>Stronger defensibility during audits and regulatory review</li></ul><h3>Why use a single quadrupole MS instead of TOF-MS?</h3>Time-of-flight MS is often associated with GC×GC due to its high scan speed. However, experts explained why <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=19&amp;manufacturerItems=3">single quadrupole MS </a>can be a practical alternative.By optimizing scan speed:<ul><li>Single quadrupole MS can capture sufficient data points</li><li>Complexity and cost are reduced</li><li>Compliance with EURL guidance is maintained</li></ul>For many routine MOSH/MOAH applications, this offers an excellent balance between performance and operational efficiency.<h3>Is offline sample preparation better for GC×GC?</h3>There is no universal answer—workflow design depends on laboratory needs.Integrated systems offer:<ul><li>Minimal user intervention</li><li>Reduced risk of contamination</li><li>Streamlined operation</li></ul>Separate systems allow:<ul><li>Parallel operation</li><li>Higher overall throughput in some labs</li></ul>The best choice depends on sample volume, staffing, and analytical priorities.<h3>Final thoughts: Building a future-proof MOSH/MOAH workflow</h3>MOSH/MOAH analysis is evolving rapidly, but some principles remain constant:<ul><li>Robust quantification still relies on LC-GC-FID</li><li>GC×GC-FID/MS adds critical confirmation power</li><li>Automation and software workflows reduce complexity</li><li>Alignment with ISO and EURL guidance ensures defensibility</li></ul>By combining expert knowledge with integrated technology, laboratories can confidently meet today’s regulatory requirements—while preparing for what comes next.If you’re looking to optimize or future-proof your MOSH/MOAH analysis, the insights from this Ask the Experts session provide a strong foundation for success.<ul><li>Watch the free webinar on demand: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5817">Talk to an expert about our barrier-free analysis of MOSH/MOAH</a></li><li>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#automation #MOSH/MOAH</li></ul><blockquote><h4>Petra Gerhards</h4>Petra Gerhards, Dipl-Ing, is Regional Marketing Manager of GC and GC-MS for EMEA at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She has more than 29 years of experience in the fields of GC-MS, SPE and LC-MS. Since joining the regional team she has contributed to workflow solutions combining vials and closures with SPE solutions, GC-MS and LC-MS. She works with KOL's on data for regional specific marketing campaigns, organizes in-house seminars and works on customer specific solutions. Her main expertise is in the field of doping and drugs-of-abuse analysis.</blockquote>

Ask the Experts: Practical Answers to Today’s Biggest MOSH/MOAH Analysis Questions

Analytical investigation of metal distribution from e-cigarette aerosols to lung deposition using multi-platform mass spectrometry

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2026 AOAC INTERNATIONAL Annual Meeting & Exposition

Bruker at the 7th European Symposium on Single Cell Proteomics

Shimadzu at 2026 AOAC Annual Meeting & Exposition

ICP-MS for Hybrid Photoelectrode Characterization

Addressing LC Method Optimization - Scaling For Efficiency, Throughput And Reproducibility

Proteoform Studio software, top down made simple