News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 25, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 14th July 2025? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND 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://icpms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezICPMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you posters by Agilent Technologies / ASMS, Shimadzu / ASMS, presentation by Liège University / MDCW and technical note by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies / ASMS: Optimizing Hydrogen Carrier Gas on GC/MS Using the HydroInert EI Source and 5Q Columns&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ps_gc_gc_5q_columns_ei_source_asms_2025_mp_358_en_agilent_c5cf1876f0.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Hydrogen is widely recognized for its benefits in gas chromatography (GC), including cost-effective generation in the lab, rapid chromatography, and higher sample throughput. However, its reactivity can lead to hydrogenation and dechlorination reactions in the mass spectrometer electron ionization (EI) source, complicating its application in many scenarios. To address these issues, Agilent has developed a specially designed extractor source for the Inert Plus GC/MSD and triple quadrupole GC/MS systems, enhancing performance with hydrogen carrier gas. The Agilent HydroInert source maintains mass spectral fidelity and allows users to utilize existing helium-based mass spectral libraries.This study investigates how the 5Q series of columns impact the performance and durability of the HydroInert source tune. The study involved cycling through 10,000 oven temperature ramps without any injections to assess the effects of column bleed from the 5Q phase. Furthermore, the study examined how the combination of sample matrix and column bleed from the 5Q phase affects source longevity.<h4>Experimental</h4><h5>HydroInert Functionality with 5Q Columns (no Injection)&nbsp;</h5>An experiment was designed to investigate the effects of ultra low bleed columns (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=19&amp;manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=HP-5Q">HP-5Q</a>) on the functionality of the HydroInert source over time. A method simulating a large oven temperature ramp cycle (Table 1) over 12 minutes was created. The syringe was removed from the ALS tower to simulate injections, but to isolate the source of siloxanes to column bleed from the HP-5Q only. 10,000 injections were executed, and a system tune was performed every 100 injection to monitor source parameter shifts.The Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=7000E">7000E</a> was run in SCAN mode, scanning from 50-450 m/z during each run. Air leaks were detected and immediately remedied when found to ensure the experiment was free from oxides. Liner and septum were not changed during this experiment.<h4>Results and Discussion</h4><h5>HydroInert Functionality with 5Q Columns (no Injection)&nbsp;</h5>Results of the effects of 10,000 oven temperature cycles on the HydroInert source tune parameters are shown in Figure 2. Repeller and ion body voltages are set automatically by the tune algorithm to maximize the transference of ion on the 7000E. Throughout the 10,000 injections the ion body voltage remained stable. The EM voltage gain across 10,000 injections was as expected. The source was in use for 120,000 minutes during this study and data was being collected throughout the duration of the study in SCAN mode. During this study, three leaks were detected at the MS transfer line and were corrected as soon as they were detected. The leaks are reflected in the spike in O2 percentage. A new ion body will typically have a voltage of 16-22 V on a HydroInert source. When an ion body begins to lose functionality the ion body voltage will begin to rise to compensate for the loss. Eventually the ion body voltage tops out at 29-30 V and the tune begins to show lower abundance of tune ions, until the source fails to tune. In the current study the ion body voltage was set by the tune algorithm between 19-24 V. This is a stable and normal operating range for the ion body. It is important to remember that a single elevated ion body tune is not cause for concern, there needs to be a trend of elevation over time. The overall purpose of this first study was to examine what baseline changes would occur to the HydroInert tune parameters when using a 5Q column in leak free conditions. Water and oxygen are known to speed the liberation of column bleed, which in turn reduces the functionality of the HydroInert source. This study shows that under leak free conditions, with a 5Q column, the HydroInert source can function optimally for an extended period. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that has demonstrated one of the main factors in HydroInert longevity is leak state of the system.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Agilent HydroInert source longevity is dependent on application and method conditions. However, by using the best practices highlighted above, the longevity of HydroInert parts can be prolonged. The HydroInert source cannot be mechanically or chemically cleaned, thus when source parts show reduced functionality, replacement of the recommended parts is required to restore functionality. Replacement intervals will be method and application dependent.<h3>2. Liège University / MDCW: MOSH&amp;MOAH in food ingredients and additives and the advantages of using LC/GC×GC(-FID/TOFMS) for their analysis&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/FL_02_2025_MDCW_AG_MOSH_MOAH_additives_a05df36b39.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>This presentation by Aleksandra Gorska and colleagues (Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech) addresses the analysis of MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons) and MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) in food ingredients and additives, particularly those derived from oils and fats. These contaminants are widespread in the food chain due to packaging, lubricants, or storage conditions. While MOSH can accumulate in human tissues, MOAH—especially those with three or more aromatic rings—pose genotoxic risks. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently emphasized a lack of data on such impurities in food additives.To fill this gap, the researchers developed and applied an advanced analytical workflow based on HPLC-GC×GC-FID/TOFMS, replacing the traditional HPLC-GC-FID approach. This multidimensional technique combines high-resolution separation with both flame ionization detection (FID) and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS), allowing detailed structural characterization, efficient removal of interfering compounds, and the ability to separate MOAH by the number of aromatic rings.Key benefits of the HPLC-GC×GC-FID/TOFMS system include clearer chromatograms with structured elution patterns, improved purification and separation of complex MOAH profiles, and identification of contamination markers such as DIPN (indicating migration from recycled packaging). Additionally, the system enables simultaneous quantification of MOAH and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have distinct analytical requirements and toxicological profiles.The study concludes that, despite its complexity, the HPLC-GC×GC-FID/TOFMS technique provides substantial analytical advantages and aligns with EFSA’s recommendations. It offers a powerful tool for ensuring food safety in products containing oil- or fat-derived additives, enabling more accurate risk assessments and source tracking of contamination.<h3>3. Shimadzu / ASMS: Highly sensitive and efficient analysis of aroma components using trapped Headspace GC-MS&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ASMS_2025_MP_352_97902375e7.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The aroma composition of foods has been the subject of considerable research in recent years. It is well known that the presence of volatile compounds and their composition determine the specific aroma of foods and the flavor of the resulting products. Static headspace technique enables high sensitivity analysis of volatile compounds, normally extracting 1 mL of headspace. But in situations where it is necessary to evaluate the total chemical profile, it is known that components in small quantities also affect the overall aroma. Thus, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=HS-20+NX">HS-20 NX</a> was used running in "Trap mode", where by using trapped headspace sampling, it is possible to extract much more volume and analyze, not only the majority components, but all the compounds with high sensitivity.&nbsp;The system used to achieve the highest sensitivity is the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=HS-20+NX">HS-20 NX</a> coupled to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=GCMS-QP2020+NX">GCMS-QP2020 NX</a> single quadrupole mass spectrometer.<h4>Results and Discussion</h4>After the incubation time, the acquisitions were done by loop mode and trap mode with 3- and 5-times sample concentration. In this way, it is possible to analyze, via trap, the presence of compounds at trace levels, which cannot be observed when analyzed in loop mode. 18 compounds could be identified in the sample when analyzed in loop mode, whereas in trap mode, 35 were identified.Some components such as benzene acetaldehyde, gammacaprolactone, methyl butyrate, o-guaiacol, that have a decisive influence on the overall aroma and flavor were detected only in the trap mode, due to their low concentrations in the sample. Even concentrating the sample 5-times in the trap, it was possible to detect these compounds that require greater sensitivity along with compounds present in high concentrations in the sample, such as butanoic acid, acetic acid, and others, without losing analysis efficiency.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The improvement in analysis sensitivity when using trap mode can be observed when comparing the area for some components with a major impact on the overall aroma but present in small quantities. When concentrating the sample 3-times in the trap, the peak intensities increased from 351.17 to 1401.08%. And it was still possible to have a significant increase of another 168%, on average, by concentrating the sample 5-times. The peak intensities increased from 521.48 to 2517.86% compared to loop mode analysis.&nbsp; These analyses demonstrate that trapped headspace can be used to determine an overall aroma profile in a single analysis and with a single trapping material. The trapped headspace sampler enables ultra sensitivity analysis, identifying compounds at low concentrations which were undetectable with conventional headspace samplers.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Data-driven GC and GC-MS instrument monitoring with SmartStatus intelligent software</h3><ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/tn_001883_gc_ms_gc_ms_ms_smartstatus_tn001883_na_en_99ce72eef2/tn-001883-gc-ms-gc-ms-ms-smartstatus-tn001883-na-en.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Rising costs can significantly impact an analytical laboratory’s profit margin, and it is crucial to maintain productivity and ensure maximum asset utilization to stay competitive. To balance increased overhead costs, including analytical gases and staff pay, laboratories must ensure that analytical instrumentation consistently produces results, without interruption. Re-analyzing entire runs due to drops in sensitivity, unnecessary downtime, and underutilization of consumables is expensive and time consuming.&nbsp;Thermo Scientific™ SmartStatus™ instrument tracking can help laboratories realize additional cost savings. This is done by using data-driven insights to accurately determine when to perform maintenance and replace consumables and parts, so that the system consistently runs smoothly for all samples and meets specifications in the initial analysis. This ensures that consumables and parts are replaced on the correct schedule and avoids excess instrument downtime.&nbsp;SmartStatus instrument tracking is an intelligent instrument health software that allows users to track key aspects of their GC-MS system. It is available as standard on the Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/483">TRACE™ 1600 GC series,</a> Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/487">AI/AS 1610 liquid autosampler</a>, Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/484">ISQ™ 7610 GC-MS series</a>, and the Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/485">TSQ™ 9610 GC-MS/MS series</a>. In this technical note, the new SmartStatus instrument tracking capabilities are highlighted with examples of how it can enable analytical laboratories to keep instruments producing consistent results.<h4>SmartStatus software overview&nbsp;</h4>SmartStatus intelligent software, available within Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/76">Chromeleon™ Chromatography Data System (CDS)</a>, allows monitoring of the entire analytical system including Thermo Scientific™ autosamplers, GC, GC detectors (FID and TCD), and mass spectrometers (MS). Hundreds of key instrument parameters are monitored by SmartStatus software, which provides real-time data and insights informing the user to potential problems before they arise to ensure maximum instrument uptime. This allows users to make informed decisions on which parts of the analytical system require attention and when. By performing preventative maintenance using data-driven guidance, optimal instrument performance is sustained day in and day out. Figure 1 shows the SmartStatus software overview page for a TSQ 9610 triple quadrupole MS coupled to a TRACE 1610 GC and AI/AS 1610 liquid autosampler. This overview page allows a user to quickly determine if the system is ready to run or requires attention.&nbsp;For more information on instrument status, there is a detailed view for each part of the system. This next level view shows how many injections have been performed for the various GC consumables, the lifetime of the MS detector and filament, and when the last tune was performed. Figure 2 shows an example of the GC and MS parameters and how they are monitored. Each parameter is represented as a counter gauge. As the usage increases, the gauge changes color to quickly notify the user of any maintenance that is required or will be needed soon. This allows users to plan maintenance in advance to fit it around their schedule and workload. SmartStatus instrument tracking can be monitored directly in Chromeleon CDS, and consumables usage can also be monitored directly on the TRACE 1610 GC touch screen through the dedicated instrument health icon, as shown in Figure 3.The ISQ 7610 GC-MS and the TSQ 9610 GC-MS/MS detector lifetime is monitored using a predictive algorithm. This assesses the voltages on the detector and predicts the lifetime remaining on the system so that preventative maintenance can be planned. As the ISQ 7610 GC-MS and TSQ 9610 GC-MS/MS are equipped with the XLXR™ electron multiplier detector as standard, the lifetime of the detector is several years.1 By monitoring the detector intelligently, users can avoid unnecessary downtime. Figure 4 shows monitoring of the detector within SmartStatus software.

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 29, 2025

Industrial laboratories have some of the most demanding analytical environments in the world. Whether monitoring refinery processes, ensuring product purity in petrochemical plants, or supporting quality control in chemical manufacturing, these labs rely on gas chromatography (GC) every hour of every day. Uptime, reproducibility, and serviceability are not “nice to haves” — they are mission-critical.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_A_Better_Path_for_Industrial_GC_Users_How_the_TRACE_1600_Series_GC_Delivers_Reliability_Innovation_and_Seamless_Open_Lab_CDS_Integration_613341c463.jpeg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: A Better Path for Industrial GC Users — How the TRACE 1600 Series GC Delivers Reliability, Innovation, and Seamless OpenLab CDS Integration" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_A_Better_Path_for_Industrial_GC_Users_How_the_TRACE_1600_Series_GC_Delivers_Reliability_Innovation_and_Seamless_Open_Lab_CDS_Integration_613341c463.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512">Frequent hardware failures, diminishing vendor responsiveness, and limited innovation may create pressure points for many labs already operating under lean staffing and nonstop production demands. However, the most common reason industrial labs hesitate to evaluate alternative GC systems is not hardware-related — it’s software-related. One perceived obstacle often holds them back: We can’t change our CDS!This hesitation makes perfect sense. Industrial labs often run anywhere from a dozen to fifty or more GCs in a familiar and well-integrated software environment. Every method is validated in it. Every QA and data integrity process depends on it. These labs run lean, often 24/7, and they simply don’t have the time, or the appetite, for a software migration. Even the idea of retraining operators is enough to stop the discussion before it starts.<h3>The industrial GC market is ready for change</h3>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/483">Thermo Scientific TRACE 1600 Series GC</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/487">Thermo Scientific AI/AS 1610 autosampler</a>, including the high-throughput dual-channel Gemini configuration, have been recently fully integrated into one of the most popular chromatography data systems in the industrial laboratories, Agilent OpenLab CDS.&nbsp;With the new SII 1.3 driver the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/483">TRACE 1600</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/486">1610 GC</a> show up inside OpenLab just like the instruments customers are used to, giving users a modern, robust GC platform without disrupting the software environment they depend on. The integration is fully supported across the most commonly installed OpenLab versions 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, and 2.84, and works seamlessly in Windows 11 systems.In other words, labs don’t need to change their CDS at all. They don’t need to modify workflows, rewrite methods, or retrain their teams. They can keep everything exactly as it is, from the user interface to the reporting structures, while simply upgrading to a new, reliable hardware. For many laboratories, this alone removes the biggest barrier to exploring something new.<h3>Designed for the realities of industrial GC analysis</h3>The TRACE 1600 Series GC were built with industrial environments in mind, and that shows up in ways users immediately appreciate. For starters, the system emphasizes reliability and uptime. Its Integrated Electronic Control (IEC) is engineered for long-term stability, and the overall hardware is designed to stay online through continuous, high-throughput use.Another key benefit of the TRACE 1600 Series GC is modularity. Anyone who has worked in an industrial lab knows that maintenance windows are tight, and every minute counts. The TRACE 1600’s modular design makes it easy to access injector and detector modules, swap parts quickly, and get the instrument back online with minimal disruption. It also means that service visits tend to be smoother and faster, something that matters enormously in an environment where production schedules don’t stop.Flexibility is another important aspect. Industrial workflows aren’t all the same, and the TRACE 1600 Series supports a wide range of self-installable inlet and detector modules, from SSL, SSL-HeSaver and PTV to FID, TCD, ECD, NPD, FPD, and PDD, offering unlimited configurations available when needed, for applications ranging from basic QC to more complex analyses. Additionally, the modules are fully exchangeable between Thermo TRACE GC systems, getting the most out of the existing GC system in the lab.Many labs also appreciate that the TRACE 1600 Series uses common consumables, meaning they don’t have to overhaul their purchasing processes or introduce new suppliers.When you put all this together, the reliability, the modularity, the application flexibility, and the drop-in OpenLab CDS compatibility, the result is a GC platform that genuinely makes life easier for industrial labs. It helps them overcome possible hardware challenges slowing them down, without forcing them into the costly and time-consuming process of changing the software environment they rely on.For industrial laboratories that have felt stuck between the opportunity of new solutions and the fear of disrupting their CDS workflows, the TRACE 1600 Series GC offers a way forward.It is time to explore a GC platform engineered for uptime and stability.<ul><li>Visit us on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/chromatography/gas-chromatography-gc/gc-systems.html">Gas Chromatography Systems for High Performance Workflows</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;#ChemicalAnalysis #ChromatographyDataSystem #GasChromatography #Industrial</li></ul><section><blockquote><h5>Dr. Daniela Cavagnino</h5>Dr. Daniela Cavagnino is Product Marketing Manager for GC and Sampling Solutions. She started her career in gas chromatography at Thermo Fisher Scientific spending several years in the R&amp;D laboratories working on GC technology innovation. Then, she conveyed her technical background into product management and marketing management roles with more than 20 years’ experience in promoting GC/GCMS technology and applications in several different market segments.</blockquote></section>

A Better Path for Industrial GC Users — How the TRACE 1600 Series GC Delivers Reliability, Innovation, and Seamless OpenLab CDS Integration

<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

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