Custodion Syringes for Sampling Collection

Significance of the Topic

Field-based chemical analysis of volatile and semivolatile compounds is critical for environmental monitoring, forensic investigations, hazardous material response, food safety, and quality control. Traditional lab-bound methods introduce delays and logistical challenges. Innovations in portable sampling and analysis enable rapid decision making on site, reducing time to results and improving safety and efficiency.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note introduces the Custodion family of one-handed sampling syringes (SPME, CME, NT) and their integration with the Torion T-9 portable GC/MS. It aims to demonstrate how these devices streamline sample collection, concentration, and analysis of gases, liquids, and solids in diverse field environments.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Three Custodion sampling techniques are presented:

• Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME): extraction and concentration of headspace VOCs and light liquids
• Coiled Microextraction (CME): liquid extraction onto a heated coiled wire for semivolatiles
• Needle Trap (NT): miniaturized air sampling tube for quantitative gas analysis with a piston pump

The Torion T-9 portable GC/MS integrates a low-thermal-mass capillary GC with a toroidal ion trap MS. The SPS-3 Clairion Pump is used for quantitative air sampling with the NT syringe.

Key Findings and Discussion

Testing with Custodion SPME and CME syringes on the Torion T-9 system achieved laboratory-grade performance in minutes. Examples include:

• Detection of MTBE and geosmin in water in under 10 minutes
• On-site BTEX screening in groundwater for petroleum contamination
• Rapid identification (<8 min) of fentanyl analogues and common narcotics
• Fingerprinting of explosive tagging agents and solvents in field samples
• Profiling of whiskey authenticity, tea pesticides, and coffee aroma compounds

This approach eliminates sample transport delays and reduces contamination risks.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages include portability (<32 lb GC/MS), one-handed syringe operation even in protective gear, seamless transition between sampling modes without interface changes, and rapid real-time results. Applications span environmental VOC/SVOC monitoring, forensic/hazmat screening, narcotics detection, explosive identification, and food and beverage authenticity testing.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in micro-extraction materials, integration with wireless data transmission, and automation of sampling protocols will further enhance field deployable analysis. Expansion to broader compound classes and coupling with machine learning for automated spectral interpretation will drive next-generation on-site decision support.

Conclusion

The combination of Custodion sampling syringes and the Torion T-9 portable GC/MS provides a robust, versatile, and efficient solution for high-performance chemical analysis outside the laboratory. This platform empowers users to obtain reliable results rapidly, improving response times and operational flexibility across multiple sectors.