Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 29th September 2026? 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 application notes by Agilent Technologies, LECO and Shimadzu!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Sensitive and Reproducible Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides in Water</h3>Large volume injection and dual-column confirmation with the Agilent GC/ECD system<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/an_organochlorine_pesticides_water_gc_ecd_system_5994_9441en_agilent_61787a0901.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><section><div><div><div><div><div><div>Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) remain important environmental contaminants due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity. Regulatory laboratories often require sensitive and robust analytical methods capable of detecting these compounds at trace levels in environmental samples. USEPA Method 8081B is commonly used for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides using GC/ECD due to the strong electron-capturing properties of halogenated compounds.1&nbsp;Large volume injection (LVI) techniques can significantly improve detection sensitivity by introducing more analyte mass into the GC system. However, successful LVI implementation requires careful optimization to minimize solvent flooding, peak distortion, and poor chromatographic performance. The Agilent Multimode Inlet (MMI) provides a flexible solvent vent mode that simplifies LVI method development while maintaining analytical robustness.&nbsp;In this work, an Agilent GC/ECD system equipped with MMI was evaluated for the quantitative analysis of 31&nbsp;organochlorine pesticides using two analytical columns <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=DB-5ms&amp;sources=GCMS_EN">DB-5ms</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;sources=GCMS_EN&amp;search=DB-1701">DB-1701</a>. The use of two columns follows the recommendations of USEPA Method 8081, which requires compound identification based on a primary column to be confirmed on a second column with a different stationary phase to improve analyte identification confidence. Calibration performance, unknown sample quantification, IDL determination, and multiday stability performance were&nbsp;assessed.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The Agilent GC/ECD system equipped with a Multimode Inlet successfully demonstrated robust quantitative analysis of 31 organochlorine pesticides using large volume injection technology. The solvent vent LVI approach enabled high sensitivity while maintaining good chromatographic performance and excellent reproducibility.&nbsp;<h5>Key performance highlights included:&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Successful dual-column setup meeting EPA 8081 confirmatory identification requirements</li><li>Excellent calibration linearity with R² values greater than&nbsp;0.992&nbsp;</li><li>IDLs of 2.39 ppb or lower for all analytes&nbsp;</li><li>Excellent retention time repeatability with %RSD ≤ 0.07%&nbsp;</li><li>Stable multiday peak area reproducibility with %RSD ≤&nbsp;7.83%&nbsp;</li></ul>The combination of Agilent GC/ECD instrumentation, MMI solvent vent technology, and optimized large volume injection workflow provides an effective solution for routine environmental monitoring of organochlorine pesticides.<h3>2. LECO: Determination of PFAS in Environmental Waters Using DHS-GCxGC-TOFMS</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/PEGBT_4_D_PFAS_ENVIRONMENTAL_WATER_203_821_721_815a93c9bc.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a vast group of synthetic organic compounds, with over 15,000 known variants. Their structure, characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds and amphipathic properties, makes them highly resistant to chemical 1 and biological degradation. These unique features led to extensive industrial and domestic applications, including coatings, 1 textiles, firefighting foams, packaging, and cosmetics. However, their persistence and mobility in the environment, along with their bioaccumulative nature, have raised serious health and ecological concerns. PFAS have been detected in human blood, breast milk, and umbilical cords, and studies since the 2000s have linked them to cancer, immune dysfunction, and endocrine 2 disruption.&nbsp;Their recognition as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention in 2001 has prompted global efforts 3 to limit their release. Yet treating PFAS-contaminated water remains challenging, particularly for short-chain congeners that are not included in conventional removal methods. Monitoring is further complicated by their low concentrations and the interference of complex sample matrices. In addition, traditional sample preparation techniques like liquid-liquid extraction 4,5 (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) are laborious, solvent intensive, and prone to contamination. In this context, the use of thermal desorption tubes (TDTs) is well suited for trace-level compounds. They enable effective preconcentration while 6 minimizing solvent use and sample handling, reducing the risk of contamination.&nbsp;This research aimed to leverage dynamic headspace extraction (DHS) combined with thermal desorption as an alternative for the extraction of volatile and semi-volatile PFAS in water samples. Advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC)-TOFMS were used to enhance resolution, sensitivity, and selectivity.<h4>Experimental</h4>Both GC-TOFMS and GCxGC-TOFMS analyses were performed on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/37">Pegasus BT 4D GCxGC-TOFMS system</a> (LECO Corporation, MI, USA) equipped with an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890&amp;sources=GCMS_EN">Agilent 8890 GC</a> and an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/library?mainauthorItems=15&amp;search=RTC-PAL&amp;sources=GCMS_EN">RTC-PAL autosampler</a> capable of automated handling of desorption tubes by employing a Capping/Decapping tool from GL Sciences (Eindhoven, The Netherlands). Sample injections were carried out using an Optic-4 multimode inlet (GL Science, Eindhoven, The Netherlands) with Peltier cooler and a liner exchanger (i.e., LINEX). The GC system was also equipped with a cryogenic trap, used for the secondary trapping/release stage. ® 7 The instrument parameters are summarized in Table 1. Data were acquired and processed using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/41">ChromaTOF software</a>.<h4>Conclusions&nbsp;</h4>The use of dynamic head-space extraction and thermal-desorption GC(xGC)-TOFMS using the LECO Pegasus BT 4D enabled the determination of nine volatile PFAS targets, including fluorotelomer alcohols, acrylates, and alkyl sulfonamides. The method achieved sensitive and precise quantification, with LOQs down to 6.6 ng L⁻¹ and repeatability between 1.4-7.9% RSD. When compared with 1D GC, the enhanced sensitivity of GCxGC allowed reliable detection of PFAS even at much lower concentrations. Moreover, the superior separation power of GCxGC supported effective non-target screening, enabling the identification of additional environmentally relevant compounds in an industrial water case study.&nbsp;The combination of DHS-TD with GC-TOFMS, and particularly with GCxGC, provides a versatile platform that ensures robust quantification, high sensitivity, and expanded capabilities for both targeted PFAS analysis and non-targeted screening, supporting its application in environmental monitoring. Given the presence of hundreds of molecules, many of which are still poorly known and characterized, future studies will extend the workflow by including GC(xGC)-HRMS, which represents an important step toward a more comprehensive characterization of this emerging class of (semi-)volatile contaminants and will support the discovery of unknown congeners.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Analysis of Methyl Ethane Sulfonate in Nintedanib Esylate API Sample Using Headspace-Trap Technique</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/an_06_sip_gc_045_en_423dc17c28.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>Shimadzu GCMS-TQ8050 NX with HS-20 NX autosampler works with LabSolutions GCMS 21CFR compliant software which extendsits utilization in compliance environment like pharmaceuticals</li><li>Trap headspace enables concentrating the analytes in cold trap with multi-injection count and helps to achieve higher sensitivity overstatic headspace, especially for trace level quantitation</li></ul>Overview: Alkyl and aryl sulfonic acids have been used in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in various measures. They are known for their acid catalytic properties, sulfonamide intermediates and as agents to enhance solubility through salt formation. However, as the reactions progress, they form their respective esters, which are well-known potent genotoxic impurities (GTIs), that act as DNA-alkylating agents in biological systems posing mutagenic and carcinogenic risks even at trace levels. Hence, it is necessary to categorize, qualify, and control these impurities to limit the potential carcinogenic risks, as mentioned in ICH M7(R2).&nbsp;Nintedanib Esylate API belongs to a family of kinase inhibitors, used primarily to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It acts as a triple angiokinase inhibitor which targets receptors involved in pulmonary fibrosis. The synthesis of the API often involves the reaction of Nintedanib free base with Ethane Sulfonic Acid in a process called as salification. The salt formed in the form of yellow crystals is used further in formulations to enhance stability as well as solubility. The by-product of this reaction, often due to presence of residual short-chain alcohols, is Methyl Ethane Sulfonate (MES).As per the ICH M7(R2) guidelines, a TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) based acceptable intake of a mutagenic impurity of 1.5 μg/day which can be used for most pharmaceuticals as a default value, to derive an acceptable limit for control [2,3]. Nintedanib Esylate is supposed to be administered orally. Strength of the Nintedanib Esylate API in most of the medicines is 150 mg per capsule and prescribed dose is twice in a day. [4]Irrespective of the limit calculated from maximum daily dose, Shimadzu has worked upon developing a method for quantification of MES at lowest possible detection so that it will be beneficial for the concern pharmaceuticals even if daily dose exceeds 0.3 g/day.<h4>Need for a robust analytical method&nbsp;</h4>Nintedanib Esylate API shows high solubility in acidic pH of about 3. To inject acidic aqueous media into GC via direct injection technique creates the risk of very high vapor pressure at the injector port. Further, its entry into the column might affect the stationary phase, thereby drastically reducing the shelf-life of the column. As a result, sensitivity of the analytical method becomes questionable. In order to overcome the said issues, it is imperative to develop a robust analytical method pertaining to high sensitivity, repeatability and reproducibility of the results.In this regard, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=8050">Shimadzu GCMS-TQ8050 NX triple quadrupole</a> system with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=HS-20+NX">HS-20 NX</a> (Trap) as shown in Figure 2, was used to develop a selective and sensitive method for the determination of Methyl Ethane Sulfonate in Nintedanib Esylate API at trace levels.&nbsp;Further, development and partial validation were performed at significantly lower concentrations which clearly evidences the capability of instrument and suitability of the developed method.&nbsp;To evaluate the method suitability, few validation parameters were performed such as system suitability, LOQ precision, Linearity and accuracy in terms of spike recovery. Refer Table 1 for the concentration levels of method validation parameters.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Shimadzu GCMS-TQ8050 NX with HS-20 NX (Trap) autosampler enables accurate quantification of Methyl Ethane Sulfonate in Nintedanib Esylate API sample at ppb level.&nbsp;</li><li>Trap mode in the HS-20 NX auto sampler benefits in extracting the analyte multiple times which enhances sensitivity</li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></section>

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 40, 2026

Pressurized Liquid Extraction: Principle, Method, and Workflow

Researchers from CATRIN at Palacký University have used gold nanostructures to develop new methods capable of detecting very low concentrations of substances important for the functioning of the human body, including dopamine and serotonin. The results, achieved by researchers from the Nanomaterials in Biomedicine group in collaboration with other colleagues, have significant potential for future rapid, sensitive and personalised diagnostics.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Vedci_ukazali_jak_pomoci_zlata_citliveji_sledovat_dopamin_a_serotonin_5d493a6dbb.jpg" alt="CATRIN: Scientists show how gold can improve detection of dopamine and serotonin" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Vedci_ukazali_jak_pomoci_zlata_citliveji_sledovat_dopamin_a_serotonin_5d493a6dbb.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="453" height="177">In a study published in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbsr.2026.101026">Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research</a>, the researchers developed a special “plasmonic paper” coated with gold nanostars. “It enables tears to be collected easily and subsequently analysed for dopamine levels. These levels may be associated with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that is sometimes mistaken for dry eye syndrome,” explained first author Klára Dzurillová.<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214180426000760?via%3Dihub">Plasmonic paper for point-of-care SERS biosensing of dopamine from tears</a></h4>Klára Gajdošová, Zuzana Chaloupková, Jana Soukupová, Jiří Hošek, Kateřina Poláková, Václav Ranc&nbsp;Sens. BioSensing Res., 2026, 52, 101026<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbsr.2026.101026">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbsr.2026.101026</a>&nbsp;<h6>licenced under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote>The second study, published in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-026-08164-7">Microchimica Acta</a>, focused on the simultaneous detection of serotonin and sertraline, a commonly used antidepressant belonging to the SSRI group. The use of SERS technology (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) made it possible to significantly amplify the signal from the molecules being monitored using a specially modified surface. In this case, the researchers used very small gold nanocones separated by gaps of less than 20 nanometres. These gaps create so-called hot spots, areas where the electromagnetic field is greatly enhanced, making it possible to detect even very small amounts of the target substance.<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00604-026-08164-7">Precise and simultaneous SERS detection of sertraline and serotonin on large-scale sub-20 nm plasmonic gold nanocone arrays</a></h4>Klára Gajdošová, Thanh-Lam Bui, Zuzana Chaloupková, S. M. Hossein Hejazi, Radek Zbořil, Štěpán Kment, Václav Ranc &amp; Kateřina PolákováMicrochim. Acta, 2026, 193, 450<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-026-08164-7">https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-026-08164-7</a>&nbsp;<h6>licenced under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote>“Using the new approach, we were also able to detect serotonin and sertraline simultaneously. In the future, the method could therefore make it possible to monitor both the concentration of the antidepressant and serotonin, whose level is affected by the treatment. This could contribute to a more accurate assessment of treatment efficacy and its adjustment to the individual patient,” said corresponding author Kateřina Poláková, Leader of the Nanomaterials in Biomedicine research group.Both approaches use surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and achieved very low detection limits even in the presence of other substances that can interfere with the measurements.

Scientists show how gold can improve detection of dopamine and serotonin

How Chromatography Helps Build Better Catalysts

In the week of October 5, the following webinars await you in the field of gas / solid phase and especially Raman, FTIR, GC and GC/MS.<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinars">👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</a></h4>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database with over 6 000 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars.</blockquote><h5>1. Markes International: Rethinking breath analysis: validating a streamlined approach to scalable testing</h5><ul><li>Tu, 6.10.2026 11:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/6564">Registration</a></li></ul>Faster breath VOC analysis with Markes and Owlstone Medical! Discover TD-GC-MS software and hardware optimizations that cut run times by 50%.<h5>2. GERSTEL: Advancing Market Sample Analysis with Dynamic Headspace (DHS) and Multi-Volatile-Method (MVM)</h5><ul><li>Tu, 6.10.2026 14:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/6565">Registration</a></li></ul>Join the GERSTEL and Symrise webinar on market sample analysis. Discover automated DHS and MVM techniques for comprehensive GC-MS aroma profiling.<h5>3. Agilent Technologies: Stocked for Success: Essential GC Supplies That Keep You Running</h5><ul><li>Tu, 6.10.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/6359">Registration</a></li></ul>Minimize GC downtime. Learn which essential supplies to keep on hand for smooth operation and seamless instrument setup.<h5>4. Metrohm: Better food quality control with manual and automated NIR spectroscopy</h5><ul><li>Th, 8.10.2026 15:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/6578">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how manual and automated NIR spectroscopy enables rapid, chemical-free food quality control for dairy, oils, flour, and other food products.

Webinars LabRulezGCMS Week 41/2026

Polycyclic aromatic compounds in air – importance of re-volatilisation from soils

Helium has long been a preferred carrier gas for gas chromatography (GC), but availability, cost and supply considerations are prompting laboratories to look more closely at alternatives. Hydrogen is an attractive candidate: it is readily available from on-site generators and its chromatographic properties can enable efficient separations across a broad range of linear velocities.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Helium_to_Hydrogen_fd94c70f75.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Helium to Hydrogen: What Happens to GC-MS/MS Performance When You Switch Carrier Gas?" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Helium_to_Hydrogen_fd94c70f75.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1200" height="600">But for laboratories running sensitive GC-MS/MS applications, the important question is not simply whether hydrogen can move compounds through a GC column.<h5>Can you switch from helium to hydrogen while maintaining the analytical performance required for routine quantitative analysis?</h5>Experimental work evaluating pesticide residues provides useful insight into what laboratories should expect—and where method optimization may be required.<h3>Why consider hydrogen as a GC carrier gas?</h3>From a chromatography perspective, hydrogen offers several attractive properties. Its higher optimal linear velocity can support shorter separations while maintaining efficiency, and high efficiency can be maintained across a relatively broad linear-velocity range. Hydrogen can also be generated on site, reducing dependence on high-pressure helium cylinders.The change, however, is not necessarily a simple gas-for-gas substitution.Hydrogen is flammable and requires <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/MI-190000-0022">appropriate measures</a> to minimize leaks and discharge into the laboratory environment. It is also a reactive gas, which means it can potentially alter chromatographic behavior or analyte response. Its low viscosity introduces additional considerations for GC-MS operation, including pumping requirements and inlet behavior.For GC-MS/MS laboratories, another important consideration is what happens inside the mass spectrometer.<h3>Does hydrogen change sensitivity?</h3>To investigate the practical impact of changing carrier gas, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/ab_004440_pesticide_residue_analysis_ab004440_em_en_f0cba6e838.pdf">181 GC-amenable pesticides</a> were evaluated in baby food and honey matrices using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/485">Thermo Scientific TSQ 9610</a> triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS system with the NeverVent Advanced Electron Ionization (AEI) ion source.An initial comparison using the same conditions as the helium method showed that, after conditioning, sensitivity for most compounds was comparable and in some cases higher with hydrogen. The subsequent hydrogen method was optimized by limiting acquisition to two transitions, selecting alternative transitions where fragmentation differed significantly, and narrowing retention-time windows.Across the evaluated compounds, 83% showed comparable or higher response with hydrogen. Approximately 15% showed a two- to three-fold lower response, while only 2% showed a response more than three times lower.That result highlights an important point: moving to hydrogen does not necessarily mean accepting a universal loss in sensitivity. The effect is compound dependent—and understanding those individual differences is key to a successful method transition.<h3>What happens to the mass spectrum?</h3>This is where the helium-to-hydrogen transition becomes particularly interesting.For some analytes, the presence of hydrogen affected the ionization process and produced differences in the full-scan spectrum. However, targeted pesticide-residue methods do not normally identify compounds solely by matching spectra against a library. Identification instead relies on parameters such as retention time and ion ratios between compound-specific transitions.A useful example is Deltamethrin at 0.005 mg/kg in baby food.<h4>Spectral comparison: helium versus hydrogen</h4>The Deltamethrin comparison showed an impact on the spectra between the two carrier gases. With hydrogen, the monitored transitions produced S/N values of 67 and 70; with helium, the corresponding values were 51 and 42.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Helium_to_Hydrogen_What_Happens_to_GC_MS_MS_Performance_When_You_Switch_Carrier_Gas_a4de0eb726.avif" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Helium to Hydrogen: What Happens to GC-MS/MS Performance When You Switch Carrier Gas?: Figure 1. Comparison of Deltamethrin at 0.005 mg/kg in baby food using helium and hydrogen carrier gases. In this example, changing carrier gas produced an impact on the spectrum but more sensitivity with hydrogen." width="null" height="null">The picture was not identical for every analyte. Fluridone, for example, showed reduced response primarily for one transition with hydrogen, while isodrin showed higher response on both evaluated transitions. Other compounds exhibited changes in the relative responses of individual transitions. These examples reinforce why existing MS/MS methods should be reviewed rather than simply transferred unchanged.<h3>Method optimization matters</h3>The hydrogen method was ultimately optimized to use 489 transitions with a 0.3-minute retention-time window, compared with 656 transitions and a 0.7-minute window for the helium method. The narrower acquisition windows and reduced number of transitions allowed longer dwell times.This optimization helped deliver strong quantitative performance.For the hydrogen method, 181 pesticides in baby food and honey could be quantified down to 5 ppb (0.005 mg/kg). Repeatability testing showed an RSD below 10% for 98% of compounds at 10 ppb and below 5% for 97% of compounds at 50 ppb.The results suggest that the relevant question is therefore not “Does hydrogen behave exactly like helium?”It does not always.<h5>A more useful question is: “Can the method be adapted to accommodate those differences while maintaining the required analytical performance?”</h5>For this study, the answer was yes.<h3>Chromatography can benefit too</h3>Hydrogen also influenced chromatographic retention without necessarily compromising peak width.For example, chloroneb eluted at 8.09 minutes with hydrogen compared with 8.66 minutes with helium, while both conditions produced a peak width of 0.03 minutes measured at 10% height.Similar behavior was observed for later-eluting compounds. Fenthion eluted at 11.23 minutes with hydrogen versus 12.46 minutes with helium, while ethion shifted from 16.10 minutes with helium to 14.44 minutes with hydrogen.These results illustrate one of hydrogen’s potential advantages: laboratories may be able to exploit its chromatographic properties as part of method optimization rather than simply attempting to reproduce a helium method exactly.<h3>So, can your laboratory make the switch?</h3>The experimental results demonstrate that hydrogen can be a practical carrier gas for demanding GC-MS/MS applications—but successful implementation requires more than changing the gas supply.Laboratories should evaluate chromatographic conditions, MS/MS transitions, ion ratios, background, sensitivity and quantitative performance for their particular analytes and matrices. Some compounds may require different transitions or additional optimization because hydrogen can influence ionization and fragmentation behavior.At the same time, the results from this 181-pesticide evaluation show that those differences do not automatically translate into compromised method performance.With an optimized method, all 181 evaluated pesticides could be quantified at 5 ppb, while the large majority of compounds delivered comparable or higher response relative to helium.For laboratories facing helium supply or cost pressures, that makes hydrogen more than simply an emergency substitute. With appropriate method evaluation and optimization, it can be a viable carrier gas for routine GC-MS/MS analysis.<h3>Key takeaway</h3>Switching from helium to hydrogen should be treated as a method transition, not merely a carrier-gas replacement. Evaluate the compounds that behave differently, optimize transitions and acquisition parameters where needed, and verify performance against the requirements of your application.The resulting method may look slightly different—but the analytical performance does not necessarily have to.<blockquote><h4>References</h4><ul><li>Application note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/ab_004440_pesticide_residue_analysis_ab004440_em_en_f0cba6e838.pdf">Empowering routine pesticide residue analysis in food with a GC-MS/MS platform using hydrogen as the carrier gas</a> &nbsp;</li><li>Watch this webinar on demand: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/5434">Journey through time in Pesticides analysis</a> &nbsp;</li><li>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#GCMSMS #HydrogenCarrierGas #PesticideAnalysis #FoodSafety</li></ul></blockquote>

Helium to Hydrogen: What Happens to GC-MS/MS Performance When You Switch Carrier Gas?

Gas chromatography (GC) is a widely used analytical technique essential for separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition. It operates by moving a sample through a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products?category=7&amp;manufacturerItems=50">gas chromatography column</a> filled with a stationary phase, where compounds are separated based on their interaction with the column and the carrier gas.Gas Chromatography is highly valued for its precision, speed, and ability to analyze complex mixtures, making it an indispensable tool for laboratories conducting chemical analysis across various industries. Below are some of the key applications of gas chromatography:<h3>Pharmaceuticals</h3>Gas chromatography is vital in pharmaceuticals for the analysis of impurity and active substances, drug formulation, and residual solvent detection. It aids in pharmacokinetic studies, bioanalysis, forensic applications, and quality control, ensuring product safety and compliance. GC also supports herbal medicine analysis and the evaluation of packaging materials for leachable compounds. Its high sensitivity and selectivity make it an essential tool in drug development and regulatory compliance.<h3>Environmental Analysis</h3>Gas chromatography is able to deliver precise identification and quantification of environmental pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and halogenated compounds. Advanced techniques, including capillary GC, enable comprehensive analysis of contaminants in air, water, soils, and biota. High-speed gas chromatography (HSGC) and comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) enhance precision and resolution, while innovations in detection systems increase sensitivity. GC is also effective in detecting emerging pollutants like polychlorinated alkanes (PCAs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), highlighting its essential role in environmental analysis.<h3>Food and Beverage Industry</h3>In the food and beverage industry, gas chromatography is essential for profiling essential oils, flavor compounds, and additives to analyze flavor and aroma. It plays an important role in ensuring food safety by detecting and quantifying pesticide residues in products. Additionally, it is used to test packaging materials by analyzing the migration of chemicals into food products, safeguarding consumer health and maintaining quality standards.<h3>Petrochemical Industry</h3>Gas chromatography is vital in the petrochemical industry for analyzing chemical components in fuel samples and detecting impurities that can impact production and product quality. Additionally, GC helps prevent equipment damage by identifying unsuitable feedstocks, ensuring safe operations. In terms of quality control, it enables producers and refiners to meet stringent industry regulations and maintain high standards in their output. This makes GC indispensable in petrochemical analysis and quality control.<h3>Clinical</h3>Gas chromatography is a sophisticated technique extensively employed in by clinical laboratories to analyze and detect biomarkers or substances in bodily fluids like blood and urine. It plays a pivotal role in the research of various diseases, monitoring metabolic imbalances, and evaluating hormone levels by detecting volatile organic compounds associated with health conditions, such as diabetes or cancer. Gas chromatography proves valuable in identifying chemical biomarkers of infections, whether microbial in origin or related to the body’s immune response. However, the utility of this method is limited to the analysis of lower molecular weight compounds, restricting its effectiveness in studying larger biomolecules.<h3>Material Science</h3>Gas chromatography is widely used to analyze the chemical composition and structural integrity of materials like polymers, plastics, paints, coatings, and textiles. It enables the study of degradation processes, detection of additives, and evaluation of material performance under different environmental conditions. Additionally, it plays a key role in exploring chemical kinetics, uncovering reaction mechanisms, and determining the purity of synthesized materials. With its high sensitivity and precision, gas chromatography supports chemical research, quality control, and material characterization, offering valuable insights into the stability, durability, and chemical properties of materials for both research and industrial applications.<h3>Consumer Products</h3>Gas chromatography plays a pivotal role in analyzing the composition and quality of various consumer products, including cosmetics, personal care items, household products, electronics, tires, and packaging materials. In the cosmetics and fragrance sector, it is used to identify and quantify volatile compounds that contribute to aromatic profiles, ensuring precise formulation and consistency across batches. Similarly, in personal care products, gas chromatography analysis ensures the safety and stability of formulations by detecting impurities or allergens. For household items such as cleaning agents and air fresheners, GC helps in evaluating chemical compositions to meet quality and safety standards. In the electronics and tire industries, the technique is employed to assess materials for performance and durability, identifying potential contaminants or product degradation. By providing high sensitivity and precision, gas chromatography helps ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of a diverse range of consumer products, maintaining high standards across industries.<h3>Forensic Science</h3>In forensic science, GC is used for toxicology screening to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol ingested by a deceased individual prior to death. This method is equally valuable in determining if a victim has been poisoned, offering crucial insights during criminal investigations. Gas chromatography can analyze samples such as blood, fiber, or tissues, aiding in the determination of the cause of death and providing investigators with essential chemical data to support their findings. Biotechnology and Life Sciences In biotechnology, gas chromatography is extensively utilized to examine metabolic pathways, assess fermentation products, and analyze gas compositions within biological systems. It aids in understanding key biochemical processes and reactions. This technique is widely used in plant biology and microbiology research to examine volatile compounds, allowing precise analysis of chemical emissions and metabolic byproducts in plants and microorganisms. Gas chromatography applications offer researchers detailed insights, enhancing their ability to study and optimize biological systems with accuracy.

Key Applications of Gas Chromatography

<h3>Analytical Instruments Deserve More Than One Life</h3>Analytical instrumentation represents a major investment, and high-quality laboratory equipment often remains useful long after its original owner no longer needs it. LabRulez therefore connects the specialist <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms">LabRulezGCMS</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms">LabRulezLCMS</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms">LabRulezICPMS</a> portals with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/marketplace">LabRulez Marketplace</a> and our own service center in Prague, at the heart of Europe. Together, these activities combine expert information, laboratory technology, technical experience, and a more sustainable approach to analytical instrumentation.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/companies/1">LabRulez</a> was originally built as a specialist platform for analytical chemists. Today, its portals provide technical articles, application materials, webinars, conferences, product information, career opportunities, and an extensive library of scientific and technical documents.At the same time, another part of the LabRulez ecosystem has been growing steadily: the practical side of working with analytical instrumentation. This development led to the creation of the LabRulez Marketplace and, ultimately, to our own service center in Prague.<h4>From a Few HPLC Systems in a Garage to a Dedicated Service Center</h4>The story began on a much smaller scale than today. The first equipment consisted of just a few HPLC systems stored in a garage. Through close cooperation with experienced service engineers, laboratories, and scientific institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad, the operation gradually expanded.From those early beginnings, LabRulez moved through a roughly 30-square-meter laboratory to today’s 400-square-meter service center in Prague. Further growth is already planned, with the facility expected to expand to approximately 1,000 square meters.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_Support_center_Lab_Rulez_Prague_30972c3acc_0b8521daed.jpg" alt="LabRulez: Service Center in Prague" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_Support_center_Lab_Rulez_Prague_30972c3acc_0b8521daed.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="3520" height="1980">Today, the center houses hundreds of analytical instruments, modules, and complete systems, together with thousands of spare parts and consumables.The main focus is on chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, and related laboratory equipment, with technologies from Agilent Technologies, Waters Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Shimadzu, SCIEX, and many other leading manufacturers.<h4>Expertise Starts with People</h4>The value of a service center is not determined only by the number of instruments it contains. It depends just as much on the people who understand how those instruments are used in real laboratory environments.The LabRulez sales team, service engineers, and content specialists are trained analytical chemists with decades of combined experience across different areas of practice. This means we do not look at an instrument only as a model number or a set of specifications. We also consider the analytical method, sample type, required sensitivity, compatibility with existing laboratory infrastructure, availability of spare parts, and long-term serviceability.This is particularly important when purchasing pre-owned instrumentation. The lowest purchase price is not always the most important factor. Technical condition, configuration, support, and future operating costs may be just as critical.<h4>HPLC, UHPLC, and LC-MS Systems</h4>A significant part of the LabRulez Marketplace is dedicated to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/marketplace?category=37">liquid chromatography</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/marketplace?category=5">LC-MS instrumentation</a>.We offer new, pre-owned, and professionally refurbished HPLC and UHPLC systems, individual modules, and mass spectrometers. The portfolio ranges from reliable platforms for routine analytical work to advanced systems based on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/marketplace?category=20">triple quadrupole</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/marketplace?category=21">QTOF</a>, and Orbitrap technologies.Individual <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/marketplace?category=60">pumps, autosamplers, detectors, column compartments</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/marketplace?category=369">ion sources, vacuum components, electronic modules</a>, and other accessories are also available.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_marketplace_9e45decf1d.jpeg" alt="LabRulez: Service Center in Prague" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_marketplace_9e45decf1d.jpeg 197w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1264"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_marketplace_5_8e19fa8af8.jpeg" alt="LabRulez: Service Center in Prague" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_marketplace_5_8e19fa8af8.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_Agilent_61xx_series_Refurbished_5336b41046_30690573bd.jpg" alt="LabRulez: Service Center in Prague" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_Agilent_61xx_series_Refurbished_5336b41046_30690573bd.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="5712" height="4284">In many cases, replacing an entire instrument is not necessary. Because chromatographic systems are often modular, an existing setup can sometimes be repaired, upgraded, or expanded using a suitable module or replacement part.<h4>GC and GC-MS: From Routine Analysis to High-Resolution Platforms</h4>The same principle applies to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/marketplace?category=1">gas chromatography</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/marketplace?category=5">GC-MS</a>.The LabRulez portfolio includes conventional gas chromatographs equipped with standard detectors, single- and triple-quadrupole GC-MS systems, as well as GC/QTOF and other high-resolution platforms.The offering is complemented by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/marketplace?category=3">autosamplers, sample-introduction systems, headspace equipment</a>, gas generators, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/marketplace?category=7">GC columns</a>, accessories, and consumables.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_Agilent_Intuvo_9000_GC_System_S_SL_FID_G3950_A_60d45bdc35_e2131ff106.jpg" alt="LabRulez: Service Center in Prague - Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC systems" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_Agilent_Intuvo_9000_GC_System_S_SL_FID_G3950_A_60d45bdc35_e2131ff106.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1004">For laboratories that do not require the newest generation of instrumentation, a carefully inspected and properly configured pre-owned system can provide a highly cost-effective way to expand analytical capacity.<h4>More Than Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry</h4>Laboratory work depends on much more than chromatographs and mass spectrometers.The LabRulez Marketplace therefore also includes a broad range of general laboratory equipment, such as:<ul><li>pure and ultrapure water systems,</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/marketplace?category=295">analytical and laboratory balances</a>,</li><li>centrifuges,</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/marketplace?category=338">evaporators</a>,</li><li>vacuum equipment,</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/marketplace?category=219">UV-Vis spectrophotometers</a>,</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/marketplace?category=328">density meters,</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/marketplace?category=328">refractometers,</a></li><li>sample preparation systems,</li><li>and many other instruments used in everyday laboratory workflows.</li></ul>In these areas as well, extending the useful life of quality equipment can significantly reduce the cost of laboratory operation.<h4>Thousands of Spare Parts Under One Roof</h4>LabRulez provides new, refurbished, and professionally tested components for HPLC, UHPLC, GC, LC-MS, GC-MS, capillary electrophoresis, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES, among other technologies.These include components such as:<ul><li>pumps and pump assemblies,</li><li>valves,</li><li>autosampler components,</li><li>detectors,</li><li>ion sources,</li><li>vacuum pumps,</li><li>electronic and control boards,</li><li>power supplies,</li><li>sample-introduction components,</li><li>ion-optics components,</li><li>cables, sensors, and mechanical parts.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_marketplace_2_b474c13fcf.jpeg" alt="LabRulez: Service Center in Prague" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_marketplace_2_b474c13fcf.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><blockquote>Professionally tested parts are supplied with a standard three-month warranty.</blockquote>The available inventory also extends beyond the items currently listed online. Many additional components can be sourced on request from the hundreds of systems and modules held in stock at the service center.For older analytical systems, access to the right spare part can make the difference between continued reliable operation and premature replacement.<h4>See, Test, or Rent Selected Instruments</h4>One of the advantages of having our own service center is the ability to work directly with the instrumentation before it reaches the customer.<blockquote>Selected systems can be viewed in Prague, tested during a practical demonstration, or rented.</blockquote>Depending on the project, LabRulez can help with selecting the right configuration, checking the technical condition of the system, and arranging transportation, installation, warranty, service, and long-term technical support.For the customer, purchasing pre-owned instrumentation therefore does not have to mean simply receiving a used instrument from storage. The objective is to provide equipment that can be realistically integrated into laboratory operations.<h4>What Happens to Instruments a Laboratory No Longer Needs?</h4>The same system also works in the opposite direction. Laboratories regularly end up with chromatographs, mass spectrometers, modules, or other laboratory equipment that is no longer required because of modernization, changes in analytical methods, completed projects, or laboratory restructuring.<blockquote>Through the LabRulez Marketplace, unused equipment can be submitted for professional evaluation, direct purchase, or resale.</blockquote>Instead of remaining in storage or being discarded prematurely, high-quality instrumentation can find a new user and return to active laboratory service.<h4>Extending Instrument Lifetime Makes Sense</h4>Modern analytical instruments require significant amounts of materials, energy, engineering, and highly specialized components to manufacture. At the same time, they are designed for many years of professional operation.<blockquote>Replacing them is therefore not always the only option.</blockquote>If an instrument can be professionally inspected, refurbished, upgraded with suitable modules, or repaired using available spare parts, it may continue producing high-quality analytical data for many additional years.This approach offers several advantages at the same time: lower investment costs for laboratories, longer availability of proven analytical platforms, reduced disposal of laboratory equipment, and more efficient use of technologies that have already been manufactured.<h4>LabRulez: Information, Technology, and Service in One Place</h4>By connecting specialist portals, the Marketplace, and the Prague service center, LabRulez creates an environment where technical information meets real laboratory technology.Laboratories can access application materials and know-how, follow new developments, search for instruments or spare parts, and at the same time offer equipment they no longer need.<blockquote>The idea behind it is simple:Analytical instruments deserve more than one life.Longer instrument lifetime. Smarter decisions. A more sustainable future for analytical chemistry.</blockquote>

LabRulez Service Center: A Second Life for Analytical Instruments

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 41, 2026

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A unique company dedicated to serving science helping our customers drive productivity and accelerate results. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

CATRIN

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

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Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, government and academic laboratories.

Phenomenex

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 41, 2026

Key Applications of Gas Chromatography

LabRulez Service Center: A Second Life for Analytical Instruments

Helium to Hydrogen: What Happens to GC-MS/MS Performance When You Switch Carrier Gas?

Polycyclic aromatic compounds in air – importance of re-volatilisation from soils

Webinars LabRulezGCMS Week 41/2026

How Chromatography Helps Build Better Catalysts

Scientists show how gold can improve detection of dopamine and serotonin

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 40, 2026

Pressurized Liquid Extraction: Principle, Method, and Workflow

Upcoming events

Thermo Fisher Scientific Analytical solutions forum

LECO GCxGC One Day Workshop

20th International Interdisciplinary Meeting on Bioanalysis – CECE 2026

Webinars

Waters Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Periodic Audit Trail Review

Seeing inside multilayer materials with IR and Raman microscopy

Next-Generation Bath Monitoring for Semiconductor Manufacturing