An Integrated Solution to Speed up Routine Analysis

Importance of the topic

Routine laboratories face significant challenges handling growing sample volumes due to time-consuming preparation and lengthy GC-MS analyses, while the majority of samples are negative. A combined rapid screening and targeted confirmation strategy can dramatically improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Objectives and study overview

This work presents a two-step automated workflow using Plasmion’s SICRIT® technology in conjunction with a PAL autosampler. Initial Direct-MS-Screening identifies positive samples in ~15 seconds, triggering confirmatory GC-MS runs (~15 minutes) only for those samples, boosting overall throughput by over 50%.

Methodology

The direct screening employs headspace or liquid injection into a SICRIT® GC/SPME/Desorption Module coupled to mass spectrometry, enabling soft plasma ionization with minimal fragmentation. Positive hits are automatically routed for routine GC-MS or GC-MS/MS analysis with MRM transitions for quantification down to ppt levels.

Used instrumentation

• Gas chromatograph (e.g. Agilent 8860 GC)
• CTC PAL RTC autosampler with Robotic Tool Change for automated sample introduction
• SICRIT® Ion Source (flow-through DBD plasma for fragment-free ionization)
• SICRIT® SC-30 Control Unit for ion source and module parameter control
• SICRIT® MS Interfaces for mechanical/electrical coupling to various MS platforms
• SICRIT® Heated Transfer Line for loss-free, heated sample transfer
• SICRIT® GC/SPME Module for direct GC or SPME injections

Main results and discussion

The integrated approach reduces analysis time by bypassing GC-MS for ~80% negative samples, resulting in >50% higher throughput. The flow-through ion source delivers enhanced sensitivity and reproducible intensity signals, while soft ionization extends analyte coverage. Automated PAL workflows ensure high reproducibility. Quantification via targeted MRM allows ppt-level detection of nitrosamines and pesticides.

Benefits and practical applications

• Significant time savings by reserving GC-MS for confirmed positives
• Lower capital and operational costs through use of a single plug-and-play platform
• Reduced laboratory footprint by avoiding separate screening and confirmatory systems
• Quantitative Direct-MS-Screening meets stringent QA/QC requirements
• Broad applicability to food safety, environmental monitoring, and industrial quality control

Future trends and opportunities

Prospects include deeper integration with LC-MS workflows, expansion of automated sample preparation capabilities, and incorporation of data-driven analytics. Ongoing miniaturization and interface customization will extend applicability to on-site testing and high-throughput industrial environments.

Conclusion

Plasmion’s integrated SICRIT® workflow for routine analysis streamlines sample processing, enhances sensitivity, and reduces costs while maintaining quantification rigor. The two-step screening and confirmation strategy addresses the needs of modern analytical labs.

References

• NIST Chemistry Webbook