First GC/MS system with solid inert ion source provides up to 3x better sensitivity

Agilent Technologies Inc. introduced the first commercial gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system to feature a solid inert ion source. Designed to integrate with Agilent's industry-leading gas chromatographs, the Agilent 5973 inert mass selective detector (MSD) is up to three times more sensitive than typical GC/MS systems for the analysis of certain active compounds.

The 5973 inert MSD minimizes the degradation of active compounds, providing better spectral quality and greater reliability. It enables accurate, reliable analyses of previously problematic compounds such as pesticides and drugs in complex matrices. It is suited for any GC/MS analysis, but its sensitivity and reliability make it ideal for environmental testing, food safety, forensic and homeland security applications.

Typical GC/MS systems use ion sources made of stainless steel, which can react with the active compounds in a sample and distort the subsequent mass spectral data. Other systems feature a source with an inert coating, which can wear away over time from routine cleaning and operation. The Agilent 5973 inert MSD is the first GC/MS system to have a solid inert ion source, giving it outstanding sensitivity and reliability over a longer period of time.

The new ion source provides superior sensitivity, enhancing analyte response three times for certain compounds, with the greatest percentage gain at low concentrations where detection is an issue. The resulting improvements in spectra quality increase confidence in library search matches. Maintenance needs are greatly reduced as even the most active compounds have difficulty adhering to the smooth, inert surface of the source. In addition, the new inert source can be operated at higher temperatures -- a benefit for analyses of compounds with high boiling points.

Quelle: Agilent Technologies