If a patient is tested to be sensitive with screening methods, GC/MS or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is done for confirmation of the result. This test is said to be the most sensitive test available for testing and usually for the confirmation of drug present. It is the method least likely to be challenged in the court and should be considered as necessary and important asset in national programs where the control laboratory will be the final source of confirmation for questioned assays.
GC/MS is one of the so-called 'hyphenated' analytical technique, combining gas chromatography, which is used for separation of components of a sample with mass spectrometry which is ideal in the identification of the separated component.
GC/MS is one of the so-called 'hyphenated' analytical technique, combining gas chromatography, which is used for separation of components of a sample with mass spectrometry which is ideal in the identification of the separated component.
Separation of chemicals by the GC is based on their volatility of the chemicals or how fast and easy they evaporate into a gas. Imagine watching a race where a group of people begin at the starting line. As the race continues, the runners separate based on how fast they run. Usually, slim and athletic persons run faster that persons not physically fit. The chemicals in the mixture separate this way - based on their speed - speed to evaporate. Small molecules travel more quickly than larger molecules.
MS, on the other hand, identifies chemicals based on their structure. Let’s say after completing a puzzle, you accidentally drop it on the floor. Some parts of the puzzle remain attached together and some individual pieces break off completely. By looking at these various pieces, you are still able to get an idea of what the original puzzle looked like. This is very similar to the way that the mass spectrometer works.
MS, on the other hand, identifies chemicals based on their structure. Let’s say after completing a puzzle, you accidentally drop it on the floor. Some parts of the puzzle remain attached together and some individual pieces break off completely. By looking at these various pieces, you are still able to get an idea of what the original puzzle looked like. This is very similar to the way that the mass spectrometer works.