1. Background
  2. Data Collection Methods
  3. Data Quality Control
  4. Summary

PerkinElmer GC/MS with autosampler
Image source: courtesy R. Johnson

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Gas chromatography uses a mobile gas phase to transport molecules through a capillary column (~0.25 mm internal diameter; 25 - 50 m long) of a stationary phase material. The stationary phase material has a different affinity for different molecules, which causes the molecules to exit the column at different times (aka, retention time).

Mass Spectrometry (MS)

A mass spectrometer is used to capture and ionize molecules when they leave the column in order to identify the molecules based on their mass to charge ratio.