Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry: A Report on the State of the Art

Abstract

Instrumental and technical aspects of the combination gas chromatograph mass spectrometer are discussed, with emphasis on the various ways in which the mass spectrometer can serve as a detector for the gas chromatograph. A number of examples of applications are presented, in which the gas chromatograph mass spectrometer is used in its various instrumental modes. Computerized data processing is reviewed, and examples of applications are presented. Most of the examples of applications are taken from pharmacology and toxicology. Special attention is given to stable isotope analysis and to the role of stable isotopes in quantitation by gas chromatography mass spectrometry of samples in the subnanogram range.