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NWSPEC

High-Resolution GC-MS for Forensics, Environmental Screening & Metabolomics

High-Resolution GC-MS for Forensics, Environmental Screening & Metabolomics

HR-Accurate Mass GC-MS

When Identification Failure Is Not an Option

Quadrupole Speed + High-Resolution Certainty in One Run

Which Technology Do You Need?

Selecting the wrong mass spectrometer costs 2–3× more than necessary—or produces data that fails regulatory scrutiny. Match technology to your analytical problem.

Your Challenge Choose Why
Targeted quantitation in clean matrices
Known compounds, simple samples, routine QC 		Single Quadrupole GC-MS Lowest cost. SIM mode delivers required sensitivity for known analytes. Full scan for library matching. Limitation: Cannot resolve co-eluting isobars or confirm molecular formula.
Trace quantitation in complex matrices
Food safety, doping, environmental monitoring 		Triple Quadrupole GC-MS/MS MRM mode provides ultimate selectivity and sensitivity (ppt levels). Eliminates matrix interference. Limitation: Requires prior knowledge of analytes; cannot identify unknowns.
Unknown identification + targeted quantitation
Forensics, metabolomics, emerging contaminants 		HR-Accurate Mass GC-MS
(This System) 		<2 ppm mass accuracy enables molecular formula determination. >120,000 resolution separates co-eluting isobars. MIX mode delivers both quantitation and definitive ID in one injection.

The Compromise Problem

Standard Quadrupole

Tells you that a compound is present at m/z 272. Cannot tell you what it is if co-eluting interferences exist.

Result: False positives, regulatory rejection, repeated analysis.

High-Resolution MS

Delivers accurate mass for identification. Forces choice: run fast for quantitation OR run accurate for ID.

Result: Two injections per sample, doubled run time, reduced throughput.

The Hybrid Solution: Dual-Mode Architecture

This system eliminates the compromise by integrating two mass analyzers with intelligent switching:

Quadrupole Analyzer

  • 12,500 u/s scan speed
  • SIM mode for trace quantitation
  • 10⁶ linear dynamic range
  • Unit mass resolution

FT Electrostatic Trap

  • >120,000 resolution @ 131 amu
  • <2 ppm mass accuracy
  • Molecular formula confirmation
  • Isotopic fine structure

MIX Mode: The Key Differentiator

Alternates quadrupole and FT acquisition in one injection. Extract quantitative data from quadrupole spectra while simultaneously capturing high-resolution FT spectra for definitive identification. Switch time <700 ms. No other system offers this.

Application-Specific Value

Application Critical Requirement HR-Accurate Mass Advantage
Forensic Toxicology Eliminate false positives from isobaric drugs Sub-ppm mass accuracy provides court-defensible molecular formula confirmation. Co-eluting compounds resolved by >120,000 resolution.
Environmental Screening Identify unknown transformation products Accurate mass enables elemental composition of unknowns without reference standards. Retrospective data analysis possible.
Food Safety Confirm positives at regulatory limits MIX mode: Quantify by quadrupole (fast), confirm by FT accurate mass (definitive). Single injection satisfies both requirements.
Metabolomics Molecular formula for unknown metabolites Isotopic fine structure at high resolution distinguishes C/H/O/N/S combinations. Enables identification without spectral libraries.
Petrochemical Resolve co-eluting hydrocarbon isomers High resolution separates heteroatomic species (S, N, O) from hydrocarbon matrix. Elemental composition of complex mixtures.

Technology Comparison

Capability Single Quad Triple Quad HR-Accurate Mass
Targeted quantitation (clean matrix) EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT
Trace quantitation (complex matrix) POOR EXCELLENT GOOD
Unknown identification LIMITED NOT POSSIBLE EXCELLENT
Molecular formula confirmation NOT POSSIBLE NOT POSSIBLE <2 ppm ACCURACY
Co-eluting isobar resolution NOT POSSIBLE RESOLVED RESOLVED
Quant + ID in single injection CHOOSE ONE CHOOSE ONE MIX MODE
Relative cost $ $$ $$$

System Configuration

Base System (Standard)

  • Dual-Mode MS: Quadrupole (12,500 u/s) + FT Electrostatic Trap (>120,000 resolution)
  • 5 Scan Modes: FTSCAN, FTSIM, QSCAN, QSIM, MIX (all included)
  • GC System: 450°C oven, split/splitless inlet, 30-ramp programming
  • Autosampler: 160-position, dual-tower, 0.2–10 μL injection
  • Software: Unified workstation, NIST library, quantitative analysis
  • EI Source: Inert ceramic, 5–100 eV, dual filaments, 50–350°C

Option: EI + CI Upgrade

Add Chemical Ionization for soft ionization and molecular ion preservation. Recommended for unknown screening and high-MW compounds. Software-switchable.

Option: Extended Autosampler

Higher capacity trays for 24-hour unattended operation. Contact sales for high-throughput configurations.

Installation Requirements

Parameter Specification
Environment 15–35°C, ≤75% RH, dust-free, vibration-isolated
Power 220V ±10V, 50Hz, single-phase, dedicated ground, 6kVA UPS recommended
Gases He 99.999% (carrier), N₂ or Ar (CI reagent if option installed)
Space Bench 1200×600 mm, height clearance 800 mm, exhaust port 50mm diameter

Investment Justification

This system replaces two instruments (quadrupole GC-MS + high-resolution MS) and eliminates duplicate sample prep. Factor in: (1) Reduced false positive confirmation costs, (2) Faster time-to-result for complex samples, (3) Ability to identify unknowns without standards, (4) Regulatory acceptance of accurate mass data. ROI typically realized within 18–24 months for labs processing >50 complex samples/week.

Request Technical Consultation

Unsure which technology fits your workflow? Our applications team will evaluate your sample types, matrix complexity, and regulatory requirements.
Demo data available for your specific analytes.

Delivery: 12–16 weeks ARO | Installation & training included | 12-month warranty

View full details
Since 1993 30+ Years of Instrument Expertise
Reliable Manufacturer Manufacturing & Services
Ph.D. Founded Dr. Pingxin Wang, UT Austin
Advantages Price · Service · Speed · Technical · Data
Fast Shipping In-Stock Orders Ship Same Day

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact you?

Feel free to call us T+86 189-6516-4839
or email  sales@nwspec.com to:

• Place an order
• Ask for a quote
• Or if you have any other questions

You will always get a live person here at NWSPEC; never an automated system! 

We are open from 6:00AM - 7:00PM Eastern Time, Monday - Friday. 

Where can I find application notes?

If you have any questions regarding the application notes, or can't find the one you are looking for, please contact Sales at sales@nwspec.com



Do you have instructional manuals for your instruments to download?

Yes, we have instructional manuals for our instruments. They can be found on https://nwspec.com/pages/resource .

If you don't see the one you are looking for, please contact: sales@nwspec.com



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