Improved volatiles analysis workflows using automated selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS).

Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) is a recent addition to the routine analysis and research laboratory toolkit, primarily as a quantitative tool. SIFT-MS employs ultra-soft chemical ionisation to directly analyse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air and headspace in real-time with high specificity and sensitivity. Coupling SIFT-MS with conventional laboratory automation equipment (, that used with chromatography systems) has proved straightforward and enables unattended operation, processing up to 230 samples per day per SIFT-MS instrument.

Combining Thermal Desorption with Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry for Analyses of Breath Volatile Organic Compounds.

An instrument integrating thermal desorption (TD) to selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) is presented, and its application to analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human breath is demonstrated for the first time. The rationale behind this development is the need to analyze breath samples in large-scale multicenter clinical projects involving thousands of patients recruited in different hospitals. Following adapted guidelines for validating analytical techniques, we developed and validated a targeted analytical method for 21 compounds of diverse chemical class, chosen for their clinical and biological relevance.

Robust Automated SIFT-MS Quantitation of Volatile Compounds in Air Using a Multicomponent Gas Standard.

Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, SIFT-MS, has been widely used in industry and research since its introduction in the mid-1990s. Previously described quantitation methods have been advanced to include a gas standard for a more robust and repeatable analytical performance. The details of this approach to calculate the concentrations from ion-molecule reaction kinetics based on reaction times and instrument calibration functions determined from known concentrations in the standard mix are discussed.

Accurate selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry quantification of ethylene oxide contamination in the presence of acetaldehyde.

In September 2020, traces of ethylene oxide (a toxic substance used as a pesticide in developing countries but banned for use on food items within the European Union) were found in foodstuffs containing ingredients derived from imported sesame seed products. Vast numbers of foodstuffs were recalled across Europe due to this contamination, leading to expensive market losses and extensive trace exposure of ethylene oxide to consumers. Therefore, a rapid analysis method is needed to ensure food safety by high-throughput screening for ethylene oxide contamination.