Every GC‑MS method tells a story – it’s our job to ensure it speaks clearly.
GC‑MS PRACTITIONERS
GOOD WORKING KNOWLEDGE
ADVANCED
ISO 17025
- Designed for: users of GC‑MS equipment, method developers, and anyone involved in structural elucidation or quantitative analysis by GC‑MS
- Ideal for analysts seeking to develop robust, validated methods and troubleshoot performance issues
- Prerequisite: good working knowledge of GC‑MS; basic organic chemistry is advantageous
- Familiarity with data systems and method validation concepts is beneficial
Learning outcomes
- Design GC‑MS methods tailored to analytes, sample matrices, and regulatory requirements
- Troubleshoot method performance issues across sample prep, column, and detector
- Ensure methods are validated, reproducible, and ISO/IEC 17025‑compliant
- Document method development decisions, deviations, and corrective actions
GC‑MS APPLICATIONS, TROUBLESHOOTING & METHOD DEVELOPMENT
LIVE ONLINE INTERACTIVE SESSION · from first principles to audit‑ready methods
Starting from first principles, this course introduces the fundamental chemistry of mass spectrometry and builds up to an examination of frequently encountered fragmentation patterns. Systematically analyse a mass spectrum to elucidate structural information – and learn to develop, validate, and troubleshoot methods that withstand audit scrutiny.
1. ROLE OF GC‑MS METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND TROUBLESHOOTING IN ISO/IEC 17025
- Why method development and troubleshooting are critical: accurate, sensitive detection; prevent non‑conforming results; support audit‑ready data
- Relevant ISO/IEC 17025 clauses: method validation, equipment calibration, nonconforming work, technical competence
2. SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO GC–MS METHOD DEVELOPMENT
Structured workflow
- Define analytes and sample matrices; select sample prep (LLE, SPME, QuEChERS, headspace, derivatization); choose column type; optimise GC and MS parameters; evaluate performance; document everything
Trend‑based verification
- Monitor retention time, peak shape, MS signal; detect matrix effects, carryover, contamination
Risk‑based decision making
- When to adjust method for matrix interference; when system suitability failure invalidates results; when re‑optimisation or revalidation is needed
3. COMMON GC‑MS APPLICATIONS
- Environmental monitoring: VOCs, PAHs, pesticides, herbicides
- Food and feed safety: pesticides, mycotoxins, flavour compounds
- Pharmaceutical analysis: drugs, impurities, residual solvents
- Clinical/forensic analysis: toxicology, drug monitoring, metabolomics
- Research: natural products, chemical ecology, bioactive compounds
- Case studies: multi‑residue pesticides in fruits (QuEChERS); VOC profiling (SPME); residual solvents in pharmaceuticals
4. TROUBLESHOOTING GC‑MS METHOD PERFORMANCE
Sample‑related issues
- Matrix interferences (signal suppression/enhancement), degraded analytes, carryover, contamination
Column/chromatography issues
- Peak tailing, broadening, co‑elution; retention time shifts; column bleed affecting baseline
MS detector issues
- Source contamination, mass calibration drift, low sensitivity, poor S/N
Corrective actions
- Optimise sample prep, clean‑up, derivatisation; adjust oven/injection/column; clean or tune MS source; replace degraded columns/liners
5. METHOD VALIDATION AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
- Evaluate linearity, precision, accuracy, LOD, LOQ, recovery
- Assess matrix effects using spiked or fortified samples
- Implement system suitability tests (retention, peak shape, MS response)
- Ensure reproducibility across instruments, operators, batches
- ISO/IEC 17025 relevance: justify method choices, document deviations, maintain auditable data
6. PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES
- Standardise sample preparation and extraction workflows
- Maintain instrument calibration and MS tuning
- Monitor column performance and replace when necessary
- Use QC standards, internal standards, and reference materials
- Document method development, optimisation, and troubleshooting steps
7. SYSTEM SUITABILITY AND POST‑METHOD VERIFICATION
- Use control samples to verify retention, resolution, and MS signal
- Compare performance against historical data or validation criteria
- Confirm method readiness after column changes, maintenance, or tuning
8. ISO/IEC 17025 DOCUMENTATION
- Record method development rationale, optimisation steps, final parameters
- Log troubleshooting events, corrective actions, and impact on results
- Maintain full traceability from sample preparation to final report
- Prepare audit‑ready documentation demonstrating reproducibility, validation, compliance
9. ONLINE PRACTICAL COMPONENT
- Interactive exercises: design a GC‑MS method for a given analyte/matrix
- Optimise GC oven program and MS detection parameters
- Troubleshoot simulated method failures: matrix interference, co‑elution, ion suppression
- Document method development and troubleshooting in ISO/IEC 17025‑compliant logs
Fragmentation mastery
Troubleshooting toolkit
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