Ion Signature Technology Announces New Mass Spectrometry Software For Fast, Accurate Identification & Quantification Of Organic Compounds

Ion Signature Technology, Inc. (IST), developer of advanced technologies for analytical laboratories, has announced the release of IST for GC/MS, new mass spectrometry software designed for high throughput testing labs that work in the areas of environmental science, forensics, petrochemicals, and chemicals. IST for GC/MS employs a unique set of algorithms that provide fast and accurate identification and quantification of organic compounds in complex mixtures in seconds. This allows labs to dramatically increase productivity by quickly and easily reducing reanalysis rates, creating ultra-fast screening and quantitative methods, dramatically shortening run times, and reducing sample prep costs.

"Independent testing labs are under tremendous pressure to lower detection limits and, at the same time, increase sample throughput rates," stated John Moore, Ph.D., President and CEO of Ion Signature Technology. "This requires indisputable identification of chemical entities under ultrafast analysis conditions. While labs must run analyses faster to be competitive, they must do so without sacrificing data quality, especially in highly regulated markets. With IST for GC/MS, the correct results are obtained quickly and the quality of the data can be documented."

Applying Deconvolution to Mass Spectrometry

IST for GC/MS is based on a powerful set of algorithms designed for ultra-fast, high sensitivity compound identification and quantification, even in complex matrices. The software performs real-time deconvolution of the sample data and analyzes all noise interferents. Its ability to interpret mass spectra in the presence of high noise allows labs to use extremely short and simple GC temperature programs, in many cases virtually eliminating the need for arduous sample preparation. By rapidly ramping GC oven temperatures, 30-40 minute analyses can be compressed to as short as 5 minutes, and samples can be analyzed without the need for gel permeation, alumina, or silica column chromatography to prepare complex mixtures for analysis.

"Until now, analytical labs have relied on ion extraction and best-fit 'library matching' to determine compound identity," said Moore. "While these may work when dealing with pure standards or clean samples, most labs are dealing with impure samples from their customers. While several instrument manufacturers provide rudimentary deconvolution functions in their GC/MS packages, none are able to distinguish the presence of multiple coeluting compounds unequivocally. IST for GC/MS takes deconvolution to the next level and revolutionizes the target compound identification process by increasing accuracy while reducing total sample testing time and labor costs."

Ultra-fast screening methods: IST for GC/MS is quick and easy to integrate into the compound identification process as it uses the same analytical methods already employed by lab staff. The software features an intuitive, point-and-click graphical interface that allows the creation of methods without extensive data entry. The built-in Compound Library can be used and existing GC/MS methods can be converted in minutes. Both commercially available libraries, such as NIST, as well as customized libraries can also be imported. Special tools are included for petroleum analysis and characterization.

Lower sample prep costs: IST for GC/MS provides increased measurement sensitivity over traditional approaches by eliminating the need to cut fractions, thus avoiding losses during sample prep. The software identifies internal standards and surrogates in the presence of high levels of matrix interferences. This eliminates post-extraction sample cleanup, producing drastic cuts in sample preparation time and labor costs.

Dramatically shorter run times: The increased sensitivity of IST for GC/MS also produces substantial improvement in chromatographic run times -- from 30-40 minutes to as little as 5 minutes per sample. This significantly increases sample throughput. Full batch and auto batch capabilities are provided, both for sample analysis and report generation.

Reporting and verification: IST for GC/MS provides high quality graphic output that allows data verification in seconds. A full, automatic, batch-style NIST library search feature includes printed reports. The software also features a complete sample and QC reporting package that matches EPA standards and is customizable. All IST for GC/MS data can be exported to Microsoft Excel.

EPA verified: According to the EPA, "IST for GC/MS reduces the need for re-analysis and dilution, and increases confidence in surrogate, internal standard, and target compound identification and quantification."(1)