GC-FID analysis

Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) is an analytical technique that is used to separate and analyze mixtures consisting of volatile components. GC-FID is particularly useful in detecting and quantifying organic compounds, such as fatty acids in food and resin acids in water.

GC-FID analysis
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Some of our GC-FID analysis options

Overall migration testing – simulant A, B, D2 (all foodstuff)

EN 1186-1, EN 1186-2, EN 1186-3
Overall migration (OML) testing with simulants A, B, and D2 is used to ensure the compliance of food packaging, cling film, freezer bags, nitrile gloves, takeaway boxes, and all other materials or articles that are intended for contact with all types of foods. Overall migration is the sum of all the non-volatile compounds that migrate from the food contact material into food. According to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, materials and articles intended for contact with all types of food shall be tested with food simulants A (10% ethanol), B (3% acetic acid), and D2 (olive oil). To comply with the regulation, overall migration must not exceed 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg). If testing with simulant D2 is not technically feasible, it is substituted with simulants D2e (95% ethanol) and D2i (isooctane). In case the contact temperature exceeds 100 °C, testing overall migration with simulant E (Tenax) is also necessary (not included in the cost). Our experts will provide guidance for selecting the appropriate simulants and migration conditions. Do not hesitate to ask for more information or a quote for testing repeated-use articles (the displayed price applies to single-use materials).
619 €
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Overall migration testing – simulant D2 (olive oil)

EN 1186-1, EN 1186-2
Overall migration (OM) is the sum of all the non-volatile compounds that migrate from a food contact material into the food. According to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, food simulants D1 and D2 are assigned for foods that have a lipophilic character and are able to extract lipophilic substances. Food simulant D2 shall be used for foods that contain free fats at the surface. In order to comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, the overall migration must not exceed 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg). We offer testing for both single-use and repeated-use articles. Due to the destructive nature of simulant D2, repeated-use tests are carried out on three sets of sample material with varying exposure times.
352–942 €
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Specific migration testing – ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol

EN 13130-1, EN 13130-7
Analysis to determine the specific migration of the following compounds, listed in Annex I of European Regulation No 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials: Ethylene glycol [CAS 107-21-1; FCM 227; Ref. No 16990/53650] , Diethylene glycol [CAS 111-46-6; FCM 263; Ref. No 13326/15760/47680]. The compounds are grouped with FCM 89 and FCM 1048 in Group 2. Together, the substances have a specific migration limit (SML) of 30 mg/kg of food (expressed as ethylene glycol).
345 €
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Specific migration testing – 1-octene

EN 13130-1
Specific migration of 1-octene [CAS: 111-66-0] from a sample or material intended for food contact. The substance is listed as FCM 264 with Ref No. 22660 in European Commission Regulation No 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials. The SML value (specific migration limit) for 1-octene is 15 mg/kg of food.
322 €
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Specific migration testing – 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane

EN 13130-1, EN 13130-28
Analysis to determine the specific migration of 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane [CAS 77-99-6; FCM 141] from a plastic food contact material. The substance is listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 with three reference numbers (13380, 25600, and 94960). The specific migration limit (SML value) for trimethylolpropane is 6 mg/kg.
302 €
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Purity assay of solvent samples (GC-FID and Karl Fischer)

Solvent purity assay with GC-FID and Karl Fischer techniques. Determination is performed by analyzing the sample with GC-FID and comparing the area of the solvent signal to the combined area of all peaks. The concentration of the solvent in the sample is expressed as a percentage (%). Karl Fischer titration is used to determine the amount of water in the sample.
489 €
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Single-use plastic food contact materials (FCM) – EU compliance testing package

DIN 10955:2024, EN 1186-1, EN 1186-2, …
General compliance testing package for single-use plastic food contact materials (FCMs) by regulation (EU) 10/2011 and (EC) 1935/2004, article 3. This testing package includes the following tests: Overall migration testing for all food types (simulants A, B, and D2), Sensory testing (odor and taste) according to DIN 10955, Specific migration of ammonium ion and elements listed in Annex II of EU 10/2011, Specific migration of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) to simulant D2e (95% ethanol) with GC-MS screening analysis. When relevant, this general testing package can be combined with additional tests and test packages, such as: Specific migration tests of substances with specific migration limitations (SMLs), Specific migration of primary aromatic amines (PAAs), Extended screening analyses of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS).
1,454 €
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Sterol profile of food, fats, and oils

Determination of the sterol profile of food, fats, and oils using GC-FID based on COI/T.20/ Doc. No 26/Rev. 5 June 2020 of International Olive Council. The analysis includes the following parameters: 24-methylencholesterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol, Brassicasterol, Beta-sitosterol, Campestanol, Campesterol, Clerosterol, Cholesterol, Delta-5-avenasterol, Delta-5,23-stigmastadienol, Delta-5,24-stigmastadienol, Delta-7-avenasterol, Delta-7-campesterol, Delta-7-stigmastenol, Delta-7,9(11)-stigmastadienol, Sitostanol, Stigmasterol, Sum of erythrodiol and uvaol, Total sterols.
210 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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  • Personal service from method experts
  • Competitive prices
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What is GC-FID analysis used for?

GC-FID is primarily used in industry and research to characterize mixtures of organic compounds. In pharmaceutical testing, the method can be used to identify residual contaminants, in polymer analysis to quantify residual monomers, and in the petrochemical industry to identify and quantify different hydrocarbon components in oil and other fuels.

GC-FID can also be used in food testing to determine the fatty acid profile of food. In environmental research, the technique can be employed to identify resin acids in water and contaminants in air samples.

How does GC-FID work?

Initially, the sample is passed through a gas chromatography column. This evaporates volatile compounds and causes the resultant gaseous mixture to be separated into individual components. Once the sample reaches the end of the column, it enters the flame-ionization chamber, where it is mixed with hydrogen and a suitable oxidant. This mixture is then burned with a hydrogen flame, causing any chemical components to become ionized and giving them a positive charge.

Above the flame is a negatively charged collector plate. As the positive ions emerge, they are accelerated towards the collector plate where, upon making contact, they induce an electric current. This current is measured, with the amount of current being related to the number of carbon atoms burned. By logging the data, it is possible to determine which components were present in the original sample, and in what quantities.

Sample requirements and preparation

GC-FID samples are generally prepared by dissolving or mixing the material in a low-boiling-point solvent, such as methanol. This solution is then injected into the chromatograph, which will cause it to vaporize rapidly into the gas phase. Note that solid organic samples can be analyzed this way, provided that they become volatile once dissolved.

GC-FID vs. GC-MS – What are the differences?

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) starts the same way as GC-FID, by separating the sample in the gas chromatograph. However, instead of a flame ionization detector, the sample is then passed through a mass spectrometer, which further separates and measures the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio.

Typically, GC-MS is most useful when it comes to qualitative analysis, such as identifying unknown compounds and molecules based on their size. GC-FID, on the other hand, provides higher accuracy in quantifying many components.

To achieve a comprehensive set of results, GC-MS and GC-FID are often used in tandem with each other. A good example of this is NIAS testing of food contact materials, where the combined GC-MS/FID method can be used to first identify previously unknown components (with the MS detector) and then quantify them (with FID).

Need an analysis?

Measurlabs offers high-quality GC-FID measurements for different industries and fields of research. Many of these analyses have further details on prices and turnaround times available in our online catalog. Check out, for example, this purity assay of organic solvents, which combines GC-FID with Karl Fischer titration to determine solvent purity.

To get a customized quote, including any available volume discounts for large sample batches or recurring orders, please contact us through the form below. We will get back to you within one business day.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Natural oils
  • Organic mixtures
  • Air samples
  • Volatile hydrocarbon mixtures

Ideal uses of GC-FID

  • Determining the composition of hydrocarbon mixtures
  • Monitoring air quality
  • Fatty acid analysis of food
  • Resin acid analysis of environmental samples

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Answering the following questions helps us prepare an offer for you faster:

  • How many samples do you have and what is the sample material?
  • Do you have a recurring need for these tests? If yes, how often and for how many samples at a time?

Have questions or need help? Email us at or call our sales team.

Frequently asked questions

What is GC-FID analysis used for?

Common applications of GC-FID include solvent purity analysis (together with Karl Fischer titration and ICP-MS) and fatty acid profile determination of food products. Different environmental samples can also be screened for contaminants, including volatile organic compounds.

What are the limitations of GC-FID?

Because of the gas chromatography element, GC-FID is only suitable for samples that are either volatile or can be prepared in a way that makes vaporization possible. The method is very sensitive when it comes to analyzing most organic hydrocarbons, but it cannot detect some other compounds, such as carbon monoxide or carbon disulfide.

Depending on the analyte, other GC detectors, such as the electron capture detector (ECD), may offer a lower detection limit.

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.