Methods / TD-GC-MS

TD-GC-MS analysis

Thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) is a combined sampling and analysis technique for separating and characterizing volatile and semi-volatile components, even when they are present in the sample in trace amounts.

Gas chromatography column
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Take a look at our GC-MS analysis selection

Printing ink set-off testing with GC-MS

Printing ink set-off can occur on the reverse side of printed labels, lids, cups, and packaging film, either in a stack or in the reel after printing. This creates a potential for low-molecular-weight substances to transfer to the unprinted surface of the packaging that makes contact with the packed contents. We offer two food simulant options for set-off testing: Ethanol solution for plastic and polymer-coated materials, Simulant E (Tenax) for the above and paper and board. The price includes a simple risk assessment based on the Swiss Ordinance for printing inks (SR 817.023.21), EU regulations for food contact materials, and EFSA's Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. More extensive risk assessment is available upon request.
591–696 €
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Specific migration testing – 9,9-bis(methoxymethyl)fluorene

EN 13130-1
Determination of the specific migration of 9,9-bis(methoxymethyl)fluorene [CAS: 182121-12-6 ] from a plastic material intended for food contact. The substance is listed under FCM No. 779 and Ref No. 39815 in European Commission Regulation No 10/2011. The specific migration limit (SML) is 0.05 mg/kg of food. 9,​9-​bis(methoxymethyl)​​fluorene is used in the preparation of polypropylene by heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts.
478 €
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Pesticide residue screening (extensive package)

EN 15662
Screening of pesticide residues from various matrices, including food, feed, and dietary supplements. Pesticides are extracted using acetonitrile according to the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method and analyzed using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. A list of the tested compounds (500+) is available upon request. Pesticides are used to protect plants and plant products from the effects of harmful organisms. However, these substances can be present as toxic residues in treated plant products, animals feeding on those products, and honey produced by bees exposed to pesticides. Compliance can be evaluated using Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as a safety reference.
250 €
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1,3-DCP and 3-MCPD in aqueous extract of paper and board

Epichlorohydrin is a highly reactive electrophilic compound used to produce glycerol, plastics, epoxy glues and resins, epoxy diluents, and elastomers. The compound is included under 'Sizing agents' in the positive list of the BfR XXXVI recommendation on paper and board food contact materials. The hydrolysis products of epichlorohydrin are controlled as follows: 1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol [1,3-DCP, CAS 96-23-1] must not be detectable in the water extract of the finished product (detection limit 2 µg/l). , The transfer of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol [3-MCPD CAS 96-24-2] into the water extract of the finished products must be as low as technically achievable, and a limit of 12 µg/l must not be exceeded in any case..
375 €
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Specific migration testing – acetaldehyde

EN 13130-1
Specific migration of acetaldehyde [CAS: 75-07-0] from a plastic food contact material. Acetaldehyde is listed as FCM 128 with Ref No. 10060 in European Commission Regulation No 10/2011. Migration into food must not exceed the specific migration limit (SML) of 6 mg/kg.
302 €
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Chemical characterization of medical devices by ISO 10993-18

ISO 10993-18
Chemical characterization by the ISO 10993-18 standard is performed to identify the constituents of a medical device and to estimate and control the risks associated with its chemical composition. The test is a key part of assessing the biocompatibility of medical devices. Chemical characterization includes the estimation of substances released under simulated or exaggerated laboratory conditions (extractables) or the detection of actually released substances (leachables) by the medical device during clinical use. Applicable methods may include HS-GC (volatile organic compounds), GC-MS (semi-volatile organic compounds), LC-MS (non-volatile organic compounds), and ICP-MS (inorganic elements). Suitable tests, solvents, and analysis methods are chosen according to the device's composition, intended contact time, and site. We provide a range of chemical characterization tests based on the market area (MDR, FDA) and quality requirements (GLP). The tests are always customized for the product. Any chemicals detected above the concentrations established to be safe require further evaluation, typically through a toxicological risk assessment (ISO 10993-17). The starting price is based on the chemical characterization of volatile organic compounds (GLP, FDA).
5,200 €
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Specific migration testing – C16-C18 dialkylketones (DAKs) of alkyl ketene dimer (AKD)

Specific migration of dialkyl ketones (DAKs) that originate from alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) hydrophobic sizing agent of paper and board. According to BfR XXXVI recommendation, the limitation for the migration of AKD DAKs is 5 mg/kg of food or food simulant.
283 €
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Pentachlorophenol (PCP) content in paper and board

DIN 53313, ISO 15320
Pentachlorophenol (PCP, CAS 87-86-5) is a compound that is used as a pesticide and a wood preservative. It is listed as a persistent organic pollutant in Annex I of the EU POPs Regulation, and must therefore not be used in products and materials. This analysis is used to determine the pentachlorophenol content in pulp, paper, or board. Though the test was developed for food contact materials, it applies to all kinds of pulp, paper, and board.
287 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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What is TD-GC-MS used for?

TD-GC-MS is a versatile technique that finds applications in multiple industries and research areas. Popular applications include: 

How does thermal desorption work?

Thermal desorption works by heating the sample to a point where the volatile and semi-volatile components it contains are vaporized. These components are channeled to an absorbent trap, which collects and concentrates them. The adsorbent trap is then heated, causing the volatiles to be released and passing them through a GC-MS system where they are separated and analyzed.

Sample requirements and preparation

TD-GC-MS can be performed on samples of all phases, as long as they contain suitable volatile target components. Attention has to be paid to optimizing the sorbent selection, as this directly impacts the range and accuracy of compound detection and quantification.

Advantages and limitations of thermal desorption in GC-MS analysis

Thermal desorption is a valuable tool for selectively removing and concentrating compounds, offering enhanced sensitivity and enabling the detection of trace-level contaminants. The extent of sample preparation is also reduced when compared with solvent extraction, and the user is not exposed to toxic solvents.

The key limitation of TD is that different types of adsorbent traps will have a different propensity to capture different volatile compounds. Selecting the optimal sorbent may require prior knowledge of the target analytes or additional testing if the composition is unknown, introducing an element of trial-and-error when dealing with complex or unfamiliar samples.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Paints, pigments, and adhesives
  • Construction materials
  • Toys and other consumer products
  • Food and beverages
  • Water and soil
  • Semiconductor wafers

Ideal uses of TD-GC-MS

  • Identifying unknown volatile compounds
  • VOC emission analysis
  • Environmental studies
  • Air pollution monitoring

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Frequently asked questions

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.