New GC/MS Homeland Security Applications Developed
Detecting low levels of pollutants, explosives, and chemical and biological agents used in terrorist attacks can be a very challenging task, and government agencies require precise and timely information in order to evaluate potential threats. Responding to increased security needs, Thermo Electron Corporation (NYSE:TMO) has developed a new line of GC/MS applications especially designed for analyzing compounds relevant to homeland security initiatives. Thermo Electron’s Finnigan™ TRACE™ DSQ single quadrupole mass spectrometer and Finnigan™ PolarisQ™ ion trap GC/MS system are particularly suited for analyses carried out by forensic laboratories, federal government entities, military operations, and other applicable users
Forensically, the identification of explosives can aid in identifying source materials, determining the nature of accelerants, and evaluating potential threats. Since these analyses have been difficult to perform in a timely manner with minimal sample, Thermo has developed tailored applications describing the methods performed for the analysis of explosive residues, as well as nerve gas metabolites.
Thermo’s newly developed application, Analysis of Explosives by Chemical Ionization GC/MS, provides methodology for analyzing explosive residue using the Finnigan TRACE DSQ. Since rapid analysis of low-level compounds is of utmost importance in security situations, the analyst using the instrument has the ability to run small amounts of samples with less downtime, saving on both lost time and instrument maintenance. The instrument is equipped with the new Ion Bright™ source, making it ideal for the quick detection and analysis of low-level analytes found in explosive residue, which has been difficult to accomplish to date.
A further homeland security application, Analysis of Methylphosphonic Acid (MPA), a Metabolite of Sarin, by Tandem GC Mass Spectrometry and Positive Ion Chemical Ionization, provides methodology for the analysis of nerve gas metabolites. These compounds were first used as chemical weapons during World War II and more recently linked to Gulf War events and subsequent terrorist activity. Defensive research into their detection, decontamination, and treatment is ongoing.
The Finnigan TRACE DSQ and Finnigan PolarisQ are the most sensitive benchtop GC/MS systems commercially available, and they are equipped with the ability to provide extreme sensitivity and efficiency in forensic analysis. Coupled with newly developed industry-specific applications, they provide the perfect solution to the needs of the homeland security community.
For more information about the Finnigan TRACE DSQ and Finnigan PolarisQ, call +1 800-532-4752 or e-mail analyze@thermo.com
About Thermo Electron
Thermo Electron Corporation is the world leader in analytical instruments. Our instrument solutions enable our customers to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place. Thermo’s Life and Laboratory Sciences business provides analytical instruments, scientific equipment, services, and software solutions for life science, drug discovery, clinical, environmental, and industrial laboratories. Thermo’s Measurement and Control business is dedicated to providing analytical instruments used in a variety of manufacturing processes and in-the-field applications including those associated with safety and homeland security. Based near Boston, Massachusetts, Thermo has revenues of more than $2 billion, and employs approximately 10,000 people in 30 countries.
About Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
A leader in ion trap, hybrid, and magnetic sector mass spectrometers, liquid and gas chromatographs, and hyphenated multi-instrument combinations of these products, Thermo Electron’s integrated solutions include state-of-the-art instrument systems, advanced software, and HPLC column technology with a wide range of innovative phases and hardware designs – tailored to meet the rigorous demands of lab professionals in applications such as proteomics, drug discovery, environmental analysis, and analytical quantification. For more information, visit www.thermo.com/ms
