Mass Spectrometry Glossary

AMDIS: abbreviation of: Automated Mass spectral Deconvolution Identification System
Definition: Computer program that extracts spectra for individual components in a GC/MS data file. (Source: NIST)
CBRNE: abbreviation of: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive
CIT: abbreviation of: Cylindrical Ion Trap
Definition: A type of mass analyzer.
CWA: abbreviation of: Chemical Warfare Agent
EI: abbreviation of: Electron Ionization
Definition: an ionization method, where energetic electrons interact with gas phase molecules to produce ions. This technique is used in mass spectrometry, particularly for gases and volatile organic molecules (Source: Wikipedia)
EPA Method 8260: Definition: Method 8260 is a test method used by the Environmental Protection Agency to determine volatile organic compounds in a variety of solid waste matrices by GC/MS. (Source: EPA)
GC: abbreviation of: Gas Chromatography
Definition: used in analytical chemistry for separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition. The instrument used to perform gas chromatography is called a gas chromatograph. (Source: Wikipedia)
GC/MS or GC-MS: abbreviation of: Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer or Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry
Definition: combines the features of chromatography and mass spectrometry. GC-MS has been widely heralded as a "gold standard" for forensic substance identification because it is used to perform a specific test. A specific test positively identifies the actual presence of a particular substance in a given sample. (Source: Wikipedia)
GSS: abbreviation of: Griffin System Software
Operating software and user interface for Griffin GC/MS systems
HAZMAT: abbreviation of: Hazardous Materials
He: abbreviation of: Helium
H₂: abbreviation of: Hydrogen
IDLH: abbreviation of: Immediately Detrimental to Life or Health
IED: abbreviation of: Improvised Explosive Device
IMS: abbreviation of: Ion Mobility Spectrometer
Injector Port: Definition: The classic injector port accepts revolutionary sampling tools like the PSI-Probe, without sacrificing the ability to use traditional sample introduction techniques such as syringe injections, SPME fibers, autosampler, and headspace sampler. Our injector port is the same injector one would find on a lab-based analytical instrument. This port is an integrated feature in every Griffin GC/MS model.
LTM-GC: abbreviation of: Low Thermal Mass Gas Chromatograph
Definition: The LTM-GC design allows for self-containment within the Griffin GC/MS system. The LTM-GC directly interfaces to the CIT mass analyzer. The novel heating technology and miniaturization provide for ultra-fast chemical separation and subsequent identification.
MIL-STD-810G: Department of Defense Test Method / Military testing standard ; design and test limits to the conditions that it will experience throughout its service life.
m/z: abbreviation of: mass-to-charge ratio
Definition: The m in m/z is representative of molecular or atomic mass and z is representative of the number of elementary charges carried by the ion. (Source: Wikipedia)
MS: abbreviation of: mass pectrum
Definition: An intensity vs. m/z (mass-to-charge ratio) plot representing a chemical analysis. The mass spectrum of a sample is a pattern representing the distribution of ions by mass (more correctly: mass-to-charge ratio) in a sample.
MS: abbreviation of: mass spectrometer
Definition: an analytical instrument in which ions, produced from a sample, are separated by electric or magnetic fields according to their ratios of charge to mass. A record is produced (mass spectrum) of the types of ion present and their relative amounts.
MS: abbreviation of: mass spectrometry
Definition: an analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of charged particles. It is used for determining masses of particles, for determining the elemental composition of a sample or molecule, and for elucidating the chemical structures of molecules, such as peptides and other chemical compounds. The MS principle consists of ionizing chemical compounds to generate charged molecules or molecule fragments and measuring their mass-to-charge ratios. (Source: Wikipedia)
MS/MS: abbreviation of: Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry(also known as tandem ms, msn, multi-dimensional mass analysis, or multi-stage MS)
Definition: involves multiple steps of mass spectrometry selection, with some form of fragmentation occurring in between the stages. (Source: Wikipedia)
NIST: abbreviation of:National Institute of Standards & Technology
P&T: abbreviation of: Purge and Trap
Definition: Griffin "plug and play" sampler for water analysis. P&T in combination with GC/MS is particularly suited to VOCs.
Plug and Play samplers: Definition: FLIR Plug and Play samplers are compatible with the Universal Sampling Port (USP). They simplify in-field sampling and eliminate the need for traditional sample preparation techniques, thus expediting the sample identification process. Griffin offers a family of samplers that plug directly into the Griffin 460 via the integrated USP: the X-Sorber for remote air sampling, Purge & Trap for water analysis, and direct air sampling adaptor for continuous air monitoring.
PSI-Probe: abbreviation of: Prepless Sampling Introduction Probe
Definition: The PSI-Probe is a revolutionary sample introduction system for GC/MS that enables ultra-trace residues to be positively identified within 2-8 minutes without the use of conventional sample preparation. It is directly compatible with the robust GRIFFIN GC/MS system and interfaces seamlessly via the injector port. The PSI-Probe accommodates both the TAG and GERSTELTwister sampling technologies.
RIC: abbreviation of: Reconstructed Ion Chromatograph
SPME: abbreviation of: Solid Phase Micro-Extraction
Definition: SPME is a prepless sampling and introduction technique for GC/MS. SPME involves the use of a fiber coated with an extracting phase, which can be a liquid or a solid, which extracts different kinds of analytes (including both volatile and non-volatile) from different kinds of media, that can be in liquid or gas phase. After extraction, the SPME fiber is transferred to the injection port of separating instruments, such as a Gas Chromatograph, where desorption of the analyte takes place and analysis is carried out. (Source: Wikipedia)
SVOCS: abbreviation of: Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds
TAG Technology: abbreviation of: Touch and Go
Definition: Traditional sample preparation techniques are eliminated with Touch-and-Go (TAG) technology, which allows users to quickly collect solid or liquid samples. No solvents, dilutions or wet chemistry are needed when using TAG. Simply touch the TAG to the sample and break the sampling end into the PSI-Probe microvial. The PSI-Probe allows for the sample to be introduced via the injector port.
TIC: abbreviation of: total ion chromatogram
Definition: represents the summed intensity across the entire range of masses being detected at every point in the analysis. (Source: Wikipedia)
TICs: abbreviation of: Toxic Industrial Chemicals
TIMs: abbreviation of: Toxic Industrial Materials
GERSTEL Twister: Definition: Sampling technology used to selectively extract and pre-concentrate trace components within liquid samples. May also be used to extract components from vapor headspace for determination. The Twister fits in the PSI-Probe, which allows for the sample to be introduced via the injector port.
USP: abbreviation of: Universal Sampling Port
The USP allows for the Griffin plug and play samplers to dock directly with the GC/MS for analysis without sample preparation. It accommodates the X-Sorber, Purge & Trap, and direct air sampling adaptor. This port is an integrated feature of the Griffin 460 model GC/MS.
VOCs: abbreviation of: Volatile Organic Compounds