Modern GC-MS technology in the forensic laboratory

Abstract

GC-MS is one of the most important techniques in today's forensic laboratory. It offers the possibility to screen biological and illicit drug samples for unknown compounds, to identify, confirm, and to quantitate them. This technique is very versatile and robust. The ionization technique of electron impact is standard technology; it enables the use of mass spectral libraries with hundred thousands of reference spectra. The combination of a separation technique (GC) and a spectroscopic technique (MS) results in a very dependable analytic system that is highly respected in court. The presented work will focus on some of the latest developments and will also give information on routine work.