Analytical Services › GC-MS & Py-GC/MS

GC-MS & Py-GC/MS Services

Gas chromatography mass spectrometry for volatile & semi-volatile organics, unknown compound identification, polymer pyrolysis, and custom method development. ISO 17025 accredited.

✓ ISO 17025 Accredited ✓ EI & CI Ionization ✓ Full-Scan & SIM Mode ✓ Pyrolysis Interface Available
Submit a Sample View Capabilities ↓
GC/MS + Py-GC/MS
Single platform, two modes
pg – µg/mL
Detection range
NIST & Custom Libraries
Compound identification
Method Development
For novel matrices & analytes
CoA + Raw Data
Complete deliverables
Analytical Capabilities

What We Can Analyze

Our GC-MS platform supports a broad range of organic analysis modes. Whether you need a regulated compendial method or a custom characterization run, we can accommodate most volatile and semi-volatile matrices.

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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Direct Injection · Headspace · Purge & Trap

Identification and quantification of low-boiling organic compounds in liquid, gas, headspace, and solid matrices. Applicable to residual solvents, flavor/fragrance profiling, off-gas analysis, and environmental VOC screening.

Residual Solvents BTEX Flavor Volatiles Off-gas Characterization Headspace Mapping Fermentation Volatilome
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Semi-Volatile Organics (SVOCs)

Liquid Injection · Solvent Extraction

Analysis of higher-boiling organic compounds requiring solvent extraction or direct liquid injection. Includes PAHs, phthalates, pharmaceutical process impurities, synthetic intermediates, and lipid-soluble analytes.

PAHs Phthalates Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Process Impurities Steroids / Lipids Synthetic Intermediates
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Pyrolysis GC-MS (Py-GC/MS)

Thermal Pyrolysis · Polymer Identification

Controlled thermal decomposition of solid materials generates characteristic pyrolysate fragments that serve as a chemical fingerprint. Essential for polymer identification, microplastics analysis, and material characterization without solvent extraction.

Microplastics Polymer ID Rubber Compounds Coatings & Films Natural Polymers Material Forensics
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Unknown Compound Identification

Full-Scan MS · NIST Library · Deformulation

Full-scan acquisition with NIST 2023 mass spectral library search for compounds without reference standards. Used for process impurity identification, extractable & leachable studies, contamination investigations, and competitive deformulation.

Process Impurities E&L Studies Contamination ID Competitive Deformulation Degradation Products Off-odor Investigation
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Targeted Quantitation (SIM / SRM)

Selected Ion Monitoring · External Calibration

Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode dramatically increases sensitivity and selectivity for known target analytes. Used when compendial or regulated methods require quantitation below full-scan detection limits, such as pesticide residues or environmental monitoring.

Pesticide Residues (GC-amenable) Dioxins / Furans PCBs Chlorinated Solvents Environmental Contaminants
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Custom Method Development

Validation · Column Screening · Matrix Optimization

For novel analytes, unusual matrices, or applications where no existing compendial method applies, we develop and validate fit-for-purpose GC-MS methods. Deliverables include an optimized method SOP, linearity/recovery/precision data, and a validated limit of quantitation (LOQ).

Novel APIs Proprietary Formulations New Matrix Types Regulatory Submissions Stability Studies
Instrumentation

Our GC-MS Platform

Our analytical instrumentation is maintained under ISO 17025 quality requirements with traceable calibration, routine performance verification, and documented preventive maintenance.

Instrument GC/MS System with Pyrolysis Interface
GC Column Types DB-5ms, DB-1ms, DB-624, DB-WAX, specialty phases
Ionization Modes Electron Ionization (EI, 70 eV); Chemical Ionization (CI) available
Acquisition Modes Full Scan (m/z 10–800+), SIM, alternating scan/SIM
Mass Range 10–800 m/z standard; up to 1200 m/z with configuration
Pyrolysis Interface Filament-type pyrolyzer; 200–900°C programmable temperature
Injection Modes Split/splitless, on-column, headspace, thermal desorption adapter
Mass Library NIST 2023 (350,000+ spectra); custom in-house pyrolysate library
Quantitation Range Low ppb (ng/g) to high % depending on matrix and analyte
Calibration Traceability NIST-traceable reference standards; ISO/IEC 17025 accredited
GC-MS instrument at Prodigy Labs

Prodigy Labs GC-MS / Py-GC/MS platform, San Diego

When to Use GC-MS

GC-MS vs. LC-MS/MS: Choosing the Right Platform

GC-MS and LC-MS/MS serve complementary roles. Knowing which platform fits your analyte class avoids wasted prep time and ensures optimal sensitivity.

Analyte Property GC-MS Py-GC/MS LC-MS/MS Best Choice
Volatile organics (bp < 300°C) ✓ Excellent — Poor GC-MS
Polymer / solid material ID — ✓ Only method — Py-GC/MS
Unknown compound ID ✓ NIST library ✓ Pyrolysate library Partial (no universal lib) GC-MS / Py-GC/MS
Thermolabile compounds Avoid — ✓ Preferred LC-MS/MS
Residual solvents (USP <467>) ✓ Compendial — Not compendial GC-FID / GC-MS
Pesticides (GC-amenable) ✓ High sensitivity — Partial (some only) GC-MS/MS or GC-MS
PAHs, dioxins, PCBs ✓ Standard — Possible GC-MS
Mycotoxins Derivatized — ✓ Preferred LC-MS/MS
Heavy metals — — ICP-MS preferred ICP-MS

Not sure which platform fits your analyte? Email us a brief description and we'll recommend the best approach — no commitment required.

Custom Work

Method Development & Validation

When no existing compendial or published method covers your analyte or matrix, we develop and validate a fit-for-purpose GC-MS method. All method development deliverables are documented for regulatory submission readiness.

1

Feasibility Assessment

We evaluate your analyte's GC-amenability — volatility, thermal stability, response to EI ionization — and recommend the optimal sample preparation and column chemistry. Typical turnaround: 1–3 days with a brief sample description.

2

Column & Condition Optimization

We screen stationary phase options (non-polar to polar), carrier gas flow, temperature program, and injection parameters to achieve baseline resolution of target analytes from matrix interferences.

3

LOQ, Linearity & Recovery

Method performance is validated with calibration curves (5+ points), spike-and-recovery across at least two concentration levels, intra/inter-day precision (RSD%), and a formally established limit of quantitation.

4

SOP & Transfer Package

A written method SOP is delivered with all validation data in a format suitable for a regulatory dossier (IND, NDA, ANDA, or supplement documentation). The method can be transferred to a reference laboratory if needed.

Industry Applications

Who Uses Our GC-MS Services

GC-MS is one of the most versatile analytical platforms available — virtually any application involving organic compounds at trace-to-percent levels is in scope.

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Pharma & Biotech

Residual solvents, genotoxic impurities, process impurity ID, extractables & leachables, and degradation product profiling for IND/NDA submissions.

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Dietary Supplements

Residual solvent panels (USP <467>), GC-amenable pesticide screens, flavor/terpene profiling, and botanical extract characterization.

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Academic & CRO

Unknown identification from synthesis reactions, metabolite profiling, novel polymer characterization, and exploratory characterization of new materials.

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Materials & Polymers

Polymer ID via Py-GC/MS, additive profiling, coating characterization, failure analysis, and competitive deformulation of plastic compounds.

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Environmental

VOC and SVOC screening in soil and water matrices (EPA 8260/8270-series methods), off-gas analysis, and microplastics characterization in environmental samples.

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Consumer Products

Fragrance and flavor profiling, volatile safety assessment, extractable/leachable studies for packaging, and compliance screening for restricted substance lists.

What You Receive

Report Package

Every GC-MS analysis includes a complete documentation package. For method development projects, a full validation report is included.

Get Started

How to Submit a Sample

Describe your sample type and what you're trying to learn — we'll recommend the right GC-MS approach and confirm turnaround within one business day.

1

Tell Us Your Goal

Email a brief description: sample matrix, analytes of interest (or "unknown — identify everything"), quantity available, and target regulatory standard if applicable. We'll confirm approach and quote same day.

2

Ship Your Sample

We'll send a sample submission form with sample prep guidance. GC-MS typically requires 1–50 mg of solid or 0.1–5 mL of liquid. We'll advise on container type and shipping conditions to preserve volatile analytes.

3

Receive Your Report

Standard turnaround is 5–10 business days. Rush service (2–3 business days) is available. Results delivered as a signed PDF report with full raw data upon request.

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Ready to Analyze Your Sample?

Send us a brief description of what you're working with and we'll recommend the right GC-MS approach. No commitment required.

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