Agilent Technologies' fast GC/MSD method can significantly speed up the screening of PCB congeners
This document details a method developed by Agilent Technologies to significantly speed up the screening of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). By utilizing Agilent's GC method translation software (MTL) and retention time locking (RTL), a standard 42-minute analysis method was scaled to run in approximately 10.5 minutes. The method employs a shorter 15-meter Agilent HP-5MS column and a fast oven ramp rate while maintaining high accuracy through precise scaling of the screening libraries.
| Analysis Time (Standard) | 42 minutes |
|---|---|
| Analysis Time (Fast) | 10.5 minutes |
| Speed Gain | Four-fold |
| Column Length (Fast) | 15 meters |
| Column Type | Agilent HP-5MS |
| Carrier Gas | Helium |
| Injector Temperature | 250 °C |
| Source Temperature | 230 °C |
| Transfer Line Temperature | 280 °C |
| Low Mass Limit | 50 amu |
| High Mass Limit | 550 amu |
A 15-meter x 0.25-mm x 0.25-um Agilent HP-5MS column is used for the four-fold speed.
Yes, the GC/MSD conditions used are the same as the fast pesticide method, allowing for screening of both in one analysis.