Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is an analytical technique that couples gas chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometry (MS) to effectively identify unknown substances or contaminants. Shimadzu is a world leader in manufacturing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry machines. Our GC-MS instruments are renowned for their ultra-high sensitivity and efficiency, meticulously designed to maximise lab productivity while minimising environmental impact. They provide detailed mass spectra for robust compound identification. We offer a comprehensive GC-MS product lineup to suit every application, from our triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS systems (GCMS-TQ8050 NX) to our single quadrupole GC-MS (GCMS-QP2025 NX). A wide variety of accessories and software are also available to further enhance your GC-MS analysis.
Shimadzu GC‑MS — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC‑MS)?
GC‑MS separates volatile compounds using gas chromatography and identifies them via mass spectrometry, enabling sensitive qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Which Shimadzu GC‑MS systems are available?
Shimadzu offers QP-series (e.g., QP2020, QP2050) and TQ triple‑quadrupole systems for routine to high‑performance applications.
What makes Shimadzu GC‑MS technology unique?
High‑efficiency turbomolecular pumps, differential exhaust systems, hydrogen carrier‑gas compatibility, high sensitivity, and fast scan speeds.
Is hydrogen compatible as a carrier gas?
Yes—Shimadzu GC‑MS supports hydrogen. Switching from helium may require extended conditioning due to hydrogen’s behavior in the system.
Which software platforms are used?
LabSolutions GCMS and GCMSsolution support method development, quantitation, database searching, data integrity, and regulatory workflows.
Can I migrate data between software platforms?
GCMSsolution → LabSolutions GCMS is supported via a converter. LabSolutions → GCMSsolution is not supported.
What applications are supported?
Environmental monitoring, food safety, petrochemicals, forensics, materials characterization, fragrance analysis, and complex mixture separation.
Do Shimadzu systems support GC×GC‑MS?
Yes—TQ and QP series support multi-dimensional GC‑MS with high-speed acquisition.
What sample introduction methods are available?
Purge & trap, thermal desorption, pyrolysis, SPME/Arrow, multimode injection, and ITEX options.
What maintenance is required?
Replace inlet liners, check pump status, trim columns, clean ion source, and verify calibrations regularly.
Can an existing GC be retrofitted with MS?
Yes—ensure the GC ROM version is compatible before retrofit.
Where can I find appropriate manuals?
Instruction manuals are supplied in PDF format and additional documents can be ordered or downloaded as needed.
