Development of a Novel Automated Identification and Quantification System with a Database for GC-MS

We have developed a new, fully automated identification and quantification database system (AIQS-DB) to permit quantification of largenumbers of chemical substances using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The AIQS-DB, containing mass spectra, retention times, and calibration curves, allows identification and quantification of more than 1000 substances, without the use of chemical standards. With a projected retention time error of ±3 seconds during sample measurement, reliable identification was possible in conjunction with the mass spectrum. Reproducibility of quantitative values was less than 20%, which is comparable to conventional sample measurement using the calibration curve method. Furthermore, more than 90 percent of the registered substances were below the detection limit of 10 pg. Because the AIQS-DB permits measurement of a large number of chemical substances without using chemical standards, it can be applied to a wide range of applications.