A DIRECT SAMPLE INTRODUCTION DEVICE FOR MASS-SPECTROMETRY STUDIES ANDGAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS-SPECTROMETRY ANALYSES

A novel direct sample introduction (DSI) device is described, based on sample introduction in a disposable mini-vial (test tube) inside the existing gas chromatography (GC) injector, This DSI device effectively transforms a conventional GC injector, followed by a short capillary column, into a very cost-effective alternative to the standard direct insertion probe and enables a continuous sample flux at the mass spect rometer ion source for mass spectrometry (MS) and MS-MS studies, This same device also enables direct introduction of dirty samples for GC a nd GC-MS analysis, The dirty sample introduction is based on the therm al extraction of semi-volatile sample compounds inside the GC injector , while the non-volatile residue is retained in the sample vial that i s disposed of after the analysis, The major capabilities of this new D SI device are demonstrated and its various features are discussed.