A microcomputer-directed mass spectrometer as a compound-selective detector for gas chromatography.

Determination and quantitation by mass spectrometry can be difficult for compounds in complex biological mixtures where chromatographic interferences are frequently encountered. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric system is described which utilizes reverse spectral search and retention time screening to provide a high degree of compound specificity. Computer control of instrument operation, and of data acquisition, analysis and printout allows technologist operators to obtain highly reliable, precise quantitative results using relatively crude sample preparation procedures and short chromatographic times.