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Contacts
John Moore, Ph.D., President & CEO
(401) 767-4360
jmoore@ionsigtech.com
Shari Worthington, PR Counsel
(508) 755-5242
sharilee@telesian.com
Ion Signature Technology Announces New
Mass Spectrometry Software for Fast, Accurate Identification & Quantification of Organic Compounds
Patented deconvolution process revolutionizes compound identification
North Smithfield, RI - January 11, 2005 - Ion Signature
Technology, Inc. (IST), developer of advanced technologies for analytical
laboratories, has announced the release of IST for GC/MS,
new mass spectrometry software designed for high throughput testing labs
that work in the areas of environmental science, forensics, petrochemicals,
and chemicals. IST for GC/MS employs a unique set of algorithms that provide
fast and accurate identification and quantification of organic compounds
in complex mixtures in seconds. This allows labs to dramatically increase
productivity by quickly and easily reducing reanalysis rates, creating
ultra-fast screening and quantitative methods, dramatically shortening
run times, and reducing sample prep costs.
“Independent testing labs are under tremendous pressure to lower
detection limits and, at the same time, increase sample throughput rates,”
stated John Moore, Ph.D., President and CEO of Ion Signature Technology.
“This requires indisputable identification of chemical entities
under ultrafast analysis conditions. While labs must run analyses faster
to be competitive, they must do so without sacrificing data quality, especially
in highly regulated markets. With IST for GC/MS, the correct results are
obtained quickly and the quality of the data can be documented.”
Applying Deconvolution to Mass Spectrometry
IST for GC/MS is based on a powerful set of algorithms
designed for ultra-fast, high sensitivity compound identification and
quantification, even in complex matrices. The software performs real-time
deconvolution of the sample data and analyzes all noise interferents.
Its ability to interpret mass spectra in the presence of high noise allows
labs to use extremely short and simple GC temperature programs, in many
cases virtually eliminating the need for arduous sample preparation. By
rapidly ramping GC oven temperatures, 30-40 minute analyses can be compressed
to as short as 5 minutes, and samples can be analyzed without the need
for gel permeation, alumina, or silica column chromatography to prepare
complex mixtures for analysis.
“Until now, analytical labs have relied on ion extraction and best-fit
‘library matching’ to determine compound identity,”
said Moore. “While these may work when dealing with pure standards
or clean samples, most labs are dealing with impure samples from their
customers. While several instrument manufacturers provide rudimentary
deconvolution functions in their GC/MS packages, none are able to distinguish
the presence of multiple coeluting compounds unequivocally. IST for GC/MS
takes deconvolution to the next level and revolutionizes the target compound
identification process by increasing accuracy while reducing total sample
testing time and labor costs.”
Ultra-fast screening methods: IST for GC/MS is quick
and easy to integrate into the compound identification process as it uses
the same analytical methods already employed by lab staff. The software
features an intuitive, point-and-click graphical interface that allows
the creation of methods without extensive data entry. The built-in Compound
Library can be used and existing GC/MS methods can be converted in minutes.
Both commercially available libraries, such as NIST, as well as customized
libraries can also be imported. Special tools are included for petroleum
analysis and characterization.
Lower sample prep costs: IST for GC/MS provides increased
measurement sensitivity over traditional approaches by eliminating the
need to cut fractions, thus avoiding losses during sample prep. The software
identifies internal standards and surrogates in the presence of high levels
of matrix interferences. This eliminates post-extraction sample cleanup,
producing drastic cuts in sample preparation time and labor costs.
Dramatically shorter run times: The increased sensitivity
of IST for GC/MS also produces substantial improvement in chromatographic
run times -- from 30-40 minutes to as little as 5 minutes per sample.
This significantly increases sample throughput. Full batch and auto batch
capabilities are provided, both for sample analysis and report generation.
Reporting and verification: IST for GC/MS provides high
quality graphic output that allows data verification in seconds. A full,
automatic, batch-style NIST library search feature includes printed reports.
The software also features a complete sample and QC reporting package
that matches EPA standards and is customizable. All IST for GC/MS data
can be exported to Microsoft Excel.
EPA verified: According to the EPA, "IST for GC/MS
reduces the need for re-analysis and dilution, and increases confidence
in surrogate, internal standard, and target compound identification and
quantification." 1
Pricing
IST for GC/MS is fully compatible with Agilent gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry systems and runs on any Windows 98, NT, 2000, or XP computer.
It is available for purchase through IST at http://www.ionsigtech.com.
Prices start at $8000; volume discounts, site licenses, and OEM licenses
are available.
About Ion Signature Technology, Inc.
Ion Signature Technology (IST) is a privately held company focused on
developing and marketing advanced data analysis software and hardware
for analytical laboratories that require accurate, high throughput chemical
analysis. Based on the innovative Accurithm™ deconvolution algorithms,
IST’s products reduce the time required to collect and analyze complex
chemical samples. The company increases the capacity and profitability
of high throughput service organizations by providing faster, simpler,
and more dependable sample collection and analysis methods. For more information
about IST, please visit http://www.ionsigtech.com.
Figure 1. The above depicts the TIC of 100 target compounds
plus compounds in gasoline and engine oil; a total of more than 400 compounds.
Deconvolution of the internal standard mass spectrum for pyrene-d10 is
shown below.
Figure 2. Reconstructed ion current profiles for four
pyrene-d10 target ions at each scan through the peak. Despite poor resolution
and high levels of interference, the patented deconvolution algorithms
in IST for GC/MS matched the library spectrum for pyrene-d10
at every scan across the peak, even in the presence of major interferences
from compound ions in gasoline and engine oil.
EDITORS: High resolution versions of the above images are available
for download. Use the following links to view the images in a
new window.
To download the image from a PC, right-click on the links and select
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and select "Save Target As".
1. Innovations in Site Characterization,
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, EPA-542-R-98-006
For further information, contact:
Ion Signature Technology, Inc.
51 Industrial Drive
North Smithfield, RI 02896 USA
(401) 767-4360
info@ionsigtech.com
http://www.ionsigtech.com
© 2005, Ion Signature Technology, Inc. Accurithm is a trademark
of Ion Signature Technology. |
