Drug Identification with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

A detailed Summary of Drug Identification with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry


Drugs are used everyday by people in many different ways for many different reasons. Drug testing has become a standard in pre-employment testing, because of the wide variety of drug use in today's society. Drugs tested for by a possible employer include Cocaine (crack), Amphetamines (crystal), Opiates (codeine, morphine, heroin), PCP (phencyclidine), and Marijuana. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is used to test hair and urine samples of possible drug abusers or job applicants, and it is the best method for the testing of drug use. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are two different methods for identifying chemical substances, and the two instruments have be coupled together to perform a highly complementary analytical function. The gas chromatograph and the mass spectrometer have theories behind how their techniques work, and specific forensic applications for their instrumentation. The history and theory of the gas chromatography started over forty years ago with the invention of the capillary column. The gas chromatograph offers rapid and very high-resolution separations of a very wide range of compounds


The idea that a GC/MS produces a fingerprint for a chemical substance makes this instrument a very attractive option when testing for drug identification, and testing people for drug use. Forensic scientists find a drug's identification by using a GC/MS, and use the mass chromatogram in comparison with the test results of another unknown mass chromatogram. If the two mass chromatograms match then the tested chemical substance is that drug it was matched against.

Another application is using a GC/MS and testing hair or urine samples of people to determine if the subject uses drugs. Drugs tested for might encompass such well-known drugs as Cocaine (crack), Amphetamines (crystal), Opiates (codeine, morphine, heroin), PCP (phencyclidine), and Marijuana.

The instrumentation of the gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer is very complex. The instrument's parts include an injector, a carrier gas, a column, a separator, an ionization source, mass separator, and an ion detector. The injector is located on the gas chromatograph and is where the sample gas is injected into the instrument to start the process. The sample gas is t

Some common words found in the essay are:
Marijuana Gas, , gas chromatograph, chemical substance, mass spectrometer, capillary column, mass chromatogram, hair urine samples, gas chromatograph mass, chromatograph mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, urine samples, carrier gas, gas chromatography, hair urine, sample gas, fingerprint chemical substance,

Approximate Word count = 758
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Science

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • Drug Identification with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Drug Identification with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Drugs are used everyday by people in many different ways for many different reasons. ... 764 words
  • Forensic Chemistry ... the most often used laboratory techniques for drug identification. ... Spectroscopy Combined with a gas chromatograph, a ... forensic chemist dealing with drug analysis ... 1600 words

Professional Essays

  • Forensic scientists ... tests to use for their identification Forensic Microanalysis ... Thinlayer and gaschromatography can also be used to ... The change in drug concentration over time ... 809 words
  • Forensic Toxicology ... tests to use for their identification Forensic Microanalysis ... Thinlayer and gaschromatography can also be used to ... The change in drug concentration over time ... 809 words
  • Forensic Toxicology ... as to whether or not the drug they found ... tests to use for their identification Forensic Microanalysis ... Thinlayer and gaschromatography can also be used to ... 1136 words
  • Forensic Toxicologists ... as to whether or not the drug they found ... tests to use for their identification Forensic Microanalysis ... Thinlayer and gaschromatography can also be used to ... 1136 words
  • Examining Biological Evidence at a Crime Scene ... focus is on the identification and individualization ... drugs include gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry, ultraviolet and ... in post mortem drug testing, workplace ... 1923 words
  • Coppertone Moisturizing Sunscreen ... to the dose of both the drug and the ... The gas molecules from the gas chromatograph are bombarded by a ... for fragmentation which help in identification of compound ... 2903 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.