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Analytical Validation of a Portable Mass Spectrometer Featuring Interchangeable, Ambient Ionization Sources for High
Zachary E Lawton1, Angelica Traub1, William L Fatigante1
1Department of Chemistry, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, 61790, USA.
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|December 22, 2016
Summary
Portable mass spectrometry (MS) offers rapid, on-site forensic analysis. This study validates its analytical performance, including accuracy and reliability, for analyzing illicit chemicals and emerging threats.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Forensic Science
- Instrumental Analysis
Background:
- Growing forensic evidentiary backlogs necessitate cost-effective, high-throughput analytical methods.
- Portable mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with ambient ionization techniques offers potential for on-site forensic investigations.
- Field-collected data requires analytical performance validation to meet legal standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct comprehensive analytical validation of portable MS instrumentation for forensic applications.
- To assess key performance characteristics relevant to forensic practitioners.
- To evaluate the reliability and impact of user variables on data accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Investigated performance characteristics: throughput, selectivity, accuracy, precision, robustness, and ruggedness.
- Assessed reliability through false positive/negative rates, considering user training and experience.
- Developed and characterized rapidly-interchangeable ion sources for broad chemical evidence analysis.
Main Results:
- The portable MS system demonstrated acceptable analytical performance for forensic screening.
- False positive/negative rates were evaluated, highlighting the influence of user expertise.
- Interchangeable ion sources enabled flexible analysis of common illicit substances and novel psychoactive compounds.
Conclusions:
- Portable MS with ambient ionization is a promising technology for addressing forensic backlogs.
- Rigorous analytical validation is crucial for the adoption of field-deployable MS in forensic science.
- Further studies on user-dependent variables are recommended to ensure consistent, reliable field results.
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