Evaluation of Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric and Mass Fragmentographic Performance in Steroid Analysis with Glass Capillary Columns

Abstract

A combination gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer with glass capillary column and an all glass solid injection system is described which allows the analysis of small amounts of steroids. Permanent utilization of the two stage separator enables a rapid switch over from packed to capillary columns. As shown on an estrogen mixture, better chromatographic resolution and higher sensitivity are obtained with the capillary column, while the recording of mass spectra of steroids down to 10 ng is favored by the low background. The described combination is also suitable for analysis of picomole amounts of steroids by mass fragmentography in which a single (or multiple) ion is monitored by the mass spectrometer during the GLC elution.