Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry in medical research

Abstract:

Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, SIFT-MS, is a technique for real-time measurement of concentrations of trace gases and vapours of volatile compounds in humid air including exhaled breath. It is based on chemical ionization using H3O+, NO+, and O2+ precursor (reagent) ions via ion/molecule reactions proceeding during an accurately defined time. Absolute concentrations of trace gases can be calculated from the ratios of ion count rates using the know reaction rate constants with limit of detection being typically 1 parts-per-billion, ppb. SIFT-MS is used in several areas of research and this seminar will focus onto it use for non-invasive analysis in medical research.