Novel sample introduction units
Hot block desorber
The simplest of MSA’s patented sample introduction devices, the ‘Hot Blocks’ desorber comprises two heated nickel coated brass plates with a cavity between them. Ambient air is continuously drawn into this space and through a ceramic transfer line into the Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation (APCI) ion source. Compounds amenable to thermal desorption, such as many drugs and explosives, may be rapidly analysed in this way without the need for any sample pre-treatment, solvents or glassware.
Paper or cotton swabs, or toothpicks may be used to convey samples into the heated region; or, in the case of banknotes, the items themselves may be directly introduced between the blocks.
The hot blocks are easy to use, reliable, and use few or no consumables. Unlike many surface analysis techniques, the hot blocks desorber can liberate drugs or explosives from a large surface area, and so finds use as a rapid screening method. Coupled with the specificity afforded by a tandem mass spectrometer, the hot blocks desorber is able to provide real time results to a forensic standard.
Hot block units have been successfully coupled to a range of mass spectrometers. Please contact MSA to discuss whether a model is available for your application.
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