This websites uses cookies, by continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. View our privacy policy.

Mass Spec is one of the largest providers of forensic chemistry services in Europe.

Our scientific approach puts us amongst the leading providers of mass spectrometry services.

Rapid and Reliable trace explosives detection from Mass Spec

Mass Spec has taken laboratory-grade mass spectrometry equipment and adapted it for the field; closer to the risk

The methods that Mass Spec has developed for the trace detection of substances, including illicit drugs have been successfully transferred to the rapid and reliable detection of trace explosives.

In cases where such items have been seized, Mass Spec can provide a cost effective, reliable and efficient trace explosives analysis service. Mass Spec has developed innovative forensic techniques that enable the rapid, simultaneous detection of a range of explosives on a variety of items and surfaces without any requirements for sample preparation, or damage to the exhibit.

But recognising that one of the main applications for explosives detection is outside of the lab and closer to the source, Mass Spec has developed its SCENTINEL® mobile trace detection system. Available with a variety of interchangeable sampling units:

  • SkyMarshal automated boarding pass analyser is able to process 1000 samples an hour.
  • A similar sampler for Train/Metro tickets is able to process 1600 samples an hour.

Scentinel has been independently proven to be the fastest, most reliable trace explosives detection system available.

High-Throughput Screening of Explosive Residues

Using a Thermal Extraction Ionization Source (TEIS) Coupled with a SCIEX QTRAP® 4500 System

In this technical note, a MSA thermal extraction ionization source (TEIS) that operates with Thermal Desorption-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (TD-APCI) is coupled with a SCIEX QTRAP 4500 System for the accurate identification of explosive residues without the need for chromatography. The combined system is shown to produce rapid and confident compound identification suitable for rapid security screening.

Learn more

Rapid Analysis of Drugs and Explosives

Canadian Border Services Agency publishes paper advocating novel approach

Recent work by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advocates the use of the Mass Spec ‘Scentinel’ system to massively reduce the time required to obtain trace explosives and drugs results.

The CBSA concluded that the Scentinel system desorber is highly efficient for a range of explosives, and that the results it produces are quantitative. The analysis undertaken by the Scentinel takes a few minutes compared to the many hours required for conventional analysis and that no sample pre-treatment is required.

Learn more

Contact Mass Spec Analytical on  +44(0)117 428 5787

Email: service@msaltd.co.uk