A series of proof-of-concept experiments have shown that an intelligent sequencing software can use a screening analysis to flag samples for confirmation and quantitation. In this work, a series of 44 pesticides were spiked into a seed oil matrix. The samples were screened using a tandem ECD/FPD setup. This dual detector allowed for the simultaneous screening of halogenated and organophosphorus based pesticides. 

Any positives from the screening were then automatically added to a sequence for confirmation on the PolarisQ ion trap mass spectrometer. The PolarisQ used MS/MS to remove matrix based interference.  The TriPlus^TM Autosampler was used to inject the samples on either of the two inlets on the TRACE GC Ultra^TM equipped with a TRACE TR-1 GC Column.  The ideas presented here will also reduce sample preparation time because the same samples are used for both the screening and confirming method.

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