About SIFT-MS

SIFT-MS (Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry) accurately identifies and quantifies low atomic mass VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). The analysis occurs through a process of chemical ionisation in a reaction tube (in a flow tube).

To analyse VOCs, a sample is introduced into the flow tube at a slow and precisely controlled rate. Inside the flow tube reagent ions react with VOCs present in the sample. This reaction results in the formation of product ions, which are analysed by a quadrupole mass spectrometer and particle multiplier. The result is spectra, which identify and quantify VOCs.

Since each organic compound and species of organism produces its own unique profile of VOCs, SIFT-MS makes it possible to identify (fingerprint) which compounds or organisms were present when the sample was collected.

Applications where this technology is utilised include:

  • Detecting dangerous levels of fumigants and toxic industrial chemicals in shipping containers
  • Screening workers urine to monitor toxicity levels
  • Research into non-invasive disease diagnosis through breath analysis
  • Analysis of flavour compounds in various foods such as cheese, chocolate and chewing gum
  • Analysis of hydrocarbons for oil and gas exploration.


Key Benefits of SIFT-MS

SIFT-MS can rapidly identify and quantify VOCs in a wide range of sample formats, including whole air, canisters, and head space. The ability to analyse high moisture samples, including in-mouth and retro-nasal samples, means SIFT-MS can monitor VOCs in both in vitro and in vivo samples.

SIFT-MS uses multiple reagent ions (H3O+, O2+ and NO+) to chemically ionise VOCs. Multiple reagent ions create an unparalleled multidimensional analysis, uniquely assisting in the identification of isomers, without the need for chromatographic separation.

SIFT-MS presents an exceptional suite of benefits. Benefits inherent to SIFT-MS, and unavailable through any other single method or technology include:

High Speed and High Sensitivity. With detection to parts per trillion by volume (pptv) levels in less than 250ms, the processing and delivery of results is essentially real-time.

Analyses High Moisture Samples. This feature is critical when analysing physiological samples or when time constraints preclude complex sample preparation procedures. This feature is unique to SIFT-MS and allows real-time analysis of breath and process control parameters.

Internal Calibration and Validation. SIFT-MS VOC quantification is based on well-defined gas-phase ion-molecule chemistry, delivering absolute concentrations in real-time. As a result, calibration becomes a simple and automated validation process.

Plug and Play Analysis. A streamlined architecture removes columns, meaning no column tuning, column stabilisation, column cleaning, solvents or complex sample preparation procedures. Combined with our instruments intuative touch-screen GUI control system, SIFT-MS delivers robust turnkey analysis solutions that can be operated by field personnel, not just lab experts.

For more detailed information about SIFT-MS, visit our SIFT-MS for experts page or browse in the library. for an introduction to SIFT-MS, download the following documents and animation:

SIFT-MS Technology Overview (374 KB PDF)
This brochure starts with a brief overview of how SIFT-MS works before discussing the technology's key features and characteristics.

SIFT-MS Animation. An introduction to how SIFT-MS works. Playing time is 1:23. Windows Media Video (5.2 MB) | Quicktime (17.1 MB)