When do you need a preconcentrator for a GCMS?

[lsasano]

We have an Agilent 5975 GCMS that I am running headspace samples on through an Entech 7200 preconcentrator with the Entech 7410 autosampler. I am wondering if the preconcentrator is really necessary as it takes 17 minutes before it injects my sample, and my run is only 14 minutes long. I have other ways I can inject the sample, but I know the preconcentrator is supposed to help clean up the sample so you don't do damage to the mass spec, but being I am not sure what I need to be worried about getting out of the sample.

I am new to this so any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

[mckrause]

No, the preconcentrator is supposed to do exactly that - concentrate the sample prior to injection so that you get sufficient mass of the analyte into the MS. With a 5975 you don't need much mass; you can probably run the Entech in true headspace mode and bypass the concentrator trap. This will be a LOT faster.

[siperst]

Dear Lsasno,
Could you email a manual for Entech autosampler to jsiperstein@ohiolumex.com
Thank you,
Joseph