🧬 GCMS Operation

Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Standard operating procedure and quick reference for operating the Agilent GCMS 8890 in the Screening Unit. Covers solvent preparation, sequence setup, and tuning parameters.

◈ 1. Preparation & Solvents

Pre-Run Checklist

Sonicate all sample vials thoroughly before injection to remove trapped gases and ensure sample homogeneity.
Prepare Ethanol Solvent in exactly 2 designated bottles (A and B).
Manage waste lines: Ensure WA and WB (Waste Bottles) are emptied up to 5 bottles.

◈ 2. GCMS Tuning Workflow

Autotune & Evaluation

Open the GCMS Software Application.
To initiate tuning, navigate to VIEW → TUNE & VACUUM CONTROL.
Select TUNE → STD SPECTRA TUNE (STUNE.U).

⚠️ Important: Printer Check

Before initiating the tune, verify that the connected printer has paper. The system is configured to print the tuning report automatically upon completion.

Evaluate the tune profile: Go to TUNE → TUNE EVALUATION.
If acceptable, save the parameters: Navigate to FILE → SAVE TUNE PARAMETER. Select STUNE.U and click SAVE.

◈ 3. Sequence & Method Setup

Sequence Configuration

Return to the main dashboard: Click VIEW → INSTRUMENT CTRL → OK.
Load the sequence: Go to SEQUENCE → LOAD SEQUENCE and select the desired base sequence name.
Modify the sequence: Click SEQUENCE → EDIT SEQUENCE.
Verify that the Method File is strictly set to standard operating method: TESTINGMETHOD_LATEST.M.

◈ 4. Data Naming & Injection Rules

Autosampler Parameters

Parameter	Instruction Format	Example
Data Path	Group by current month	`...\JULY\`
Data File	`Initial_Date_SampleNo[W]`	SYED_20240722_2024010064W
Sample Name	Input the registered product name (isi nama keluaran)	`PROD_X_EXTRACT`

Wash Protocol: Every sample must have an extra wash injection before and after the actual sample analysis (e.g., wash blank, sample, wash blank).
Injection Count: Each sample bottle strictly requires 2 injections. For example: PH3 (1st INJ) followed by PH3 (2nd INJ).
Vial Positioning: Ensure the sample vial positions accurately reflect the start and end positions loaded in the autosampler tray to prevent mis-injections.

◈ 5. Execution

Running the Sequence

Save the modified sequence: Select Save Sequence AS..., name it appropriately, and click OK.
Initiate execution: Go to SEQUENCE → Run Sequence.
Ensure the Operator Name is updated to your identifier.
Click Run Sequence to begin the analysis queue.