Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS)

This rapid training introduces you to the advanced world of Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) and Mass Spectroscopy (MS), the gold standard of chemical identification. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn how GCMS separates and identifies compounds with laboratory precision, why it’s typically a lab-based tool, and the role of military and specialized assets that can deploy it in the field. You’ll also explore how mass spectroscopy works at extreme sensitivity — detecting contaminants down to trace levels — and why it complements GCMS by focusing on specific target chemicals. Designed for first responders, this module delivers a clear, practical overview of these powerful but complex technologies, highlighting both their capabilities and their limitations.