Mass spectroscopy is an analytical technique that is used to detect contaminants in samples like honey,
maple, juice, and antibiotics by quantifying and identifying unknown compounds in the samples. A mass
spectroscopy analysis identifies unwanted ingredients by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of the samples’
molecules and comparing them to the samples’ expected chemical output. There are three major components of a
mass spectroscopy analysis which include; ion source, analyzer, and detector system.
During the ion source stage of a mass spectroscopy analysis, the machine first converts the samples’
molecules into gas-phase ions. The samples’ molecules must be first be converted into gas-phase ions before
they can be manipulated and compared for analysis by the machine.
During the second, analyzer, stage of mass spectroscopy, the ionized molecules are organized by their mass
and are then separated and sent to the detector data system to produce a report. The detector system records
the relative abundance of each ion. The mass spectroscopy output is reported with a spike diagram and
identifies the number and type of ions that are present in the sample. In the report, the samples’ ions are
plotted along a graph with spikes indicating the specific components that make up the sample and their
relative abundance. The higher the spike, the more abundant the ion is relative to the sample.
At Siratech, we perform Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis (SIRA) to identify contaminants in honey, maple,
juice, antibiotics, coconut sugar, and CBD. Using mass spectroscopy, we measure the ratio of a rare isotope
(carbon-13) and compare it to a common isotope (carbon-12). The chemical compounds that are found in C4
plants such as corn, sorghum, and sugarcane have carbons of about -10, whereas most flowering plants, also
known as C3 plants, have a different carbon ratio of about -25. Using mass spectroscopy, we compare samples’
common isotope compounds to identify unwanted compounds like corn, sorghum, and sugarcane. The preparation
and analytical methods used by Siratech are the most appropriate for the sample type currently in use by the
stable isotope analytical community.
Located, just south of Austin, Siratech has been designed from the ground up to service our customers as
quickly and efficiently as possible. Many jobs are reported in full within 48 hours of receipt. Ready to
start testing with Siratech? Click here to get started.
