Gas Chromatography Testing

Gas chromatography testing is widely used across industries to identify and quantify unknown substances. It plays a crucial role in applications such as residual solvent testing in pharmaceuticals, trace analysis for substances of concern such as identifying and quantifying impurities or active ingredients in formulated products, trace analysis for substances of concern such as benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, quality control in multiple industries and more. Our specialised expertise at Intertek offers rapid and precise GC analysis services through advanced GC methods and techniques, supporting clients with tailored solutions for their analytical needs.

Gas chromatography testing is an analytical technique for separating, identifying, and quantifying compounds within a sample. A sample for GC testing is first introduced into a GC instrument where it is volatilised then transported through a column under a gas flow. Using various detectors, gas chromatography allows for the selective and sensitive detection of trace compounds and molecular species.

Intertek’s gas chromatography labs provide analytical testing using gas chromatography detectors, including selective and highly sensitive detection of trace and molecular species-specific compounds. The range of GC detectors available and expertise from senior laboratory staff ensure quality service that delivers the insights you need to make informed decisions supporting R&D, product compliance or quality control. 

GC method development expertise
Our highly experienced GC analysts specialise in method development for a wide range of applications, ensuring precise, reliable, and efficient analysis. With deep expertise across a range of areas, such as pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, or food packaging material safety, we tailor methods to meet even the most complex analytical challenges. 

Our gas chromatography testing services have various applications across various industries. Identifying and quantifying unknown substances is a common challenge for many sectors where GC testing can help. Other applications include:

• Identifying odours associated with a product or a chemical formulation
• Determining levels of VOCs from automotive interior components
• Determine the levels of volatile organic compounds that could migrate from food contact materials into food including non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)
• Residual solvent testing for products e.g. for pharmaceutical and other samples
• Quality control testing from purities and chemical substances across diverse industries such as energy, electronics, medical devices, packaging, pharmaceuticals, or formulated products
• Regulatory compliance support - using GC testing to generate robust data for regulatory compliance such as REACH and other regulatory requirements across multiple sectors such as packaging, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals
• REACH substance identification testing
• Identification of substances and materials

Gas chromatography techniques:

• Gas Chromatography (GC)
• Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Analysis (GCMS)
• High Resolution GCMS (GC/MS/SIM/HR)
• Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS-MS)
• Gas Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (GC-ICP-MS)
• Gas Chromatography Testing for Petroleum
• Middle Distillates Analysis using 2-dimensional Gas Chromatography

Gas chromatography detectors:

• Flame Ionization Detection, (GC/FID)
• Thermal Conductivity Detection, (GC/TCD
• Flame Photometric Detection, (GC/FPD)
• Electron Capture Detection, (GC/ECD)
• Photo-ionization Detection, (GC/PID)
• Sulfur Chemiluminescence Detection (GC/SCD)
• Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
• PIONA Gas Chromatography (GC/PIONA)
• Atomic Emission Detection, (GC/AED)
• Pulsed Discharge Helium Ionization Detector (PD/HID)

GC sample inlet/sample introduction technique:

• Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography (Py/GC)
• Head space (HS)
• Solid-phase microextraction (SPME)
• Liquid Injection
• Thermal Desorption (TD)
• Large volume PTV

For over 30 years, our gas chromatography testing services have supported clients worldwide, specializing in method development and innovative GC analysis services. Our scientists are committed to delivering accurate, timely results to help clients confidently navigate analytical challenges. Whether for quality control, research and development, or compliance, our tailored GC testing solutions are designed to meet your needs—contact us today to learn how we can support your analytical objectives.