Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry in On-Site Analysis of Chemicals Related to the Chemical Weapons Convention

This article describes the current procedures for on-site gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of samples collected during inspections related to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Such inspections are made by an inspection team compiled by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The analytical procedures are described in a standard operating procedure covering gas chromatographic analysis, mass spectrometric analysis, data analysis, and quality control. The approved analytical instrumentation for on-site inspections is also described.