Direct analysis of large living organism by megavolt electrostatic ionization mass spectrometry

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2014 Sep;25(9):1515-20. doi: 10.1007/s13361-014-0932-x. Epub 2014 Jun 13.

Abstract

A new ambient ionization method allowing the direct chemical analysis of living human body by mass spectrometry (MS) was developed. This MS method, namely Megavolt Electrostatic Ionization Mass Spectrometry, is based on electrostatic charging of a living individual to megavolt (MV) potential, illicit drugs, and explosives on skin/glove, flammable solvent on cloth/tissue paper, and volatile food substances in breath were readily ionized and detected by a mass spectrometer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / analysis
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / analysis
  • Anesthetics, Local / analysis
  • Breath Tests / instrumentation
  • Breath Tests / methods
  • Cocaine / analysis
  • Equipment Design
  • Explosive Agents / analysis*
  • Gloves, Protective
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / analysis*
  • Paper
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / instrumentation
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / methods*
  • Static Electricity
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / analysis

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Explosive Agents
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • Acetaminophen
  • Cocaine