LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)

LC-MS, or Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, is a powerful analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify substances in a mixture. Liquid chromatography first separates the components of a sample as it flows through a column. Each component exits the column at different times. As they leave, they are directed into a mass spectrometer, which measures the mass of each substance. This combination allows scientists to analyze complex mixtures with high precision, making it valuable in fields like pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, and food safety to detect and quantify various chemical compounds.