GCMS instruments and specialist to work on this machine

[busya]

Hello great minds, we have a clinical lab, that screens urine samples for substance abuse . We have decided to perform GCMS in house, rather than send out. We need help/ consultation

1. which co/ model of GCMS equipment is the best to buy? What are pros and contras for different manufactures ?

2. Where and how can we train a technologist to work on it?

3 does anyone have the right people to work on this equipment or help to choose the right machine and get it up and running?

4. Location of facility NyC and NJ, if you know qualified staff, we are looking to hire or to get training

[CharonY]

1) For GCMS the selection is big and there is really no that much of a difference between current-gen models of the different manufacturers. Some of the bigger ones such as Thermo, Waters, Shimadzu etc. may have quicker support, though it is also not universally true. The biggest decision is the type of MS (single/multiple quad, ion trap etc.) and the precise demands you have (many or few compounds in a single run, sensitivity, accuracy etc.).

Only after that does it really make sense to look what the manufacturers have to offer. Alternatively call them with the types of applications in mind and they will do their hardest to show whether they have a system that fit your needs.

 

2) The companies generally also offer training. Personally I like to learn it on my own, but if you do not have anyone who is experienced with analytical instrumentation or bioanalytical approaches it may be worthwhile to invest in a few training sessions. They are not cheap, however, and tend to cover only the basics. A complete novice tend not to have the good questions to ask to make it worthwhile (IMO). Some companies have good support, however, so one can still ask questions as issue pop up. One should just not overdo it (i.e. call them for very trivial things all the time) to ensure a good working relationship (I know stories from ppl working in tech support....).

 

Depending on who you represent you could also just post an opening for a technician position, for example.

[busya]

1) For GCMS the selection is big and there is really no that much of a difference between current-gen models of the different manufacturers. Some of the bigger ones such as Thermo, Waters, Shimadzu etc. may have quicker support, though it is also not universally true. The biggest decision is the type of MS (single/multiple quad, ion trap etc.) and the precise demands you have (many or few compounds in a single run, sensitivity, accuracy etc.).

Only after that does it really make sense to look what the manufacturers have to offer. Alternatively call them with the types of applications in mind and they will do their hardest to show whether they have a system that fit your needs.

 

2) The companies generally also offer training. Personally I like to learn it on my own, but if you do not have anyone who is experienced with analytical instrumentation or bioanalytical approaches it may be worthwhile to invest in a few training sessions. They are not cheap, however, and tend to cover only the basics. A complete novice tend not to have the good questions to ask to make it worthwhile (IMO). Some companies have good support, however, so one can still ask questions as issue pop up. One should just not overdo it (i.e. call them for very trivial things all the time) to ensure a good working relationship (I know stories from ppl working in tech support....).

 

Depending on who you represent you could also just post an opening for a technician position, for example.