Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry

Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry, SIFT-MS, is a sensitive and quantitative mass spectrometry technique for trace gas analyses using chemical ionization of the sample trace gases by selected positive ions during a well-defined time period along a Selected Ion Flow Tube. Absolute concentrations of trace compounds in humid air or breath are calculated in real time from the reagent and product ion signal ratios without the need for calibration using standards.

SIFT-MS is used for on-line quantification of trace gases in human breath for physiological monitoring, clinical diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. Other applications are in health and safety, agriculture, animal husbandry, environmental research and food technology.