Total Ion Chromatogram and Total Ion Mass Spectrum as Alternative Tools for Detection and Discrimination (A Review)

Gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) are widely used techniques in the analysis of complex mixtures due to their various advantages, such as high selectivity, reproducibility, precision, sensitivity. However, data processing is often time-consuming requires a great deal experience, which might be serious drawback certain areas, quality control, or regarding research field medicine forensic sciences, where time plays crucial role. For these reasons, some authors have proposed use alternative approaches, total ion chromatogram spectrum, allowing treated sensors each retention ratio m/z acts sensor collecting intensities. In this way, main advantages associated with both maintained, but outcomes from can reached faster, simpler, an almost automated way. review, features GC- MS-based methodologies ways apply them highlighted. Moreover, implementation different fields, agri-food, forensics, environmental discussed, highlighting important well limitations.