Why is mass spectrometry crucial in toxicological analysis?
Mass spectrometry (MS) is crucial for identifying and quantifying toxic compounds due to its high sensitivity and specificity. MS works by ionizing chemical compounds and measuring their mass-to-charge ratios. It is often used in conjunction with chromatography (GC-MS or LC-MS) to provide detailed information about the molecular structure and concentration of toxins in complex mixtures. This capability makes it indispensable for forensic toxicology and environmental monitoring.
