A recently developed prototype mobile laboratory mass spectrometer, incorporating an atmospheric pressure ionization (API) interface, is described. This system takes advantage of the small size, lower voltage requirements, and tandem MS abilities of the cylindrical ion trap mass analyzer. The prototype API MS uses small, low-power pumps to fit into a 0.1-m(3) self-contained package weighing <45 kg. This instrument has been adapted to allow rapid interfacing to electrospray ionization, desorption electrospray ionization, and direct analysis in real-time sources. Initial data indicate that these techniques provide rapid detection and identification of compounds for quality control, homeland security, and forensic applications. In addition, this instrument is self-contained and compact, making it ideally extensible to mobile laboratory and field analyses. Initial MS and MS/MS data for analyses of drugs, food, and explosives are presented herein.
