EPA Method TO-15 Instrumentation Guide

EPA Method TO-15 is a widely used analytical procedure for quantifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with whole-air canister sampling. This method plays a critical role in air quality monitoring, site remediation, and industrial emissions testing. It requires precise instrumentation to ensure accurate detection of VOCs at low parts-per-billion concentrations, in compliance with U.S. EPA regulatory standards.

A photo of a refurbished AGILENT GC-MS system for EPA Method TO-15 that links to a catalog of Gas Chromatography equipment.

To meet the stringent requirements of Method TO-15, laboratories must use GC-MS systems with reliable thermal stability, minimal background noise, and strong spectral resolution. Key features include cryogenic sample focusing, automated sample introduction, and full-scan or SIM acquisition modes. Below are GC-MS systems from leading manufacturers that are fully compatible with EPA Method TO-15, offering reliable performance for environmental testing laboratories.

Please click here to learn more about Method TO-15.

Agilent 6890N/5975 Inert GC-MS System with 7683 Autosampler for EPA Method TO-15

The Agilent 6890N/5975 Inert GC-MS system, paired with the 7683 Autosampler, delivers robust performance for VOC analysis under EPA Method TO-15. Its inert flow path and high-sensitivity quadrupole mass analyzer ensure accurate quantification of trace-level VOCs in complex ambient air samples. The 6890N GC provides excellent retention time stability, while the 5975 MS offers full-spectrum scanning or selected ion monitoring (SIM).

The integrated 7683 Autosampler enhances sample throughput by automating injection from pre-concentrated samples. This system supports cryogenic focusing and canister sampling, making it ideal for high-precision air quality applications. With proven reliability and compatibility with EPA protocols, the Agilent 6890N/5975 system remains a popular choice for laboratories implementing TO-15.

Thermo Scientific ISQ 7610 GC-MS for EPA Method TO-15

The Thermo Scientific ISQ 7610 GC-MS system is a modern, single quadrupole platform optimized for air monitoring applications including EPA Method TO-15. It features advanced vacuum technology, robust electron ionization, and enhanced sensitivity to accurately identify and quantify a wide range of VOCs in ambient air. Its consistent ion source stability and high spectral clarity make it a dependable solution for regulatory compliance.

With support for thermal desorption units and cryogenic focusing, the ISQ 7610 is well-suited for whole-air canister analysis. The system’s Chromeleon CDS software simplifies workflow automation and regulatory reporting. Designed for productivity and precision, the ISQ 7610 meets the performance requirements for TO-15 and provides reliable results in compliance-driven environments.

Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 NX for EPA Method TO-15

The Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 NX is a compact, high-performance GC-MS system designed for ultra-trace VOC detection in accordance with EPA Method TO-15. Its high-efficiency quadrupole and optimized ion source deliver superior signal-to-noise ratios, enabling accurate quantification of VOCs at low concentrations. The system offers fast scanning capabilities and excellent sensitivity for high-throughput air monitoring.

Compatible with automated air samplers and pre-concentration systems, the GCMS-QP2020 NX supports cryogenic sample focusing for Method TO-15 compliance. Shimadzu’s LabSolutions software streamlines data analysis and regulatory reporting. Laboratories seeking an efficient and user-friendly system for routine TO-15 analysis will find the GCMS-QP2020 NX to be a cost-effective and reliable solution.

Scion Instruments 436-GC with SQ Mass Spectrometer for EPA Method TO-15

The Scion 436-GC, combined with a single quadrupole mass spectrometer, offers dependable performance for VOC determination under EPA Method TO-15. This system provides strong chromatographic resolution, stable ionization, and consistent peak reproducibility—key factors for ensuring regulatory accuracy in ambient air testing. Its compact footprint and modular design make it ideal for laboratories with space and scalability needs.

The system integrates with standard TO-15 sampling workflows, including canister sampling and pre-concentration. Its full-scan and SIM capabilities provide flexibility for both targeted and screening analyses. With intuitive CompassCDS software and low maintenance requirements, the Scion 436-GC/SQ MS platform is an excellent fit for compliance-focused environmental labs.

PerkinElmer Clarus SQ 8C GC-MS for EPA Method TO-15

The PerkinElmer Clarus SQ 8C GC-MS is engineered for reliable VOC quantification in air samples, offering robust performance for EPA Method TO-15 compliance. Its single quadrupole mass analyzer and rugged turbomolecular pump ensure high mass accuracy and long-term system stability. The Clarus SQ 8C supports both full-scan and SIM operation modes, allowing for sensitive VOC detection in ambient air matrices.

This system integrates well with canister and pre-concentrator sampling techniques. Its TurboMass software enables simplified data acquisition and reporting for environmental labs. With its precision, reliability, and automation compatibility, the Clarus SQ 8C is a cost-effective choice for regulatory air monitoring and site assessment programs.

Choosing the Right GC-MS System for EPA Method TO-15

  • For proven reliability: The Agilent 6890N/5975 Inert GC-MS is a trusted workhorse for VOC monitoring in TO-15 labs.
  • For modern compliance features: The Thermo Scientific ISQ 7610 and Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 NX offer precision and throughput with automated workflows.
  • For modular and scalable systems: The Scion 436-GC/SQ provides solid performance with flexible configurations for routine VOC testing.
  • For cost-effective sensitivity: The PerkinElmer Clarus SQ 8C delivers dependable results with simplified operation for regulatory air analysis.

EPA Method TO-15 requires GC-MS instrumentation that balances sensitivity, stability, and automation for accurate VOC quantification in ambient air. Each of the systems listed above offers method-compatible performance and workflow benefits. Contact us today to explore our inventory of refurbished GC-MS systems and find the right solution for your TO-15 compliance needs.