Why use both SIFT‑MS and an Environmental Odour Panel?

Odour is both a chemical presence and a human experience. Using SIFT‑MS and an Environmental Odour Panel together provides a complete understanding by combining objective chemical data with real‑world sensory perception.

Running both methods allows you to:

• Identify what compounds are present (SIFT‑MS)
• Understand how those compounds are perceived by people (Odour Panel)
• Investigate relationships between chemical concentration and perceived odour.Produce more robust and defensible results for regulators, stakeholders, and communities

What are the advantages of combining SIFT‑MS with environmental odour panel?

Comprehensive insight
SIFT‑MS determines the chemical “fingerprint” of an odour, while the odour panel evaluates its intensity, character, and acceptability. Together, they tell the full story.

Improved source identification
Chemical data helps trace odours back to specific processes or sources, while sensory data confirms which sources are most noticeable or impactful.

Stronger regulatory and stakeholder confidence
Quantitative chemical measurements paired with standardized human perception data create highly defensible results that support compliance, investigations, and communication.

Better odor management decisions
Understanding both compound concentrations and perceived odour impact helps target control strategies more effectively and evaluate their real‑world performance.

Can SIFT‑MS replace odour panel testing?

No. While SIFT‑MS provides precise chemical measurements, it does not measure how people perceive an odour. Regulatory agencies and communities are concerned with nuisance and impact, which are best evaluated through sensory methods. SIFT‑MS is most powerful when used to complement, not replace, odour panel assessments.

Can odour panels replace chemical analysis?

Odour panels provide critical perception data but cannot identify or quantify individual compounds. Without chemical data, it can be difficult to confirm sources, compare emissions, or evaluate process‑specific contributions. Chemical analysis adds clarity and specificity.

When is it especially beneficial to use both methods?

Using both SIFT‑MS and odour panels is particularly valuable for:

• Odour complaint investigations
• Industrial or municipal facilities with complex emissions
• Source attribution and confirmation studies
• Evaluation of odour control system performance
• Situations requiring clear documentation for regulators or the public

Benefits of Using a Single Sample Bag for Analytical and Odour Panel Evaluation

Using the same air sample bag for both SIFT‑MS chemical analysis and environmental odour panel evaluation ensures the most accurate and meaningful comparison between analytical data and human perception. It also saves you field time and money.

This approach also minimizes variability introduced by separate sampling events and ensures both evaluations reflect identical conditions at the time of collection.

Additional benefits include:

• Improved data alignment between chemical composition and perceived odour impact
• Greater confidence in source identification and interpretation
• Reduced sampling variability and uncertainty
• More defensible results for regulatory review, investigations, and stakeholder communication

This integrated strategy provides a more complete and reliable understanding of odour issues by linking objective chemical measurements with real‑world human experience.

Benefits of SIFT‑MS for Product and Material Testing

SIFT‑MS offers a powerful and efficient solution for evaluating odours and emissions from products and materials. By delivering rapid, quantitative chemical analysis of airborne compounds, SIFT‑MS helps manufacturers, developers, and quality teams better understand and manage odour impacts throughout the product lifecycle.

Key benefits include:

• Rapid, real‑time analysis
  Measure odour‑causing compounds quickly without lengthy sample preparation or chromatographic separation, enabling faster product development and decision‑making.
• High sensitivity at trace levels
  Detect and quantify compounds at sub‑ppb concentrations, ideal for identifying low‑level emissions that may still affect product perception or acceptance.
• Broad compound coverage
  Analyze a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds associated with materials, coatings, packaging, consumer products, and industrial goods.
• Minimal sample preparation
  Evaluate headspace or air samples directly, reducing handling errors and preserving the integrity of volatile compounds.
• Quantitative, objective results
  Obtain precise concentration data to support quality control, product comparisons, performance benchmarking, and risk assessment.
• Supports odour troubleshooting and reformulation
  Identify specific compounds responsible for unwanted odours, helping guide material selection, formulation changes, or treatment strategies.
• Complements sensory evaluation
  Chemical data from SIFT‑MS pairs seamlessly with odour panel testing to link compound concentrations with human perception—providing a complete understanding of product odour performance.

SIFT‑MS delivers fast, reliable insights that support confident decisions in product development, quality assurance, and odour management—before products reach the marketplace.

What is SIFT‑MS?

Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT‑MS) is an advanced analytical technique used to identify and quantify odour‑causing compounds in air. It measures compounds directly in the gas phase, providing fast, accurate, and highly sensitive results.

What types of odours can be analyzed using SIFT‑MS?

SIFT‑MS can analyze a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds commonly associated with odours, including sulfur compounds, amines, aldehydes, and many industrial solvents. An extensive chemical library allows for targeted analysis tailored to specific odour concerns. Contact St. Croix Sensory for a library of the compounds available for analysis.

How is SIFT‑MS different from traditional odour analysis?

Unlike traditional odour assessment methods that rely solely on human perception, SIFT‑MS provides objective, quantitative chemical data. It complements odor panels by identifying what compounds are present and at what concentrations.

What sample types can be analyzed?

For environmental odor panels, SIFT‑MS analysis is performed directly from environmental air samples, typically collected in air sample bags. No special sample preparation is required, which helps preserve sample integrity and speeds up analysis.

For product and material testing, St. Croix Sensory will work closely with you to determine the most effective SIFT‑MS testing approach for your specific product or material.

How sensitive is SIFT‑MS analysis?

SIFT‑MS offers exceptional sensitivity, with detection limits down to sub‑ppb (parts per billion) concentrations. This makes it ideal for investigating low‑level odours that may still trigger complaints or regulatory concerns.

Are the results quantitative?

Yes. SIFT‑MS provides quantitative results, allowing concentrations of individual compounds to be measured accurately and reliably. This supports defensible reporting for regulatory compliance, investigations, and corrective action planning.

How quickly are results available?

Because SIFT‑MS does not require time‑consuming sample preparation or chromatography, analysis can be completed rapidly once samples are received. Reporting timelines vary depending on project scope but are typically faster than many traditional laboratory methods. Results for SIFT-MS analysis done in conjunction with a laboratory odor panel will be reported within 5 business days.

How are results reported?

Compound concentrations are delivered in a clear, user‑friendly format.

When should SIFT‑MS be used?

SIFT‑MS is well suited for:

• Odour complaint investigations
• Industrial and environmental odour monitoring
• Source identification and confirmation
• Validation of odour control strategies
• Supporting data for regulatory or stakeholder communication
• Malodor reduction performance
• Odour contaminant investigations
• Product development work
• Odorant emission rates

Can SIFT‑MS be used alongside sensory odour assessments?

Absolutely. SIFT‑MS works best as part of a comprehensive odour assessment program, complementing field inspections, olfactometry, and community odour response efforts.