Methods of identification and confirmation of solid media samples using vibrational spectroscopy coupled to spray ionization mass spectrometry systems

A method of identifying and confirming the chemical composition of a solid media sample, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a system, comprising:
• a motorized platform, a computer, a vibrational spectrometer, a syringe pump, and a mass spectrometer having a high voltage power source and a sampling inlet;
• said motorized platform having a rotary disc, an electric motor, and a controller, wherein said rotary disc is electromechanically-coupled to said electric motor and said controller, wherein said rotary disc having a first side, a second side, an outer edge, and a central longitudinal axis, wherein said computer is configured to communicate with each of said controller, said vibrational spectrometer, said syringe pump, and said mass spectrometer, wherein said computer is configured to provide instructions to said controller, said instructions causing said controller to actuate said electric motor to advance said rotary disc about said central longitudinal axis;
• wherein a plurality of receptacles, defined as a first through a last receptacle, extend through said rotary disc from said first side to said second side, wherein said first through last receptacles are each configured to removably-hold a corresponding first sample collection device through a last sample collection device;
• (b) collecting a first solid media sample, placing said first solid media sample in said first sample collection device, and placing said first sample collection device in said first receptacle;
• (c) instructing said controller to actuate said electric motor to advance said rotary disc to position said first sample collection device at a first position, said first position corresponding to the location of said vibrational spectrometer, and collecting a vibrational spectrum of said first solid media sample with said vibrational spectrometer, and outputting said vibrational spectrum to a tangible medium;
• (d) instructing said controller to actuate said electric motor to advance said rotary disc to position said first sample collection device at a second position, said second position corresponding to a solvent fill position, and instructing said syringe pump to pump solvent into said first sample collection device;
• (e) instructing said controller to actuate said electric motor to advance said rotary disc to position said first sample collection device at a third position, said third position corresponding to high voltage application and mass spectrum collection, wherein said high voltage power source is electrically-coupled with said first sample collection device at said third position;
• (f) applying a high voltage from said high voltage power source to said first sample collection device, said high voltage application causing said solvent and resulting extracted products from said first solid media sample to be sprayed into said sampling inlet;
• and
• (g) collecting a mass spectrum of said resulting extracted products from said first solid media sample, and outputting said mass spectrum to said tangible medium.