Introduction An IMS method for determining trace quantities of Dobers Chematic ® 82AE detergent (a basic detergent) has been developed using the IONSCAN-LS. The method is based on the detection of the surfactant LAE (linear alcohol ethoxylate), a material also found in other Dober detergents such as the acidic Chematic 91AE and the neutral Chematic 99AE and variations of this method can readily be developed to analyze for those detergents.