Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) is a powerful surface analytical technique used for studies of adsorbate systems when background effects such as desorption from the mounting wires and/or the heater assembly can be minimized. Researchers often use TPD measurements to determine the desorption characteristics of field generated, real-life samples that have been prepared under ambient conditions. Since real-life samples are generated under ambient conditions, the potential for background effects is significantly enhanced. In many cases, back-ground effects and their implications on data analysis are not considered. It will be demonstrated that background effects are very significant for real-life, field generated samples when traditional protocols are used for TPD measurements. We have devised a novel experimental protocol to reduce background effects during TPD measurements of field generated, real-life powdered samples. The novel experimental apparatus and procedures will be described. TPD spectra measured using the new protocol will be compared with spectra measured using traditional protocols.