Introduction
A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system is an analytical instrument that combines the separation capability of liquid chromatography with the detection and identification capability of mass spectrometry, and it is one of the most powerful analytical techniques, used in pharmaceutical, clinical, environmental, food, and research laboratories. In operation, the sample is separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in which the components of the mixture are separated on a column as they are carried by the mobile phase, and the separated components are introduced into the mass spectrometer, where they are ionized, typically by electrospray ionization (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and the ions are separated according to their mass-to-charge ratio and detected; the resulting mass spectra provide information about the molecular weight and structure of the components, allowing their identification and quantification, and the combination of the retention time and the mass spectrum provides high specificity, and the system is used with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for higher sensitivity and selectivity. LC-MS systems are used for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of drugs and metabolites in biological samples, for pharmaceutical analysis, for proteomics and metabolomics research, for the analysis of environmental contaminants and pesticides, for food safety testing, for clinical diagnostics, for the analysis of natural products, for forensic analysis, and for many other applications, and they are available as benchtop instruments with features such as high sensitivity, high resolution, and automated operation. With their power, LC-MS systems are essential for modern analytical chemistry.
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry LCMS-T2011
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry features a flow rate range of 1 to 4000 µL/min, adjustable in 1.0 µL/min steps for precise control. It uses a triple quadrupole tandem mass spec...
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry LCMS-T2010
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry operates with high sensitivity, detecting analytes down to nanogram at temperature 18℃ to 25℃. Its integrated auto sampler allows automated inje...
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry LCMS-310
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry provides higher selectivity, accuracy, and reproducibility, and better limits of detection and quantification. Include a stronger ion source with ...
Standards
USP General Chapter <621>-Chromatography
European Pharmacopoeia 2.2.46-Chromatographic separation techniques
WHO TRS 1025 Annex 4-Good chromatography practices
Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.
Features
1. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for separation and identification.
2. Combined HPLC separation with mass spectrometric detection for complex analysis.
3. Suitable for pharmaceutical, environmental, food, clinical, chemical and research labs.
4. Includes LC system, mass spectrometer, interface, software and operation manual.
5. Supports qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures and trace compounds.
FAQ
Q1: What testing scenarios is this LC-MS mainly applied to?
A: The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system is used in pharmaceutical development, environmental monitoring, food safety, clinical diagnostics, chemical analysis, biotechnology, forensic science and research to separate, identify and quantify compounds in complex mixtures by combining high-performance liquid chromatography separation with mass spectrometric detection for qualitative and quantitative analysis. It supports pharmaceutical drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), environmental contaminant analysis (pesticides, PPCPs, persistent organic pollutants), food safety testing (residues, contaminants, additives), clinical biomarker and therapeutic drug monitoring, chemical compound identification and purity, forensic toxicology, proteomics and metabolomics research, and natural product analysis. LC-MS provides high sensitivity, selectivity and specificity, enabling analysis of complex mixtures at trace levels that are difficult with other techniques.
Q2: What standards does the LC-MS comply with?
A: The LC-MS system complies with relevant ISO, ASTM and GB/T standards for LC-MS analysis, including ISO 17025 for testing laboratories, and relevant industry-specific standards (environmental EPA methods, food AOAC methods, pharmaceutical FDA/EMA guidelines). The hardware complies with IEC 61010 laboratory safety standards and IEC 61326 EMC standards. Calibration should use certified reference standards traceable to international standards. Pharmaceutical and clinical use follows GMP/GLP and data integrity requirements (21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11).
Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole system and key components?
A: The whole LC-MS system is covered by a 12-month warranty. The LC system (pump, autosampler, column oven), mass spectrometer (ion source, mass analyzer, detector), interface, electronics, software and housing are covered, while columns, vials, solvents, calibration standards and fuses are consumables. Damage from improper use or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended service contracts are standard for this high-end analytical instrument, often with priority response.
Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?
A: Operation requires highly trained analytical chemists familiar with LC-MS, method development, sample preparation and data interpretation. We provide comprehensive training, operation manuals and application support. Proper LC method development, MS tuning and calibration, sample preparation, data processing (deconvolution, library matching), quality control and regulatory compliance are critical for accurate, reliable LC-MS analysis.
Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?
A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.
Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?
A: MS calibration (mass accuracy, resolution) with certified standards recommended per schedule (daily/weekly for high-accuracy instruments). LC system performance verification per batch. Routine tuning and calibration before each analytical batch for regulated work. Ion source cleaning per usage. Full system performance verification annually. Software updates and data integrity checks per regulatory requirements. Column performance monitored.
Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?
A: LC columns, vials, solvents (LC-MS grade), calibration standards, gases (nitrogen, argon) and fittings are available from laboratory suppliers, though instrument-specific parts should be verified. Long-term consumable cost is high depending on sample volume, gas usage and column consumption.
Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?
A: Customization includes mass analyzer type (single quad, triple quad, Q-TOF, Orbitrap, ion trap), ion source (ESI, APCI, APPI, MALDI), LC configuration (binary, quaternary, UHPLC), autosampler, detector, software features and accessories. Additional columns, sources and accessories can be ordered separately. Custom orders extend delivery lead-time significantly.
Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?
A: Yes, LC-MS systems include extensive on-site installation, commissioning, calibration, method setup, IT integration and operator training by certified LC-MS specialists. Site survey and preparation guidance are provided before delivery. Installation and commissioning typically take several days to weeks.
Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?
A: The LC-MS system analyzes compounds in liquid samples (or extracts of solid samples) including pharmaceuticals, environmental samples, food extracts, biological fluids, chemicals, natural products and other matrices within the compound properties (polarity, volatility, molecular weight), concentration and specification. LC-MS is suitable for polar, non-volatile and thermally labile compounds (complementary to GC-MS). Different compounds require specific LC columns (C18, HILIC, ion exchange), ion sources (ESI for polar, APCI for less polar) and MS modes (positive/negative). Samples should be properly prepared (extraction, clean-up, filtration) and compatible with the LC mobile phase. Users should select appropriate LC column and mobile phase for the analyte, optimize MS parameters (tuning, ionization mode), use proper sample preparation (remove particulates, proteins, salts), calibrate with certified standards, include quality controls (blanks, spikes, internal standards), follow proper data processing and interpretation, and for regulated use, follow validated methods and data integrity requirements (21 CFR Part 11). The LC-MS should be operated with proper solvent waste handling (organic solvents). The ion source should be cleaned regularly (contamination affects sensitivity). Nitrogen/argon gas supply should be maintained at proper purity and pressure. The instrument should be allowed proper warm-up and stabilization before analysis. For high-accuracy instruments (TOF, Orbitrap), regular mass calibration is critical. The LC column should be properly stored and conditioned. Waste should be disposed of per hazardous waste regulations. For clinical/forensic use, follow proper chain of custody and regulatory requirements.
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