Agilent 6530B Q-TOF LC/MS System
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | Singapore |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Origin Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | 6530B |
| Instrument Type | Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight (Q-TOF) |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Agilent 6530B Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Q-TOF LC/MS) System is an advanced benchtop high-resolution mass spectrometer engineered for untargeted screening, structural characterization, and quantitative analysis of small molecules and biomolecules in complex matrices. Built upon orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (oa-TOF) technology coupled with a high-transmission quadrupole mass filter, the system delivers sub-2 ppm mass accuracy (external calibration), isotopic fidelity, and high mass resolution (>35,000 FWHM at m/z 556) across a wide dynamic range. Its architecture supports both data-dependent acquisition (DDA) and data-independent acquisition (DIA) workflows—including All Ions MS/MS—enabling simultaneous detection, identification, and quantification without prior knowledge of analytes. The system is optimized for integration with Agilent InfinityLab LC platforms, including UHPLC, 2D-LC, SFC, and GC-APCI interfaces, ensuring robust chromatographic separation upstream of high-fidelity mass analysis.
Key Features
- Quadrupole pre-filter with variable isolation width for enhanced precursor selectivity and reduced chemical noise
- High-sensitivity Agilent Jet Stream Electrospray Ionization (ESI) source with dual gas-assisted nebulization and heated sheath gas for improved ion transmission and signal stability
- Orthogonal TOF analyzer with reflectron mode for high mass resolution and accurate mass measurement (≤2 ppm RMS mass error with external calibration)
- Wide intra-scan dynamic range (>4 orders of magnitude) enabling co-detection of low-abundance analytes alongside dominant matrix components
- Real-time, high-speed polarity switching (≤20 ms) supporting comprehensive profiling in single injections
- Integrated collision-induced dissociation (CID) with tunable energy control for reproducible MS/MS fragmentation spectra
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 6530B accommodates diverse sample types—including pharmaceuticals, metabolites, peptides, lipids, environmental contaminants, and food adulterants—across liquid-phase introduction methods (ESI, APCI, and APPI). It complies with regulatory requirements for analytical method validation under ICH Q2(R2), supports audit-trail-enabled operation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with appropriate MassHunter security settings, and meets GLP/GMP documentation standards for QC laboratories. Instrument qualification follows IQ/OQ/PQ protocols aligned with ASTM E2656 and ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines for testing and calibration laboratories.
Software & Data Management
Controlled by Agilent MassHunter Workstation Software (version B.08.00 or later), the system provides unified workflows for acquisition, processing, and reporting. Key modules include Qualitative Analysis for deconvolution and formula prediction, Quantitative Analysis for targeted and semi-targeted quantitation using extracted ion chromatograms (XICs), and Molecular Feature Extraction (MFE) for non-targeted profiling. Raw data files (.d format) are stored in vendor-neutral formats compatible with third-party tools (e.g., XCMS, MZmine, Compound Discoverer) via open APIs. All processing steps maintain full traceability with embedded metadata, including instrument parameters, calibration history, and user authentication logs.
Applications
- Non-targeted metabolomics and exposomics studies requiring high mass accuracy and retention time alignment across large sample cohorts
- Impurity profiling and degradation product identification in pharmaceutical development per ICH Q3B and Q5C
- Residue analysis in food and environmental samples (e.g., pesticides, mycotoxins, PFAS) meeting EU SANTE/11312/2021 and EPA Method 1694 requirements
- Peptide mapping and post-translational modification (PTM) analysis in biopharmaceutical characterization
- Forensic toxicology screening with library-matching capabilities against NIST, MassBank, and HMDB spectral databases
FAQ
What is the typical mass accuracy performance of the 6530B under routine operation?
Mass accuracy is typically ≤2 ppm RMS with external calibration using Agilent tune mix; internal lock mass correction further improves long-term stability.
Can the 6530B be used for quantitative analysis?
Yes—it supports label-free and isotopic-labeling quantitation workflows, with demonstrated linearity (R² > 0.995) over three orders of magnitude using selected ion monitoring (SIM) or extracted ion chromatogram (XIC)-based integration.
Is the system compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated environments?
When deployed with MassHunter Security Pack, electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures.
What LC systems are certified for seamless integration with the 6530B?
Agilent InfinityLab LC series—including 1290 II UHPLC, 1260 Infinity II, and 1290 Infinity II 2D-LC—are fully supported with plug-and-play driver integration and synchronized timing control.
Does the 6530B support real-time data processing during acquisition?
Yes—MassHunter Real-Time Processing enables on-the-fly peak detection, deconvolution, and formula generation during data collection, reducing post-run analysis time significantly.
