Thermo Fisher LTQ XL Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | Canada |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | LTQ XL |
| Price Range | USD 68,000–136,000 |
| Product Category | Mass Spectrometer |
| Usage Duration | 3–4 years |
| Warranty Period | 6 months |
| Instrument Model | LTQ XL |
| Operational Age | 4 years |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher LTQ XL Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer is a high-performance, refurbished benchtop mass spectrometer engineered for robust, multi-stage tandem MS (MSn) analysis in proteomics, metabolomics, and small-molecule characterization. Based on quadrupole linear ion trap (LIT) technology, the LTQ XL employs resonant ejection and axial modulation to achieve high ion storage capacity, rapid scan speeds (up to 20 Hz in full-scan mode), and reliable MS2/MS3 acquisition with sub-second duty cycles. Its core architecture supports both collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD)—a critical capability for preserving labile post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, glycosylation, and sulfation during peptide fragmentation. The instrument integrates seamlessly with HPLC and UHPLC systems via standard ESI, APCI, and APPI sources, enabling comprehensive structural elucidation across diverse sample matrices.
Key Features
- Linear ion trap design with enhanced ion capacity (>106 ions per trap) and improved mass accuracy (<0.2 Da in centroid mode)
- Integrated ETD module—enables top-down and middle-down protein sequencing while retaining PTM integrity; compatible with automated CID/ETD switching within a single LC-MS run
- Pulsed Q Dissociation (PQD) for enhanced low-mass fragment detection and improved spectral coverage below m/z 50
- Intelligent data-dependent acquisition (DDA) with dynamic exclusion, predictive precursor selection, and neutral loss-triggered MS3 scanning (e.g., for glucuronide or sulfate metabolites)
- IonMax source platform supporting interchangeable ESI, APCI, APPI, and nanospray (NSI) probes—tool-free probe exchange and XYZ-adjustable positioning for optimal sensitivity across flow rates (10 nL/min to 1 mL/min)
- Fast polarity switching (<50 ms) and real-time MS/MS correlation for co-eluting isobaric species
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LTQ XL accommodates a broad range of analytes—from intact proteins and peptides to polar metabolites, lipids, and pharmaceuticals—in complex biological matrices (plasma, urine, tissue extracts, cell lysates). It complies with GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through audit-trail-enabled data acquisition (via Xcalibur 2.2 or later), instrument log archiving, and user-access controls. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-box, the system supports electronic signatures and secure data handling when deployed with validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and properly configured network infrastructure. Method validation protocols follow ASTM E2697–22 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 guidelines for mass spectrometric identification and quantification.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and processing are performed using Thermo Scientific Xcalibur software (v2.2 or higher), which provides full control over scan functions, calibration, and sequence-based method development. For metabolite identification, MetWorks™ enables automated neutral-loss screening, retention-time alignment, and isotopic pattern recognition across large sample cohorts. Mass Frontier™ supports in silico fragmentation prediction, spectral library matching (NIST, Wiley, mzCloud), and retrosynthetic pathway analysis. All raw files (.raw) are stored in Thermo’s proprietary format, fully compatible with open-source tools (e.g., ProteoWizard, Skyline, MZmine 3) for reproducible reprocessing and FAIR-compliant data sharing.
Applications
- Comprehensive PTM mapping in discovery proteomics—especially for acidic, labile modifications resistant to CID
- Structural confirmation of phase I/II drug metabolites using CNL-triggered MS3 and retention-time–guided spectral deconvolution
- High-throughput biomarker verification in clinical and translational research settings
- Hybrid configuration readiness: LTQ XL serves as the front-end ion trap in LTQ-FTICR and LTQ-Orbitrap hybrid platforms for combined high-resolution and high-sensitivity analysis
- Method development for regulated bioanalysis where reproducible MSn fragmentation patterns support ICH M10-compliant assay validation
FAQ
Is this LTQ XL unit factory-refurbished or dealer-refurbished?
This instrument has undergone full technical refurbishment by SpectraLab Scientific, including vacuum system reconditioning, ion optics cleaning and alignment, detector gain calibration, and full functional validation against Thermo-recommended performance specifications.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Performance Verification, detailed service history log, original Thermo manuals (digital), and a traceable calibration report covering mass accuracy, sensitivity, and resolution benchmarks.
Can the LTQ XL be integrated into an existing LC workflow?
Yes—the system features standard analog/digital I/O ports, RS-232 and Ethernet connectivity, and native compatibility with Thermo Accela, Surveyor, and Vanquish UHPLC platforms via Xcalibur synchronization.
Is ETD hardware included and verified?
Yes—ETD module installation, electron donor chemistry optimization (e.g., fluoranthene anion generation), and CID/ETD switching validation are part of the standard refurbishment protocol.
What level of post-purchase support is provided?
SpectraLab offers remote diagnostics, application troubleshooting, and on-site engineering support (available under extended service contracts); all refurbished units include 6 months parts-and-labor warranty from date of commissioning.
