Thermo Fisher LTQ Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Thermo Fisher LTQ Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer is a high-sensitivity, high-throughput benchtop mass spectrometer engineered for tandem mass spectrometry (MSⁿ) experiments in research and quality control laboratories. Based on quadrupole ion trap technology with linear geometry, the LTQ platform utilizes radiofrequency (RF) and direct current (DC) fields to confine, isolate, fragment, and detect ions within a compact, robust architecture. Unlike 3D traps, the linear design offers improved ion capacity, enhanced transmission efficiency, and superior scan speed—making it particularly suitable for coupling with liquid chromatography (LC-MS), capillary electrophoresis (CE-MS), and direct infusion workflows. This refurbished unit has undergone full functional validation at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO 17025-accredited refurbishment facility, including vacuum integrity verification, mass calibration across m/z 50–2000, resolution assessment at unit mass, and CID fragmentation reproducibility testing under standard tuning conditions.

Key Features

• Linear ion trap geometry enabling simultaneous ion accumulation, isolation, and ejection—supporting up to MS³ experiments in a single acquisition cycle
• Electron ionization (EI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) sources pre-installed and verified; compatible with APCI and nanospray configurations via optional upgrades
• Mass range: m/z 50–4000 (full scan); unit mass resolution (FWHM) ≤ 0.7 Da at m/z 500
• Scan speeds up to 10,000 Da/sec in full scan mode; precursor ion selection width adjustable from 0.5 to 5.0 Da
• Integrated ion optics optimized for low ng–pg level detection of peptides, metabolites, and small molecules
• Refurbishment includes replacement of critical consumables: ion transfer capillaries, skimmer cones, and detector components where wear exceeds OEM thresholds
• Factory-aligned RF amplifiers and digital signal processing firmware updated to LTQ v2.5.387 (2012 release baseline)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LTQ supports diverse sample introduction methods including HPLC, UHPLC, nanoLC, and direct infusion. It routinely analyzes peptides, post-translational modifications, lipids, pharmaceutical impurities, and environmental contaminants with high duty-cycle efficiency. All refurbished systems comply with original Thermo Fisher design specifications for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electrical safety (IEC 61010-1), and vacuum system integrity (leak rate < 5×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s). The instrument meets analytical requirements for GLP-compliant method development and supports audit trails when operated with Xcalibur v2.0.7 or later under controlled IT environments. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–validated out-of-the-box, the system is fully compatible with third-party electronic lab notebook (ELN) and LIMS integration via ASCII/CSV export and OLE DB connectivity.

Software & Data Management

Shipped with Thermo Xcalibur v2.0.7 software suite—including QualBrowser, QuantBrowser, and BioWorks—enabling qualitative identification, label-free quantitation, and peptide sequence analysis. Raw data files (.raw) are natively supported by open-source platforms such as ProteoWizard, Skyline, and MaxQuant. System configuration includes a dedicated Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) workstation with 16 GB RAM, 1 TB RAID-1 storage, and dual-monitor support. All software licenses are legally transferred under Thermo Fisher’s Refurbished Equipment Licensing Agreement. Audit trail functionality, user access controls, and electronic signature capability are configurable per laboratory SOPs.

Applications

• Bottom-up proteomics: Peptide identification and PTM localization via data-dependent acquisition (DDA) and targeted MS/MS
• Small-molecule characterization: Structural elucidation of synthetic intermediates, degradation products, and natural products
• Pharmaceutical QC: Residual solvent screening, extractable/leachable studies, and forced degradation product profiling
• Metabolomics: Semi-quantitative profiling of polar and semi-polar metabolites in biofluids and tissue extracts
• Environmental analysis: Detection of pesticides, PFAS, and endocrine disruptors in water and soil matrices using LC-MS/MS MRM transitions

FAQ

Is this LTQ system compatible with modern UHPLC systems?
Yes—the LTQ’s ESI interface is pressure-rated for flow rates up to 1 mL/min and features active desolvation gas heating (up to 350 °C), making it fully interoperable with Thermo Accela, Waters Acquity, and Agilent 1290 UHPLC platforms.
What documentation is included with the refurbished instrument?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Refurbishment, full test report (including mass accuracy, resolution, sensitivity, and vacuum performance), updated service logs, and OEM operation manuals in English.
Can the LTQ be upgraded to include an Orbitrap mass analyzer?
No—the LTQ linear ion trap is a standalone platform; hybrid configurations (e.g., LTQ Orbitrap) require different chassis, power supplies, and control electronics and are not retrofittable.
Does the 6-month warranty cover labor and parts globally?
Warranty covers parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship within the first six months from commissioning date; onsite support is available in North America, EU, and APAC regions through authorized Thermo Fisher service partners.