Agilent 6520 Q-TOF Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry System (Refurbished)
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 6520 |
| Product Type | Mass Spectrometer |
| Usage Duration | 4–5 years |
| Warranty Period | 6 months |
| LC Configuration | Agilent 1200 Series (G1312A Binary Pump, G1313A Autosampler, G1316A Column Compartment, G1322A Degasser) |
| Software Platform | MassHunter Workstation |
| Mass Accuracy (MS) | <2 ppm |
| Mass Accuracy (MS/MS) | <5 ppm |
| Resolution (FWHM) | 20,000 at m/z 556 |
| Dynamic Range (within spectrum) | 10× improvement without sensitivity loss |
| Acquisition Speed | up to 10 MS/MS spectra/sec |
| Mass Range | m/z 25–20,000 |
| Included Hardware | Dedicated PC with pre-installed MassHunter software and calibration kits |
Overview
The Agilent 6520 Q-TOF Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry System is a high-performance, refurbished benchtop platform engineered for high-resolution, accurate-mass analysis in complex sample matrices. Based on orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (oa-TOF) mass analysis coupled with a quadrupole mass filter, the system delivers sub-2 ppm mass accuracy in full-scan MS mode and <5 ppm in MS/MS mode—performance levels approaching those of Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FTMS), yet at significantly higher acquisition speeds. Its 20,000 resolution (FWHM) is maintained across the entire mass range (m/z 25–20,000) and is independent of scan rate, enabling robust qualitative and semi-quantitative workflows without resolution trade-offs. The integrated Agilent 1200 Series LC module—including G1312A binary pump, G1313A autosampler, G1316A column oven, and G1322A degasser—ensures precise gradient delivery and retention time stability essential for reproducible LC-MS coupling. All systems undergo full functional validation at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO 9001-certified refurbishment facility, including mass calibration, resolution verification, sensitivity assessment using tuning compounds (e.g., ESI-L Low Concentration Tuning Mix), and vacuum integrity testing.
Key Features
- Quadrupole precursor selection combined with high-resolution oa-TOF mass analysis for confident compound identification and structural elucidation
- Mass accuracy <2 ppm (MS) and <5 ppm (MS/MS) under routine operating conditions, compliant with ICH M7 and USP <1225> method validation requirements for identification confidence
- Resolution of 20,000 (FWHM) sustained across full mass range and acquisition rates up to 10 MS/MS spectra per second
- Dynamic range enhanced tenfold within a single transient without signal saturation or sensitivity compromise—critical for quantitative profiling in metabolomics and biotransformation studies
- Robust ion optics and dual-stage differential pumping architecture ensuring long-term vacuum stability and minimal downtime
- Pre-configured Agilent MassHunter Workstation software v10.x with full support for GLP/GMP-compliant audit trails (21 CFR Part 11 enabled), raw data archiving, and secure user access control
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 6520 Q-TOF supports electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and multimode sources (optional). It is routinely deployed for polar and semi-polar small molecules (<1,500 Da), peptides, oligonucleotides, and intact proteins up to ~20 kDa. The system meets key regulatory expectations for analytical instrumentation used in pharmaceutical development, including adherence to ASTM E2606–22 (Standard Guide for Mass Spectrometry Data Evaluation), ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (for accredited labs), and FDA guidance on analytical method validation. All refurbished units include documented IQ/OQ protocols executed per Agilent-recommended procedures and are supplied with traceable calibration certificates issued by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited metrology partner.
Software & Data Management
MassHunter Workstation provides unified control for instrument operation, real-time data acquisition, and post-run processing. Key modules include Qualitative Analysis (with Molecular Feature Extraction, Formula Prediction, and MS/MS spectral library matching against NIST, METLIN, and HMDB), Quantitative Analysis (supporting internal standard calibration curves and QC batch reporting), and BioConfirm for peptide/protein characterization. Raw data files (.d format) are natively stored with embedded metadata, timestamped audit logs, and digital signatures. Data backups comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and integrate seamlessly with LIMS platforms via MassHunter’s OpenLab CDS interface.
Applications
- Metabolite identification and degradation pathway mapping in drug stability studies (ICH Q5C)
- Untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics profiling in biological fluids and tissue extracts
- Biomarker discovery in clinical and translational research cohorts
- Impurity profiling and structural confirmation of synthetic intermediates and APIs
- Peptide mapping and post-translational modification analysis in biopharmaceutical characterization
- Environmental contaminant screening (e.g., PFAS, pesticides) requiring high mass accuracy and isotopic fidelity
FAQ
Is this a factory-refurbished unit or third-party refurbished?
All Agilent 6520 Q-TOF systems are refurbished in-house by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified engineers using original Agilent spare parts and diagnostic firmware. Each unit receives full OEM-level reconditioning, including detector replacement if required, ion source cleaning and alignment, and TOF reflectron recalibration.
What documentation accompanies the system?
Customers receive a complete refurbishment dossier: IQ/OQ reports, mass calibration certificate, sensitivity verification report, vacuum performance log, software license transfer documentation, and a signed warranty agreement covering parts and labor for six months.
Can the system be validated for GxP environments?
Yes—the platform supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-the-box when configured with MassHunter’s Security Pack. We provide optional validation support services, including URS drafting, risk assessment (ICH Q9), and protocol execution assistance.
Is LC hardware included and fully tested?
Yes—the Agilent 1200 LC module (pump, autosampler, column oven, degasser) is included, pressure-tested, flow-verified, and integrated with the MS via heated capillary and nitrogen nebulizer gas lines. All LC components are verified for gradient accuracy, carryover (<0.01%), and retention time RSD (<0.2%).
What level of technical support is provided post-installation?
SpectraLab offers remote diagnostics, application troubleshooting, and on-site service contracts (annual or per-visit). Our engineers hold Agilent Certified Mass Spectrometry Specialist credentials and maintain direct access to Agilent’s global technical knowledge base.
