Waters Xevo TQ-S Micro Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished, As-New Condition)

Overview

The Waters Xevo TQ-S Micro is a compact, high-sensitivity triple quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system engineered for robust quantitative analysis in regulated and research laboratories. Based on proven Waters TQ-S architecture, the Micro variant delivers identical core performance—unit-mass resolution, fast polarity switching, sub-10 ms dwell times, and >5-decade linear dynamic range—within a significantly reduced footprint. Its tandem quadrupole design operates under controlled vacuum conditions, utilizing collision-induced dissociation (CID) in the central Q2 cell to generate characteristic product ions from selected precursors in Q1. Detection occurs in Q3 using electron multiplier amplification, enabling precise, reproducible multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) quantitation. The system is optimized for ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupling, supporting sub-2 µm particle columns and gradient elution down to 0.1 mL/min flow rates without splitting. This configuration ensures minimal sample consumption, rapid method development, and high-throughput routine analysis—particularly critical for food safety testing, environmental residue screening, and clinical biomarker validation.

Key Features

• Compact benchtop form factor (reduced by ~30% vs. standard TQ-S), preserving full MRM sensitivity and selectivity
• Enhanced ion transmission efficiency through optimized RF-only quadrupole lenses and extended collision cell geometry
• Integrated Acquity UPLC I-Class platform with low-dispersion flow paths, active pre-heating, and real-time backpressure monitoring
• MassLynx 4.2 software with TargetLynx AXS for automated calibration, peak integration, and compliance-ready reporting
• Dual ionization source (ESI/APCI) with rapid, software-controlled polarity switching (<200 ms)
• Robust vacuum architecture featuring dual-stage turbomolecular pumping and intelligent pressure regulation
• Factory-refurbished and fully requalified to Waters OEM specifications, including detector gain calibration, mass axis verification, and sensitivity validation using reserpine and caffeine standards

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Xevo TQ-S Micro accommodates a broad range of sample matrices—including complex biological fluids (plasma, urine), homogenized food extracts, environmental water/sediment digests, and pharmaceutical formulations—without requiring extensive cleanup when paired with appropriate UPLC column chemistries (e.g., HILIC, C18, pentafluorophenyl). Its high ionization efficiency and low chemical noise floor enable reliable detection of highly polar, thermally labile, or low-abundance analytes (e.g., mycotoxins, pesticides, nucleotides, small-molecule metabolites) at sub-pg/mL levels. The system supports compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, USP , and FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance when operated with documented SOPs. While MassLynx 4.2 provides audit trail functionality and electronic signature capability, full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires validated installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and procedural controls implemented by the end user.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition, processing, and reporting are managed through Waters MassLynx 4.2, a Windows-based platform compliant with modern cybersecurity standards (TLS 1.2+, secure credential storage). TargetLynx AXS enables automated MRM method setup, internal standard ratio calculation, and batch processing with customizable pass/fail criteria. Raw data files (.raw) are stored in a structured, non-proprietary format compatible with third-party quantitation tools (e.g., Skyline, SimGlycan). System logs record all instrument parameter changes, calibration events, and user actions with timestamps and operator IDs. Backups are supported via network-attached storage (NAS) or cloud-synced repositories; raw data retention policies align with GLP archival requirements (minimum 5 years for regulated studies).

Applications

• Quantitative residue analysis in food commodities (EU MRL enforcement, USDA FSIS testing)
• Pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic studies in preclinical models
• Endogenous metabolite profiling in targeted metabolomics workflows
• Impurity identification and quantification in API stability studies
• Environmental contaminant screening (PFAS, pharmaceuticals in wastewater)
• Forensic toxicology screening for drugs of abuse and novel psychoactive substances

FAQ

Is this instrument truly “as-new” and fully tested?
Yes. Each unit undergoes comprehensive OEM-equivalent requalification at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO 9001-certified refurbishment facility, including mass calibration, sensitivity verification, vacuum integrity testing, and UPLC flow accuracy validation.
What documentation is provided with the system?
You receive a full refurbishment report, instrument-specific calibration certificates, MassLynx 4.2 license transfer documentation, and a traceable chain-of-custody log.
Can this system be integrated into an existing LIMS environment?
Yes—via MassLynx Open Access APIs or vendor-neutral file export (CSV, XML) for direct ingestion into laboratory information management systems.
Does the 6-month warranty cover consumables and labor?
The warranty covers all hardware components and labor for defects in materials or workmanship; consumables (e.g., ESI probes, pump seals, columns) are excluded per industry standard.
Is remote support available post-installation?
Yes—SpectraLab offers tiered technical support packages, including remote diagnostics, method troubleshooting, and on-site service contracts upon request.