Waters Micromass Quattro Micro LC-MS/MS System with UPLC

Overview

The Waters Micromass Quattro Micro LC-MS/MS System with integrated UPLC represents a mature, high-performance tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry platform engineered for quantitative and qualitative analysis in regulated and research laboratory environments. Built upon electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources, the Quattro Micro employs triple-quadrupole architecture to deliver selective reaction monitoring (SRM), multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), and product ion scanning with high specificity and robust signal-to-noise ratios. Coupled with Waters’ Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) technology—featuring sub-2-µm particle columns, high-pressure capability (up to 15,000 psi), and low system dispersion—the system achieves superior chromatographic resolution, peak capacity, and analysis speed compared to conventional HPLC-based MS platforms. This refurbished configuration is fully reconditioned to meet original factory performance specifications and is suitable for applications requiring regulatory-compliant data integrity, including bioanalysis, environmental residue testing, pharmaceutical impurity profiling, and clinical toxicology.

Key Features

• Triple-quadrupole mass analyzer with unit-mass resolution, capable of precursor ion scanning, neutral loss scanning, and MRM transitions with dwell times down to 10 ms
• Electrospray and APCI dual-source configuration, enabling broad compound polarity coverage without hardware modification
• Integrated Waters UPLC system with binary solvent manager, sample manager-FTN, column manager, and real-time backpressure monitoring
• Edwards nXDS dry scroll vacuum pump providing stable, oil-free operation and reduced maintenance intervals
• Fully refurbished mechanical and electronic subsystems—including detector, RF power supply, ion optics, and RF lenses—validated per Micromass OEM functional test protocols
• Pre-installed and licensed MassLynx 4.1 (or later) software with QuanLynx and TargetLynx modules for quantitative batch processing and method development

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Quattro Micro/UPLC platform supports liquid samples across diverse matrices—including plasma, urine, tissue homogenates, environmental water extracts, and formulation supernatants—following standard protein precipitation, solid-phase extraction (SPE), or dilute-and-shoot preparation workflows. Its hardware and software architecture comply with core requirements for data integrity in GLP and GMP environments: audit trail functionality (enabled and verified), electronic signatures (21 CFR Part 11 compliant when deployed with appropriate IT infrastructure), and method/version-controlled acquisition parameters. While the instrument itself predates current ICH M10 guidance, its analytical performance remains consistent with ASTM D7595 (petroleum hydrocarbon quantitation), USP (validation of compendial procedures), and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (competence of testing laboratories) when operated under documented SOPs and routine PQ/QC checks.

Software & Data Management

MassLynx software provides end-to-end workflow management—from instrument method setup and calibration (e.g., tuning via polytyrosine or caffeine standards) to raw data acquisition, peak integration, and report generation. QuanLynx enables automated calibration curve fitting (linear, quadratic, weighted least-squares), QC sample flagging, and batch-level summary statistics. All raw data files (.raw) are stored in vendor-native format with embedded metadata (acquisition time, operator ID, sequence ID, instrument configuration hash). The system supports export to common formats (CSV, TXT, mzML) for third-party statistical analysis or LIMS integration. Backups, archiving, and user access controls must be implemented at the host workstation level per institutional IT policy; no cloud connectivity or remote telemetry is enabled by default.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical bioanalysis: PK/PD studies of small-molecule drugs and metabolites in biological fluids
• Food safety: Multi-residue screening of pesticides, mycotoxins, and veterinary drug residues
• Environmental monitoring: Quantification of PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine disruptors in wastewater and surface water
• Clinical toxicology: Confirmation and quantification of opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants in forensic specimens
• Academic research: Structural elucidation support via MS/MS spectral libraries and fragmentation pattern interpretation

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
This system has been comprehensively refurbished by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified service engineers using OEM-specified procedures, replacement parts, and performance validation protocols aligned with Waters Micromass technical bulletins.
Does the warranty cover both UPLC and MS components?
Yes—the 6-month limited warranty applies to all included hardware: UPLC modules, Quattro Micro mass spectrometer, vacuum system, and bundled cabling.
Can the system be qualified for GxP use?
Yes. IQ/OQ documentation templates are provided; PQ execution requires site-specific reference standards, system suitability criteria, and analyst training—all supported by SpectraLab’s application scientists.
What software version is installed, and is upgrade path available?
MassLynx v4.1 SP4 (or latest compatible patch) is pre-installed and licensed; upgrade to v4.2 is available subject to Waters’ current licensing terms and legacy support policy.
Are consumables and spare parts included or available?
No consumables are included, but SpectraLab maintains inventory of critical spares (ESI needles, cone tips, pump seals, UPLC column frits) and offers volume pricing on recurring items.