SCIEX AB5500 Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (Used)

Overview

The SCIEX AB5500 Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer is a high-performance, used tandem mass spectrometry platform engineered for robust quantitative analysis in regulated and research-intensive laboratories. Based on the proven triple quadrupole (QqQ) architecture, the system operates via selected reaction monitoring (SRM) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes—delivering exceptional specificity, linear dynamic range, and reproducible quantitation across complex biological, environmental, and food matrices. Originally developed for demanding applications in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies, the AB5500 integrates advanced ion optics, rapid polarity switching electronics, and industry-standard Turbo V™ ionization sources to maintain analytical rigor despite extended operational history. This pre-owned instrument has undergone full functional validation and retains its core performance characteristics—including sub-pg/mL detection limits for small-molecule analytes under optimized LC-MS/MS conditions—making it a technically sound option for labs seeking validated, cost-effective LC-MS/MS capability.

Key Features

• Next-generation eQ™ electronics enabling 50-ms polarity switching—critical for simultaneous positive/negative ion mode analysis of structurally diverse compounds without signal compromise
• QJet™ 2 ion guide: enhances ion transmission efficiency, improves collisional focusing, and reduces gas load on the turbo molecular pump—contributing to long-term source stability and sensitivity retention
• Modular ion source options: standard TurboIonSpray® or heated nebulizer probe; optional DuoSpray™ for dual-source method development; PhotoSpray™ atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) source for enhanced ionization of non-polar compounds
• Integrated split waste valve design minimizes carryover and simplifies routine maintenance—supporting high-throughput operation over extended duty cycles
• Analyst® software v1.6.3 or later: provides comprehensive instrument control, MRM method setup, calibration curve generation, audit trail logging, and export-ready reporting compliant with GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AB5500 demonstrates broad compatibility with liquid chromatography effluents—from reversed-phase C18 separations of peptides and metabolites to HILIC-based analysis of polar small molecules. Its robust front-end design accommodates samples ranging from plasma extracts and tissue homogenates to environmental water extracts and fortified food digests. The system meets foundational performance criteria outlined in ASTM D7942 (for environmental quantitation), USP (validation of analytical procedures), and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (general requirements for competence of testing and calibration laboratories). When deployed with validated methods and properly maintained hardware, the AB5500 supports data integrity frameworks required for regulatory submissions to the FDA, EMA, and PMDA.

Software & Data Management

Controlled exclusively through SCIEX Analyst® software, the AB5500 enables end-to-end workflow automation—from auto-tuning and compound optimization to batch processing and report generation. The software incorporates built-in calibration verification tools, peak integration algorithms with customizable baseline settings, and integrated QC tracking (e.g., internal standard response drift, retention time stability). Audit trails are timestamped, user-identified, and immutable—fully supporting ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). Raw data files (.wiff) are natively compatible with third-party quantitation platforms including MultiQuant™ and MasterView™ for cross-platform verification.

Applications

• Targeted quantitative proteomics: multiplexed peptide quantitation using stable isotope-labeled standards (SIS)
• Clinical toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM): precise measurement of antiepileptics, immunosuppressants, and antidepressants in serum/plasma
• Environmental residue analysis: multi-analyte screening of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine disruptors in surface water and soil extracts
• Food safety testing: confirmation and quantification of mycotoxins, veterinary drug residues, and allergen markers
• DMPK/ADMET support: high-throughput bioanalysis of drug candidates and metabolites across preclinical species

FAQ

Is this AB5500 unit fully refurbished and performance-verified?

Yes—each unit undergoes comprehensive functional testing including mass calibration, resolution verification, MRM sensitivity assessment (using caffeine and reserpine), and vacuum integrity checks prior to resale.
Does the system include original documentation and service history?

All units ship with available factory service logs, original installation certificates, and electronic copies of the Analyst Software User Guide and Maintenance Manual.
Can the AB5500 be integrated into a modern LIMS environment?

Yes—via ODBC-compliant data export and configurable ASCII/text output formats, enabling seamless ingestion into enterprise LIMS platforms supporting ASTM E1384 or HL7 messaging standards.
What level of technical support is available post-purchase?

Buyers receive 90 days of remote application and operational support; extended service contracts with on-site engineer dispatch are available through authorized SCIEX service partners.
Are consumables and spare parts still commercially available?

All critical consumables—including Turbo V source components, QJet 2 assemblies, and detector dynodes—remain in active production or are available through certified secondary suppliers with traceable lot documentation.