SCIEX Triple Quad™ 5500 Used LC-MS/MS System

Overview

The SCIEX Triple Quad™ 5500 is a high-performance, second-hand triple quadrupole liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system engineered for quantitative analysis in complex biological, environmental, and pharmaceutical matrices. Its core measurement principle relies on electrospray ionization (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), followed by mass-selective fragmentation in a curved LINAC collision cell (Q2) and detection via an AcQuRate™ pulsed ion counter. Unlike earlier generations, the 5500 integrates hardware innovations—including QJet™-2 ion optics, eQ™ electronics, and Linear Accelerated™ trap technology—to deliver exceptional sensitivity (sub-femtogram on-column detection), rapid polarity switching (≤50 ms), and high-speed MRM acquisition (dwell times as low as 2 ms without signal degradation). The compact footprint—44% smaller than prior ABI/SCIEX platforms—reflects optimized vacuum architecture and modular component layout, enabling reliable operation in space-constrained QC laboratories while maintaining full compliance with GLP/GMP data integrity standards.

Key Features

• QJet™-2 ion guide: Large-aperture RF-only lens that enhances ion transmission efficiency from source to Q0, improving low-m/z ion focusing and overall signal-to-noise ratio.
• Bent LINAC collision cell (Q2): Reduces neutral background interference, increases ion velocity, and enables single-turbomolecular pump operation—contributing to both sensitivity gains and system stability.
• Linear Accelerated™ ion trap: Achieves scanning speeds up to 20,000 amu/sec, with 50 µs minimum dwell time, 100× improved trap sensitivity, and 2× higher mass resolution (>12,000 FWHM) versus previous QTRAP models.
• AcQuRate™ pulsed ion counter: Delivers digital signal output with <3% CV at concentrations as low as 1 fg/µL—significantly outperforming analog detectors in reproducibility and dynamic range.
• eQ™ electronics platform: Supports ultrafast polarity switching (ESI+/−), real-time MRM transition scheduling, and synchronized detector timing—enabling up to 2,500 MRM transitions per run without compromising data fidelity.
• Integrated front-panel valve manifold: Allows seamless configuration of multiple LC flow paths; includes dedicated mounting position for user-installed auxiliary switching valves.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Triple Quad™ 5500 accommodates diverse sample types—including plasma, urine, tissue homogenates, soil extracts, and formulated drug products—when coupled with standard reversed-phase, HILIC, or mixed-mode LC methods. It supports both ESI and APCI ion sources, with interchangeable probe configurations for direct infusion or nano/micro-flow applications. From a regulatory standpoint, the system architecture supports audit-trail-enabled software (e.g., Analyst® 1.6.3 or later), instrument qualification documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and electronic signature workflows compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements. Its design facilitates routine calibration verification using standard tuning compounds (e.g., reserpine, caffeine) and meets performance criteria outlined in USP , CLSI EP26-A, and ASTM D7622 for trace-level quantitation.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are performed using SCIEX Analyst® software, which provides validated MRM method development tools, automated peak integration, internal standard normalization, and customizable reporting templates. The system supports secure network deployment with role-based access control, encrypted raw data storage (.wiff format), and full audit trail logging for all acquisition, processing, and export actions. Raw files are compatible with third-party quantitation platforms (e.g., MultiQuant™, Skyline) and enterprise LIMS integrations via ODBC or API interfaces. All firmware and software versions installed on this used unit have been verified for compatibility and patched against known security vulnerabilities per NIST SP 800-53 guidelines.

Applications

This instrument is routinely deployed in regulated bioanalytical laboratories for pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies, clinical toxicology screening, residue analysis in food and agriculture, and impurity profiling in API manufacturing. Its high-speed MRM capability makes it especially suitable for multi-analyte panels—such as vitamin D metabolites, steroid hormones, mycotoxins, or pesticide multiresidue methods—where >1,000 transitions must be monitored within a single chromatographic run. The robustness of its QJet™-2 interface and LINAC collision cell also ensures consistent performance across high-throughput clinical diagnostics workflows requiring daily batch processing of hundreds of samples.

FAQ

Is this instrument eligible for factory-certified refurbishment or extended warranty?

Yes—this unit has undergone comprehensive functional validation including mass axis calibration, detector linearity testing, and vacuum integrity assessment. Optional post-purchase service plans include 2–3 year extended coverage with remote diagnostics and priority on-site support.

What documentation accompanies the system?

A complete set is provided: original factory shipping manifest, service history log, last calibration certificate, IQ/OQ summary report, and Analyst® software license transfer documentation.

Can the system be integrated into an existing LIMS environment?

Absolutely—the 5500 supports standard data export protocols (CSV, XML, .wiff) and can be configured for automated file transfer via SFTP or network share, meeting common LIMS ingestion requirements.

Are consumables and spare parts still available?

All major components—including ESI probes, turbo pumps, detector assemblies, and QJet lenses—are supported through SCIEX’s global aftermarket channel and qualified third-party suppliers, with typical lead times under 10 business days.

Does the system include original installation and training records?

Yes—full commissioning records, including site acceptance test (SAT) reports and initial operator training sign-offs, are included in the delivery package.