AB SCIEX API4000 Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The AB SCIEX API4000 Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometer is a high-performance, benchtop LC-MS/MS platform engineered for quantitative bioanalysis, pharmaceutical impurity profiling, clinical toxicology, and environmental residue testing. Utilizing electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in a single, interchangeable Turbo V™ source, the system delivers robust ionization efficiency across a broad polarity range. Its triple quadrupole architecture enables highly selective multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), providing exceptional sensitivity (sub-pg on-column detection for many analytes), wide linear dynamic range (>4 orders of magnitude), and high reproducibility—critical for regulated environments requiring GLP, GMP, or CLIA compliance.

Key Features

• Triple quadrupole mass analyzer with unit mass resolution and rapid polarity switching (<20 ms) for simultaneous positive/negative mode analysis
• Turbo V™ ion source with heated nebulizer gas, curtain gas, and collision gas control for enhanced desolvation and signal stability
• Integrated LC interface compatible with standard HPLC and UHPLC systems (e.g., Shimadzu Nexera, Waters ACQUITY, Thermo Vanquish)
• Dual ionization capability: ESI and APCI sources included, both fully automated and software-controlled
• Collision-induced dissociation (CID) in Q2 using nitrogen or argon gas, optimized via built-in gas flow calibration
• High-speed scanning: up to 4,000 Da/sec for full-scan acquisition; MRM dwell times configurable down to 1 ms
• Robust vacuum system with dual-stage turbomolecular pumps and monitored oil-free roughing pump

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The API4000 accommodates complex biological matrices including plasma, serum, urine, tissue homogenates, and cell lysates—as well as environmental water extracts, food digests, and pharmaceutical formulations. Sample introduction is compatible with standard autosamplers (e.g., CTC PAL, LEAP PAL, or integrated SCIEX AutoSampler). All refurbished units undergo full functional verification per SCIEX Service Bulletin SB-4000-01, including mass axis calibration, sensitivity verification using reserpine and verapamil standards, detector linearity assessment, and source cleanliness validation. Documentation includes Certificate of Qualification (CoQ), IQ/OQ reports aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and traceable calibration records compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements when paired with validated Analyst® software configurations.

Software & Data Management

Controlled by Analyst® Software v1.6.2 or later (licensed and pre-installed), the system supports method development, acquisition, processing, and reporting workflows under secure user authentication and role-based access control. Analyst® provides built-in tools for peak integration optimization, internal standard ratio calculation, calibration curve fitting (linear, quadratic, weighted), and QC sample pass/fail evaluation per predefined acceptance criteria. Raw data files (.wiff) are stored in a structured, non-proprietary binary format compatible with third-party quantitation platforms (e.g., MultiQuant™, OpenLab CDS, Chromeleon). Audit trail functionality logs all method edits, acquisition events, and data reprocessing actions—fully compliant with ALCOA+ principles for regulated laboratories.

Applications

• Quantitative pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies in preclinical and clinical development
• Residue analysis of pesticides, veterinary drugs, and mycotoxins in food and agricultural commodities (per EU SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines)
• Clinical assay development for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and newborn screening metabolites
• Impurity identification and quantification in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) per ICH Q3B(R2)
• Endogenous biomarker quantification in metabolomics and proteomics workflows
• Environmental analysis of PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and industrial contaminants in wastewater and soil extracts

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished instrument?
Yes. Each API4000 system undergoes comprehensive refurbishment at an AB SCIEX-authorized service center, including replacement of consumables (ion source components, detector dynodes, vacuum seals), firmware update to latest stable release, and full performance qualification.
Does the system include original documentation and software licenses?
Yes. Refurbished units ship with complete electronic documentation (user manuals, service guides, safety instructions), valid Analyst® software license, and certificate of qualification with IQ/OQ test results.
Can the API4000 be upgraded to support newer data systems?
While the API4000 hardware does not support SCIEX OS or SWATH® acquisition, it remains fully compatible with Analyst® v1.6.2–v1.7.2 and integrates with modern LIMS and ELN platforms via .csv/.xlsx export and ODBC connectivity.
What maintenance support is provided post-delivery?
A 12-month comprehensive warranty covers parts, labor, and remote technical support. Extended service plans—including preventive maintenance visits and priority response—are available upon request.