AB SCIEX API5000 Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometer (Used System)

Overview

The AB SCIEX API5000 is a triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) engineered for high-sensitivity, quantitative analysis in regulated and research laboratories. Built upon SCIEX’s proven atmospheric pressure ionization (API) interface—including electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)—the system delivers robust performance for trace-level detection of small molecules, peptides, metabolites, and pharmaceutical compounds. The API5000 operates on a sequential mass filtering principle: Q1 selects precursor ions, Q2 serves as a collision cell for controlled fragmentation via collision-induced dissociation (CID), and Q3 filters specific product ions for highly selective multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Its architecture supports both scanning modes (e.g., product ion, precursor ion, neutral loss) and targeted quantitation with sub-pg/mL detection limits under optimized conditions. Designed for integration with HPLC systems such as the Shimadzu LC-20AD, this refurbished platform maintains full compatibility with SCIEX Analyst® software and meets core operational requirements for method transfer, routine QC, and method validation.

Key Features

• Triple quadrupole mass analyzer with unit mass resolution and <1 Da mass accuracy across 5–2000 m/z range
• Dual ionization sources: ESI and APCI, each with independent temperature, gas flow, and voltage control
• High-efficiency TurboIon® source with heated nebulizer and curtain gas for enhanced sensitivity and reduced matrix effects
• Collision cell (Q2) with nitrogen gas optimization for reproducible CID efficiency and low chemical noise
• Refurbished and functionally validated per SCIEX service protocols—includes vacuum integrity test, mass calibration verification, and detector gain assessment
• Integrated Shimadzu LC-20AD binary HPLC system with autosampler, column oven, and degasser for seamless LC-MS coupling
• On-site nitrogen generation system (N₂ generator) providing >99.5% purity nitrogen at stable flow rates for ESI/APCI and collision gas supply

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The API5000 accommodates a broad range of sample types—including biological fluids (plasma, urine, tissue homogenates), environmental extracts, food matrices, and synthetic chemistry intermediates—when coupled with appropriate sample preparation (e.g., protein precipitation, solid-phase extraction, or derivatization). Its hardware and software architecture support compliance with internationally recognized analytical standards, including ASTM D7622 (petroleum hydrocarbon analysis), ISO 17025 (testing laboratory competence), and USP <1225> (validation of compendial procedures). When operated with SCIEX Analyst® v1.6.3 or later and configured with audit trail, electronic signatures, and user access controls, the system can be aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures in regulated environments. Routine maintenance logs, calibration reports, and system suitability test (SST) data are fully traceable for GLP and GMP audits.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition, processing, and reporting are managed through SCIEX Analyst® software—a validated, Windows-based platform supporting method development, batch processing, peak integration, calibration curve fitting (linear/log-linear with weighting), and report generation. Analyst® provides built-in tools for MRM optimization, dwell time adjustment, and scheduled MRM for retention-time-based ion monitoring. Raw data files (.wiff) are stored in a structured, non-proprietary format compatible with third-party reprocessing tools (e.g., Skyline, MultiQuant™ legacy import). All instrument control parameters, acquisition metadata, and processing settings are embedded within the data file, ensuring full traceability. Backup and archive workflows follow NIST SP 800-88 guidelines for media sanitization and long-term storage integrity.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical bioanalysis: PK/PD studies, metabolite identification, and impurity profiling in plasma and CSF
• Clinical toxicology: Quantification of drugs of abuse, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and opioids in whole blood and oral fluid
• Environmental testing: Detection of pesticides, PFAS, pharmaceutical residues, and endocrine disruptors in wastewater and soil extracts
• Food safety: Residue screening for veterinary drugs, mycotoxins, and adulterants in dairy, meat, and produce samples
• Academic and industrial research: Targeted lipidomics, small-molecule biomarker verification, and reaction monitoring in synthetic chemistry

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished or dealer-refurbished system?

This API5000 system has undergone comprehensive refurbishment by an AB SCIEX-authorized service partner, including replacement of consumable components (ion source parts, detector elements, vacuum pumps), full recalibration, and documented performance verification against original specifications.
What documentation is included with the system?

A complete set of post-refurbishment validation reports is provided—including system suitability test results, mass calibration verification logs, vacuum leak test records, and software license certificates for Analyst®.
Can this system be qualified for GxP use?

Yes—the system is supplied with IQ/OQ documentation templates compliant with ASTM E2500 and ISPE GAMP5, and can be supported through vendor-qualified installation and operational qualification services.
Does the nitrogen generator meet LC-MS grade specifications?

Yes—the integrated N₂ generator produces ≥99.5% pure nitrogen at ≤10 ppm O₂ and ≤5 ppm H₂O, meeting ASTM D6866 and ICH Q5C requirements for LC-MS carrier and collision gas applications.
What level of technical support is available post-purchase?

Standard support includes remote diagnostics, application troubleshooting, and access to SCIEX’s global knowledge base; extended warranty and on-site service contracts are available upon request.