AB SCIEX QTRAP 5500 Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished Unit)

Overview

The AB SCIEX QTRAP 5500 is a hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometer engineered for quantitative and qualitative analysis in regulated and research-intensive environments. Combining the sensitivity and dynamic range of a triple quadrupole (QqQ) with the structural elucidation capabilities of a linear ion trap (LIT), the QTRAP platform operates on a dual-mode architecture—enabling scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (sMRM™) for ultra-trace quantitation and enhanced product ion (EPI) or information-dependent acquisition (IDA) scans for compound identification. This refurbished unit undergoes full functional validation per AB SCIEX service protocols, including mass calibration stability assessment (±0.1 Da over 48 h), detector gain optimization, vacuum integrity verification (<5×10⁻⁸ Torr in high-vacuum region), and electrospray ionization (ESI) source performance testing using reserpine and verapamil standards. It is compatible with standard LC interfaces—including Shimadzu Nexera, Waters Acquity UPLC, and Thermo Vanquish systems—via industry-standard analog/digital I/O and Ethernet-based instrument control.

Key Features

• Hybrid QqQ-LIT architecture supporting both high-sensitivity MRM quantification and MS/MS spectral acquisition in a single run
• Dynamic range exceeding 5 orders of magnitude for small-molecule analysis under optimized sMRM conditions
• Enhanced resolution in Q1 and Q3 (unit mass resolution, 0.7 Da FWHM) with configurable isolation width (0.2–4.0 Da)
• Linear ion trap capable of up to 30,000 spectra/sec acquisition speed in rapid scan mode
• Electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources included; dual-source configuration available upon request
• Integrated Turbo V™ ion source with heated nebulizer gas (300–700 °C), curtain gas (20–50 psi), and collision gas (nitrogen, 5–15 psi)
• Fully refurbished mechanical stage: replaced O-rings, cleaned ion optics, recalibrated RF/DC voltages, and verified detector linearity across 50–2000 m/z

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The QTRAP 5500 supports analysis of diverse sample matrices—including plasma, urine, tissue homogenates, environmental water extracts, and pharmaceutical formulations—following standard protein precipitation, solid-phase extraction (SPE), or liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) workflows. Its hardware and firmware comply with essential regulatory requirements for analytical instrument qualification: IQ/OQ documentation packages are provided per ASTM E2500-13 guidelines; system suitability tests align with USP and ICH Q2(R2); and audit trail functionality meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 criteria when operated with Analyst® 1.7.2 or later software under validated network configurations. All refurbished units ship with a 12-month limited warranty covering electronics, vacuum pumps, and ion optics—excluding consumables and user-induced damage.

Software & Data Management

Control and data processing are performed via AB SCIEX Analyst® software (v1.7.2 or v1.8.1, license included), which provides method development tools for sMRM transition optimization, peak integration with baseline correction algorithms, and library searching against NIST/EPA/AB SCIEX spectral databases. Raw data files (.wiff) are fully compatible with third-party platforms including Skyline (v23.1+), Compound Discoverer™ 3.3, and SimGlycan® for glycomics applications. Data security features include role-based access control (RBAC), electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails with timestamped event logging—supporting GLP/GMP laboratory workflows. Backup and archiving follow ISO/IEC 27001-aligned procedures; raw data retention policies are configurable per institutional SOPs.

Applications

This system is routinely deployed in clinical toxicology laboratories for multi-analyte screening of opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants; in pharmaceutical CMC departments for impurity profiling and forced degradation studies; in food safety labs for pesticide residue quantification per EU SANTE/11813/2021 guidelines; and in environmental monitoring programs for PFAS and emerging contaminants in wastewater influent. Its ability to perform polarity-switching MRM transitions within 20 ms enables simultaneous positive/negative mode analysis without compromising dwell time—critical for high-throughput bioanalysis requiring >100 analytes per run.

FAQ

Is this unit factory-refurbished by AB SCIEX or third-party certified?
This QTRAP 5500 has been refurbished by an AB SCIEX-authorized service partner in Shanghai, using genuine OEM replacement parts and following AB SCIEX’s published refurbishment checklist (Rev. 2022-03). Full service history and calibration certificates are available upon request.
What is included in the shipment?
Standard delivery includes the mass spectrometer base unit, ESI source, Analyst® software license (perpetual), one-year hardware warranty, installation qualification (IQ) documentation, and remote post-installation support for system tuning and initial method transfer.
Can this system be integrated into an existing LIMS environment?
Yes—the QTRAP 5500 supports ASTM E1578-compliant instrument interfacing via OPC UA and HL7 messaging protocols. API-level integration with major LIMS vendors (e.g., LabVantage, STARLIMS, Thermo SampleManager) is achievable through AB SCIEX’s Open Access™ framework.
Are original consumables and spare parts still available?
All critical consumables—including Turbo V source components, QJet ion guides, and detector assemblies—are actively stocked by AB SCIEX distributors in APAC and remain supported through 2027 per official lifecycle notice #SCIEX-LCN-2023-08.