AB SCIEX Triple Quad 5500 Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometer (Used)

Overview

The AB SCIEX Triple Quad 5500 is a high-performance, tandem quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system engineered for robust, reproducible quantitative analysis in regulated and research-intensive laboratories. Operating on the principle of selected reaction monitoring (SRM) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), the instrument delivers exceptional sensitivity, specificity, and dynamic range across complex biological, environmental, and food matrices. Its core architecture integrates a triple-stage quadrupole mass filter—Q1 (mass selection), Q2 (collision-induced dissociation cell), and Q3 (product ion analysis)—enabling highly selective detection of target analytes even at sub-picomolar concentrations. The system was originally designed to meet the stringent demands of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies, and remains widely deployed in clinical research, targeted proteomics, environmental contaminant screening, and food safety testing.

Key Features

• Next-generation eQ electronics enabling 50 ms polarity switching—critical for simultaneous positive/negative mode quantitation without compromising dwell time or sensitivity
• Enhanced ion transmission efficiency via the QJet 2 ion guide, which operates at elevated pressure while maintaining superior collisional focusing and reduced gas load on the turbo molecular pump
• Modular ion source options: standard Turbo V source for electrospray ionization (ESI), DuoSpray for rapid method development and dual-source flexibility, and optional PhotoSpray (APPI) for enhanced ionization of non-polar compounds
• Integrated split waste valve for simplified maintenance and extended operational uptime in high-throughput workflows
• Compact footprint (114 × 81 × 76 cm) optimized for space-constrained laboratories without sacrificing analytical performance or service accessibility
• Engineered for long-term stability: hardened RF components, thermally stabilized optics, and robust vacuum architecture ensure consistent MRM response over extended duty cycles

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Triple Quad 5500 interfaces seamlessly with standard UHPLC and HPLC systems—including those from Waters, Thermo Fisher, Agilent, and Shimadzu—via analog or digital communication protocols. It supports a broad range of sample types: plasma, serum, tissue homogenates, urine, environmental water extracts, food digests, and botanical matrices. Method validation workflows align with ICH M10, USP , and FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance. When operated with validated Analyst® software (v1.7+), instrument control parameters, raw data files, and audit trails comply with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, user access controls, and immutable record retention—provided the laboratory’s IT environment meets platform-specific configuration standards.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are performed using SCIEX Analyst® software, a purpose-built platform for quantitative LC-MS/MS. Analyst provides automated calibration, peak integration with customizable baseline algorithms, batch processing with QC flagging, and export to LIMS-compatible formats (e.g., .csv, .txt, XML). The software supports method templates for common applications—including peptide quantitation (SISCAPA), vitamin D metabolites, mycotoxins, and pesticide residues—and includes built-in tools for internal standard normalization, matrix effect assessment, and carryover evaluation. Raw data (.wiff) files are stored in a structured hierarchical directory system, facilitating traceability and retrospective reprocessing.

Applications

• Quantitative bioanalysis: small-molecule PK/PD studies, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), and biomarker verification in human and animal matrices
• Targeted proteomics: absolute quantification of peptides via stable isotope-labeled standards (SIS), including AQUA and PSAQ workflows
• Food safety: multi-residue analysis of pesticides, veterinary drugs, mycotoxins, and allergens per EU Commission Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006 and FDA BAM protocols
• Environmental analysis: detection of pharmaceuticals, PFAS, endocrine disruptors, and flame retardants in wastewater, soil, and sediment extracts
• Clinical diagnostics: assay development for inherited metabolic disorders, steroid profiling, and newborn screening follow-up testing

FAQ

Is this a refurbished or used instrument?
This is a pre-owned Triple Quad 5500 system, fully inspected and functionally verified prior to resale. No factory refurbishment or OEM warranty is included unless separately negotiated.
What level of service support is available post-purchase?
Third-party service contracts and remote diagnostics support are available through certified SCIEX service partners. On-site installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification (OQ) services can be arranged upon request.
Can the system be upgraded to support newer software versions?
Yes—Analyst® software v1.7.2 and v1.8 are compatible with the Triple Quad 5500 hardware when paired with Windows 10 (64-bit) and minimum system requirements (16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD, Intel i7 or equivalent).
Does it include a chromatography system?
No—the listed unit is the mass spectrometer only. LC modules, autosamplers, and column ovens must be sourced separately or integrated from existing infrastructure.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Standard delivery includes original operation manuals, calibration reports (if available), electrical safety test records, and a functional verification report covering detector gain, mass accuracy (calibrant-based), and MRM sensitivity (using reserpine or verapamil standard).