SCIEX QTRAP 5500 Used Triple Quadrupole/Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer

Overview

The SCIEX QTRAP 5500 is a hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometer engineered for high-sensitivity quantitative analysis and structural characterization in complex biological and environmental matrices. Unlike conventional triple quadrupole instruments, the QTRAP 5500 integrates a linear ion trap (LIT) downstream of the third quadrupole (Q3), enabling true tandem-in-time MS/MS and MS³ capabilities without sacrificing quantitative performance. Its dual-mode architecture supports both high-duty-cycle multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for robust quantitation and information-dependent acquisition (IDA) for retrospective data mining—making it uniquely suited for applications requiring concurrent quantification and identification, such as metabolite profiling, biomarker verification, and residue confirmation in regulated laboratories.

Key Features

• Triple quadrupole–linear ion trap hybrid design delivering simultaneous quantitative accuracy and qualitative confidence in a single run.
• High-efficiency MRM quantitation with sub-femtogram sensitivity and >4 orders of dynamic range—validated across pharmaceutical, clinical, and food safety workflows.
• Full-scan MS, product ion scan, precursor ion scan, neutral loss scan, and enhanced product ion (EPI) acquisition—all supported at unit mass resolution and with retention of fragment ion abundance linearity.
• TripleTrap™ scanning mode enables sequential isolation, fragmentation, and re-fragmentation within the LIT, facilitating confident structural elucidation of unknown metabolites and adducts.
• Turbo V™ ion source platform with interchangeable probe options (TurboIonSpray®, APCI, DuoSpray®, NanoSpray III®, LESA Clarity®, etc.) ensures compatibility with diverse LC flow rates (10 nL/min to 2 mL/min) and sample introduction techniques.
• AcQuRate™ pulse-counting detector delivers stable, low-noise signal detection across wide dynamic ranges—critical for reproducible quantitation in multi-analyte panels.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The QTRAP 5500 is routinely deployed in GLP- and GMP-compliant environments for small-molecule quantitation (e.g., drugs, pesticides, mycotoxins) and targeted peptide/protein analysis. Its method validation support aligns with ICH M10, FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. The system meets 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when operated with validated Analyst® software configurations—including electronic signatures, audit trail logging, and user-access controls. All refurbished units undergo full functional verification per SCIEX OEM specifications, including mass calibration stability (≤0.1 Da drift over 24 h), MRM precision (<15% RSD for 10 injections), and detector linearity (R² ≥ 0.999 across 4 logs). Instruments are certified free of contamination from prior high-background samples (e.g., phospholipids, polymers) via rigorous solvent blank and tuning compound testing.

Software & Data Management

The QTRAP 5500 operates exclusively with SCIEX’s native software ecosystem. Analyst® 1.7.1 or later provides complete instrument control, method development, and quantitative processing—with built-in tools for peak integration, calibration curve fitting, and QC report generation. For advanced workflows: MultiQuant™ enables high-throughput targeted quantitation with automated peak review; MRMPilot™ accelerates MRM assay development for peptides without synthetic standards; LightSight™ supports metabolite identification via accurate mass filtering, retention time alignment, and spectral library matching; Cliquid™ streamlines pesticide residue screening with customizable decision trees and confirmatory ion ratio logic. All software installations include validated installation packages, configuration files, and documented change control records—supporting laboratory IT governance and regulatory inspection readiness.

Applications

• Metabolite Identification & Profiling: pMRM-triggered EPI scans enable untargeted discovery of phase I/II metabolites directly from biological fluids, with MS³ confirmation of ambiguous fragments.
• Biomarker Verification: MIDAS™ workflow leverages scheduled MRM with chromatographic retention time windows to quantify endogenous peptides in plasma or tissue digests—achieving LODs <50 fmol on-column without isotopically labeled standards.
• Pesticide & Veterinary Drug Residue Analysis: Simultaneous quantitation and confirmation using MRM + neutral loss scanning (e.g., chlorinated compounds) satisfies EU SANTE/11312/2021 and USDA AMS requirements.
• Clinical Toxicology: High-speed polarity switching allows detection of acidic, basic, and zwitterionic drugs (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants) in a single injection—reducing turnaround time in emergency labs.
• Environmental Monitoring: Robust APCI interface enables direct analysis of thermally labile pollutants (e.g., PFAS, brominated flame retardants) from extract concentrates without derivatization.

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
This QTRAP 5500 has been fully refurbished and functionally validated by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified SCIEX service engineers—not by third-party vendors. All critical components (ion optics, detector, RF amplifiers, vacuum pumps) were inspected, cleaned, and replaced where wear thresholds exceeded OEM specifications.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Performance Verification, detailed service history log, original SCIEX firmware revision records, and a 90-day warranty certificate covering hardware, electronics, and software licensing validity.
Can this system be integrated with UHPLC platforms from other vendors?
Yes—the QTRAP 5500 supports analog and digital communication protocols (e.g., RS-232, Ethernet, LabSat™) compatible with Thermo Vanquish, Waters Acquity UPLC, Agilent 1290, and Shimadzu Nexera systems. SCIEX provides documented integration guides and driver packages for seamless synchronization.
Are original consumables and spare parts available?
All genuine SCIEX replacement parts—including Turbo V source housings, curtain gas orifices, detector assemblies, and collision cell rods—are stocked and available under separate quotation. Extended service contracts with annual preventive maintenance visits can be arranged post-purchase.
Does the system include current software licenses?
Yes—this unit includes perpetual licenses for Analyst®, MultiQuant™, and MRMPilot™ (v3.2 or later), pre-activated and verified. LightSight™ and Cliquid™ licenses are optional add-ons subject to separate SCIEX authorization.