Thermo Fisher TSQ Quantis Plus Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

Overview

The Thermo Fisher TSQ Quantis Plus Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer is a high-performance, benchtop LC-MS/MS system engineered for robust, high-throughput targeted quantitation and screening in regulated and research laboratories. Built upon proven triple quadrupole architecture, it operates on the principle of selected reaction monitoring (SRM) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), where Q1 isolates a precursor ion, Q2 induces collision-induced dissociation (CID), and Q3 selectively transmits a characteristic product ion—enabling exceptional specificity and sensitivity in complex matrices. Designed and manufactured in Shanghai under Thermo Fisher’s global quality system, the TSQ Quantis Plus delivers enhanced acquisition speed, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and extended operational uptime without compromising analytical reproducibility. Its architecture supports seamless integration with upstream (U)HPLC, HPIC, and automated sample preparation platforms, making it suitable for laboratories scaling from method development to routine QC/QA operations across pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety, clinical, and forensic domains.

Key Features

• High-speed SRM acquisition optimized for large-scale MRM methods—capable of monitoring >1,000 transitions per second with minimal dwell time degradation
• Enhanced ion transmission efficiency via the OptaMax NG ion source, delivering improved sensitivity across diverse compound classes including small molecules, peptides, and polar metabolites
• Modular ion source compatibility—including FAIMS Pro Duo differential mobility interface for real-time chemical noise reduction, VeriSpray PaperSpray for rapid ambient analysis, and EASY-Spray/Nanospray Flex for nanoLC and microflow applications
• Six-decade linear dynamic range enabling accurate quantitation from sub-pg/mL to µg/mL concentrations without manual range switching or dilution
• Oil-based vacuum system configured for long-term stability in continuous operation environments, reducing maintenance frequency and supporting GLP-compliant workflows
• Backward-compatible method transfer from legacy TSQ Quantis instruments—preserving existing method libraries, calibration curves, and instrument parameters without revalidation overhead

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TSQ Quantis Plus accommodates a broad spectrum of analytes—from acidic, basic, and thermally labile small molecules to post-translationally modified peptides and endogenous biomarkers. It meets essential regulatory expectations for targeted quantitative workflows, including alignment with ICH M10 guidance on bioanalytical method validation. The system supports audit-trail-enabled data acquisition and processing when paired with Thermo Scientific Chromeleon CDS or Compound Discoverer software, fulfilling requirements for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (with appropriate configuration and administrative controls). Routine performance verification follows ASTM D7594-21 (standard practice for LC-MS/MS system suitability) and ISO/IEC 17025–compliant instrument qualification protocols. All hardware components—including vacuum pumps, detector assemblies, and RF electronics—are subject to Thermo Fisher’s global manufacturing traceability and component-level calibration certification.

Software & Data Management

Instrument control, method development, and data review are managed through Thermo Scientific Tune and Xcalibur software platforms, both validated for GxP environments. Predefined method templates accelerate assay setup for common applications such as pesticide residue screening (EN 15662), pharmaceutical impurity profiling (ICH Q2(R2)), and clinical steroid panel quantification. Integrated compound library search (via mzCloud and mzVault) enables rapid spectral matching and structural annotation. Raw data files (.raw) are natively compatible with third-party quantitation tools including Skyline, MultiQuant, and Watson LIMS interfaces. All software modules support role-based user access control, electronic signatures, and full audit trail logging—including parameter changes, sequence modifications, and report generation events—to facilitate internal audits and regulatory inspections.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: PK/PD studies, metabolite identification support, extractable/leachable analysis, and stability-indicating assays
• Environmental: Detection of PFAS, pharmaceuticals in wastewater, pesticide multiresidue analysis, and dioxin congener profiling
• Food Safety: Mycotoxin quantitation (e.g., aflatoxins, ochratoxin A), veterinary drug residue screening (EU 2021/808), and allergen marker verification
• Clinical Research: Hormone panels (cortisol, testosterone), vitamin D metabolites, therapeutic drug monitoring (e.g., tacrolimus, sirolimus), and newborn screening acylcarnitine profiles
• Forensic Toxicology: Comprehensive drug-of-abuse panels (opioids, stimulants, synthetic cannabinoids), postmortem toxicology, and doping control analysis per WADA technical documents

FAQ

Is the TSQ Quantis Plus compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—when deployed with validated software configurations (e.g., Xcalibur 4.3+ with audit trail enabled), appropriate system administration controls, and documented procedural SOPs, the platform supports Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures.
Can it be used with HILIC or ion chromatography methods?
Yes—the system is fully compatible with HPIC and HILIC separations; its electrospray ionization (ESI) and heated electrospray ionization (HESI) modes accommodate high-aqueous and high-organic mobile phases typical of these techniques.
What level of service and support is available in APAC regions?
Thermo Fisher provides localized application support, preventive maintenance contracts, and certified field service engineers across Greater China and Southeast Asia, aligned with ISO 9001-certified service delivery standards.
Does it support scheduled maintenance alerts and remote diagnostics?
Yes—integrated instrument health monitoring provides real-time status reporting, predictive alerts for consumables (e.g., ion transfer tube, skimmer cone), and secure remote diagnostic capability via Thermo Connect.