Thermo Fisher TSQ Quantum Ultra Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Thermo Fisher TSQ Quantum Ultra is a high-performance, triple quadrupole liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer engineered for quantitative precision and method robustness in regulated and research-intensive laboratories. Utilizing electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources, the system operates on a proven parallel reaction monitoring (PRM)–capable architecture with optimized collision-induced dissociation (CID) in the central quadrupole (q2), enabling highly selective, reproducible quantitation of small molecules, peptides, metabolites, and pharmaceutical compounds at sub-pg/mL levels. Its design emphasizes stability across extended acquisition windows—critical for high-throughput bioanalysis, clinical toxicology, environmental residue testing, and food safety screening where regulatory traceability and data integrity are mandatory.

Key Features

• Triple Quadrupole Architecture: Q1 (mass selection), q2 (collision cell with nitrogen or argon gas), and Q3 (mass analysis) provide unit-mass resolution, high transmission efficiency, and low chemical noise—ideal for MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) workflows.
• Enhanced Ion Optics: Curved linear ion trap (CLIP)-inspired focusing elements and advanced RF-only quadrupole rods improve ion duty cycle and signal-to-noise ratio without compromising scan speed.
• Dual-Mode Ion Source: Integrated ESI/APCI probe supports rapid polarity switching and method flexibility across diverse analyte classes—from acidic pharmaceuticals to neutral lipids and basic alkaloids.
• High-Duty-Cycle Detector: Extended dynamic range (>5 orders) with analog/digital hybrid detection ensures linearity from low-femtomole to micromolar concentrations.
• Robust Vacuum System: Dual-stage turbomolecular pumping (70 L/s + 300 L/s) maintains stable operating pressure (<5 × 10⁻⁶ Torr) during prolonged gradient LC runs, minimizing downtime and calibration drift.
• Refurbishment Standard: Each unit undergoes full functional validation per Thermo Fisher service protocols—including mass axis calibration, sensitivity verification (e.g., 1 pg/µL reserpine in MRM), detector gain optimization, and vacuum integrity testing—documented in a Certificate of Performance Qualification (CoPQ).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TSQ Quantum Ultra accommodates standard reversed-phase, HILIC, and ion-pairing LC methods using 2.1 mm ID columns and flow rates from 0.2–1.0 mL/min. It interfaces seamlessly with Thermo’s Accela U-HPLC, Surveyor MS Pump, or third-party LC systems via analog/digital I/O and Ethernet-based instrument control. All refurbished systems are validated against ISO/IEC 17025:2017 principles and support audit-ready operation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and GLP/GMP frameworks when deployed with Xcalibur’s secure user authentication, electronic signatures, and full audit trail logging enabled.

Software & Data Management

Controlled by Thermo Scientific Xcalibur 2.0.x or later, the platform delivers integrated method development, real-time data acquisition, and post-run processing via QuanBrowser and QualBrowser modules. Quantitative workflows include internal standard normalization, matrix-matched calibration curves, and QC sample flagging per USP , ICH M10, and ASTM D7879 guidelines. Raw data files (.raw) are compatible with third-party software including Skyline, SimGlycan, and Compound Discoverer for untargeted screening extensions. All systems ship with licensed software media, activation keys, and documented installation verification reports.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical bioanalysis: PK/PD studies, metabolite identification, and impurity profiling per ICH Q2(R2) validation requirements.
• Clinical diagnostics: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), newborn screening, and steroid hormone quantitation in serum/plasma.
• Environmental analysis: Pesticide multiresidue screening in water/soil per EPA Method 1694 and EU SANTE/11312/2021.
• Food safety: Mycotoxin, veterinary drug, and allergen residue detection aligned with ISO 17025-accredited laboratory practices.
• Academic & government research: Targeted proteomics (SRM/PRM), lipidomics, and exposome biomarker discovery.

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
All TSQ Quantum Ultra systems are refurbished by Thermo Fisher–authorized service centers using OEM parts and calibrated per original factory specifications.
Does the system include source components and spare parts?
Yes—each shipment includes one ESI/APCI dual-source assembly, two sets of spray needles, capillary tubing, and a full complement of consumables sufficient for 3 months of routine operation.
What level of technical support is provided post-installation?
A 12-month comprehensive service agreement is included, covering remote diagnostics, on-site preventive maintenance, and priority response for hardware/software issues.
Can the system be upgraded to support newer software versions?
Yes—the hardware meets minimum requirements for Xcalibur 3.0 and later; upgrade paths are validated and supported through Thermo Fisher’s legacy software compatibility matrix.
Are IQ/OQ documentation packages available?
Yes—Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols compliant with ASTM E2500 and GAMP5 are supplied as editable PDFs and can be executed onsite with certified field application scientists.