Waters ACQUITY TQD LC/MS/MS System with UPLC
| Brand | Waters |
|---|---|
| Origin | Canada |
| Model | ACQUITY TQD Detector LC/MS/MS |
| Instrument Type | Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer |
| Configuration | Integrated with ACQUITY UPLC System |
| Age | 5–7 years |
| Warranty | 6 months |
| Condition | Refurbished & Fully Tested |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP/GMP environments, compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–enabled software platforms |
Overview
The Waters ACQUITY TQD LC/MS/MS System represents a mature, field-proven triple quadrupole mass spectrometry platform engineered for robust quantitative analysis in regulated and high-throughput laboratory environments. Built upon the foundational architecture of Waters’ ACQUITY UltraPerformance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) platform, this integrated system leverages electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) via the ZSpray™ source to deliver consistent, high-sensitivity detection across diverse analyte classes. The TQD operates on the principle of tandem mass spectrometry—employing Q1 for precursor ion selection, Q2 as a collision cell for controlled fragmentation, and Q3 for product ion detection—enabling highly selective multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition. Its design prioritizes analytical reproducibility, low detection limits, and compatibility with complex biological and environmental matrices. As a refurbished unit certified by SpectraLab Scientific, each system undergoes comprehensive functional validation—including vacuum integrity testing, mass calibration verification, sensitivity benchmarking using standard compounds (e.g., reserpine), and chromatographic performance assessment with ACQUITY UPLC modules—to ensure operational readiness aligned with ISO/IEC 17025–informed refurbishment protocols.
Key Features
- Triple quadrupole mass analyzer with unit-mass resolution and <1 Da full width at half maximum (FWHM) peak width
- ZSpray™ atmospheric pressure ionization source supporting ESI and APCI modes with automated polarity switching
- Integrated ACQUITY UPLC module delivering sub-2 µm particle column operation at pressures up to 15,000 psi
- High-speed MRM acquisition capable of >500 transitions per second with dwell times configurable down to 5 ms
- Automated system suitability checks including mass axis calibration, detector gain optimization, and source cleanliness diagnostics
- Compact benchtop footprint (≤ 80 cm W × 60 cm D × 65 cm H) enabling deployment in space-constrained QC laboratories
- Refurbishment includes replacement of critical consumables: ion transfer optics, detector dynodes, pump oils, and UPLC fluidic seals
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ACQUITY TQD LC/MS/MS demonstrates broad compatibility with small-molecule analytes ranging from 100–1500 Da, including pharmaceuticals, metabolites, pesticides, mycotoxins, and endogenous biomarkers. It supports both reversed-phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) separations and is routinely deployed in workflows compliant with ASTM D7622 (pesticide residue analysis), USP (validation of compendial procedures), and EU Directive 2002/657/EC (performance criteria for residue analysis). All refurbished units are verified for conformance with instrument qualification standards—including Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) documentation packages—supporting audit readiness under GLP and GMP frameworks.
Software & Data Management
The system operates under Waters MassLynx™ 4.2 or later software, configured with TargetLynx™ for quantitative MRM data processing and QuanLynx™ for calibration curve generation, peak integration, and report export. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed on validated Windows Server environments. Raw data files (.raw) are stored in vendor-native format with embedded metadata (acquisition time, instrument parameters, user ID), ensuring traceability throughout the data lifecycle. Integration with LIMS platforms is supported via Open Access™ API and CSV-based result export protocols.
Applications
- Bioanalytical quantitation of drugs and metabolites in plasma, urine, and tissue homogenates
- ADME screening during preclinical development, including microsomal stability and CYP inhibition assays
- Residue analysis in food commodities (e.g., veterinary drug residues in meat, pesticide traces in fruits)
- Environmental contaminant monitoring (e.g., PFAS, PCBs, PAHs in water and soil extracts)
- Clinical toxicology screening for opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants
- Forensic confirmation of controlled substances in seized materials
FAQ
Is this system supplied with original Waters documentation and software licenses?
Yes—each refurbished ACQUITY TQD includes original installation manuals, service guides, and a valid MassLynx software license tied to the instrument’s serial number.
What validation documentation accompanies the system?
A complete IQ/OQ/PQ package is provided, including calibration certificates, sensitivity test reports (using reserpine and caffeine), and chromatographic performance verification data (peak asymmetry, retention time RSD, system pressure stability).
Can the system be upgraded to support newer software versions or additional detectors?
Hardware compatibility with MassLynx 4.3 and Empower 3 is confirmed; however, upgrades requiring new controller boards or firmware revisions must be coordinated through Waters-authorized service partners.
What consumables and spare parts are included in the refurbishment?
Standard inclusion covers one set of ESI and APCI probes, two sets of cone assemblies, detector dynode kit, vacuum pump oil, and UPLC column frits and seal kits.
Is remote technical support available post-installation?
SpectraLab Scientific provides 6 months of remote application support and troubleshooting assistance, including method transfer guidance and basic instrument optimization sessions.
