Waters Xevo TQD Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Waters Xevo TQD is a high-performance, tandem quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system engineered for robust, reproducible quantitative analysis in regulated and research environments. Operating on the principle of electrospray ionization (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), followed by mass-selective fragmentation in a collision cell and subsequent detection in a third quadrupole, the Xevo TQD delivers exceptional specificity and sensitivity for targeted quantitation. Its design emphasizes operational stability, minimal downtime, and compatibility with ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) workflows—enabling sub-3-second peak widths to be resolved without sacrificing data fidelity. The instrument’s architecture supports routine compliance with international regulatory frameworks including FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO/IEC 17025, and ICH guidelines for bioanalytical method validation.

Key Features

• Tandem quadrupole (QqQ) mass analyzer with optimized RF/DC voltage control for high transmission efficiency and low chemical noise
• Enhanced T-Wave™ collision cell technology enabling efficient precursor ion fragmentation across broad energy ranges while maintaining retention of chromatographic resolution
• Integrated RADAR™ acquisition mode: simultaneous monitoring of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions alongside full-scan MS spectra for real-time detection of matrix interferences, metabolites, impurities, and degradation products
• Automated system suitability assessment via InliStart™ and Quanpedia™: self-configuring MRM method generation, calibration curve setup, and performance verification prior to sample injection
• Real-time quality control with QCMonitor™: dynamic threshold-based alerting for retention time shifts, peak area deviations, or signal-to-noise degradation during acquisition
• Comprehensive data processing and reporting using TargetLynx™: automated integration, internal standard normalization, outlier flagging, and audit-trail-enabled result export compliant with GLP/GMP documentation requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Xevo TQD accommodates a wide range of sample matrices—including plasma, serum, urine, tissue homogenates, environmental extracts, and pharmaceutical formulations—without requiring extensive method re-optimization. Its dual ionization source architecture (ESI/APCI) allows rapid interchangeability between modes in under five minutes, supporting both polar and thermally labile analytes. All software modules are validated for use in regulated laboratories and support electronic signatures, user access controls, and full audit trail functionality per FDA 21 CFR Part 11. System qualification documentation—including IQ/OQ/PQ protocols—is available upon request and aligns with ASTM E2500 and USP standards for analytical instrument qualification.

Software & Data Management

MassLynx v4.2 or later serves as the unified platform for instrument control, data acquisition, processing, and reporting. The suite includes:

• InliStart™ for guided system initialization and performance verification
• Quanpedia™ for template-driven MRM method development and batch sequence setup
• QCMonitor™ for continuous, rule-based evaluation of chromatographic and spectral parameters
• TargetLynx™ with integrated calibration curve fitting (linear/log-linear, weighted/unweighted), IS correction, and customizable report templates
• TrendPlot™ for longitudinal performance tracking across weeks or months—ideal for laboratory proficiency monitoring and preventive maintenance scheduling

All raw data files (.raw) are stored in vendor-neutral formats compatible with third-party reprocessing tools and long-term archival systems.

Applications

The Xevo TQD is routinely deployed in:

• Clinical toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)
• Pharmaceutical bioanalysis (PK/PD studies, ADME profiling)
• Environmental contaminant screening (pesticides, PFAS, pharmaceutical residues)
• Food safety testing (mycotoxins, veterinary drug residues, adulterants)
• Quality control of biologics and small-molecule APIs
• Metabolomics and biomarker validation workflows requiring high-precision absolute quantitation

Its ability to resolve co-eluting isobaric species via selective reaction monitoring (SRM) makes it particularly suitable for complex biological matrices where selectivity outweighs full-scan identification capability.

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
This system has undergone comprehensive refurbishment by an authorized Waters service partner, including replacement of critical consumables (ion source components, detector dynodes, vacuum pump oil/filters), full electrical calibration, and multi-point mass accuracy verification.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
A complete set of refurbishment records, post-refurbishment performance qualification reports (including sensitivity, resolution, and mass accuracy test results), and original OEM manuals are provided.
Can the system be configured for GLP-compliant operation?
Yes—the MassLynx software suite supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed on a validated Windows OS environment with appropriate IT infrastructure controls.
Is remote support available after installation?
Waters-certified field service engineers provide remote diagnostics and troubleshooting; on-site support contracts can be arranged separately.
Does the system include a warranty?
A standard 12-month parts-and-labor warranty is included, covering all refurbished and replaced components, with optional extended coverage available.