API 2000

Mass spectrometers are analytical instruments that separate ions by mass-to-charge behavior and detect them to identify or quantify chemical species. LC/MS/MS systems are commonly used when a liquid chromatograph is coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer so that compounds can be separated before ion analysis. Triple quadrupole instruments are commonly used for targeted measurement because tandem mass filtering supports selective monitoring of chosen analytes in complex mixtures.

A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer usually contains a first mass filter, a collision region, and a second mass filter arranged in sequence. A liquid chromatography front end typically delivers separated analytes into an atmospheric pressure ion source, where molecules are converted into gas phase ions before transfer into the vacuum system. Tandem mass spectrometry then isolates precursor ions, fragments them by collisions, and measures selected product ions for confirmation and quantitation.

LC/MS/MS systems are used in analytical laboratory workflows rather than in wafer fabrication process modules. Such instruments usually sit downstream of sample collection and sample preparation steps. Such instruments usually sit upstream of data review, compound identification, and concentration reporting steps.

SCIEX mass spectrometry instrumentation is used in biomedical and environmental applications. SCIEX also offers liquid chromatography systems that couple to mass spectrometers.^[1]