LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry) Testing Services

Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a laboratory testing technique used to analyze and identify small molecules in a sample. It is a powerful analytical tool that can detect and quantify trace levels of compounds in complex sample matrices. The technique combines two analytical systems, liquid chromatography (LC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), to obtain detailed information about the sample.

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LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry) Testing Services

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Specifications
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a state-of-the-art technology used to identify and detect trace amounts of substances within a messy sample. LC-MS/MS is a technology that combines the advantages of liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. In liquid chromatography, separation is achieved, and tandem mass spectrometry is used to increase its sensitivity and selectivity.

To be more specific, a sample is first subjected to liquid chromatography. The separated compounds are then subjected to a mass spectrometer that ionises and fragments them. These compounds are then detected on the basis of their mass-to-charge ratios (m/z). The tandem feature allows for the selection of specific ions and examines how these ions fragment.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a powerful technique for detecting and quantifying the presence of compounds in complex mixtures. It uses the power of liquid chromatography for separation and the ultimate sensitivity and selectivity of mass spectrometry to detect compounds present at ultralow levels.

It is a technique for identifying what is present (qualitative) and how much of a particular compound is present (quantitative) in a sample.

Applications

Residue analysis
Contaminant testing
Nutritional and vitamin analysis
Lipidomics and small-molecule profiling
Chemical impurity profiling in industrial chemicals
Water treatment and disinfection by-product analysis
Natural product and herbal compound analysis
Stability and degradation product studies

Benefits

High sensitivity for trace-level detection
Excellent selectivity and specificity
Ability to analyse complex sample matrices
Simultaneous detection of multiple analytes
High accuracy and reproducibility
Wide dynamic range of quantification
Rapid and reliable chemical identification

Test Process

Sample Preparation

The sample is extracted, filtered, or diluted to remove interfering substances.

Chromatographic Separation

Liquid chromatography separates the compounds in the sample mixture.

Ionization & Mass Analysis

Compounds are ionized and analysed based on their mass-to-charge ratio.

Detection & Data Analysis

Fragment ions are detected and analyzed to identify and quantify the compounds.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Applicable Materials	Environmental samples, Agricultural products, Plant extracts, Industrial chemicals,
Ionization Techniques	Electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)
Analysis Type	Qualitative and quantitative analysis
Measured Parameters	Mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of precursor and product ions
Detection Capability	Trace-level detection (ng/L to pg/L range)
Output Units	Concentration (mg/kg, µg/L, ng/mL)

Instrumentation Used for Testing

Liquid chromatography (LC) system
Tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS)
Ion source (ESI or APCI)
Autosampler
High-pressure pumps
Analytical column
Vacuum system
Data acquisition and analysis software

Results and Deliverables

Identification of target compounds
Quantitative concentration of analytes
Mass spectra and chromatograms
Multi-compound residue analysis reports
Trace contaminant detection
Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

LC-MS/MS is a potent technique used for disassembling, recognizing, and measuring trace amounts of compounds in a mixture. You'll find it used a lot in areas such as drug analysis, clinical analysis, environmental surveillance, food safety analysis, and research in biology.

It's a technique in which liquid chromatography is used for separating compounds and tandem mass spectrometry is used for recognizing and studying ions. In a mass spectrometer, one part of the machine captures precursor ions, which are disassembled, and another part captures product ions. It's a technique used for precise identification and measurement.

It can be used with a wide variety of samples including: - Foods and beverages - Environmental samples - Agricultural products

Concentrations are calculated using calibration standards, internal standards, and software-based data analysis. Identification is confirmed by comparing precursor and fragment ion patterns with reference databases.

The technique provides: Chromatograms showing separated compounds Mass spectra showing mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios of precursor and product ions Quantitative concentration of target analytes

Why Choose Infinita Lab
for Electron Energy Loss
Spectroscopy (EELS)?

At the core of this breadth is our network of 2,000+ accredited labs in the USA, offering access to over 10,000 test types. From advanced metrology (SEM, TEM, RBS, XPS) to mechanical, dielectric, environmental, and standardized ASTM/ISO testing, we give clients unmatched flexibility, specialization, and scale. You are not limited by geography, facility, or methodology – Infinita connects you to the right testing, every time.