Device built-in

Comprehensive Analysis of Waters Xevo TQ-MS Triple Quadrupole LC/MS/MS System

The Waters Xevo TQ-MS triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system is a cutting-edge mass spectrometry platform specifically designed for high-sensitivity quantitative analysis. It perfectly combines the exceptional separation capability of UPLC with the high selectivity and specificity of tandem mass spectrometry. Renowned for its outstanding sensitivity, stable reproducibility, and user-friendly operation, this system has become the analytical tool of choice in pharmaceutical R&D, clinical diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

System Architecture and Core Technologies

The Xevo TQ-MS adopts a modular design philosophy, primarily consisting of an ACQUITY UPLC system and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer detector. Its revolutionary StepWave™ ion optics technology significantly improves ion transmission efficiency through a dual-stage off-axis design while effectively reducing background noise, achieving up to 10-fold sensitivity enhancement. The system features a ZSpray™ dual orthogonal ion source, supporting multiple ionization modes including ESI and APCI, with expandability to specialized ion sources such as nanoESI and APGC to meet the analysis requirements of compounds with different polarities.

The innovative T-Wave™ collision cell technology uses RF fields to guide ions, maintaining high sensitivity while achieving ultra-fast positive/negative ion switching (<20ms). The detection system employs a high dynamic range photomultiplier tube combined with advanced digital signal processing technology, enabling accurate detection of compounds ranging from pg/mL to μg/mL concentrations. The vacuum system utilizes a combination of high-efficiency turbomolecular and mechanical pumps, ensuring long-term operational stability.

Intelligent Workflow

The Xevo TQ-MS is equipped with Waters' MassLynx™ 4.2 software platform, providing a complete solution from method development to data analysis. Its unique IntelliStart feature automatically optimizes mass spectrometry parameters, significantly reducing method development time. The QuanOptimize technology automatically calculates optimal MRM channels, greatly improving method development efficiency. The system also features real-time data monitoring through QCMonitor for continuous data quality assessment, ensuring result reliability.

For data processing, TargetLynx provides automated quantitative analysis and report generation, supporting multiple internal standard calibration methods. The MetaboLynx™ module is specifically designed for metabolite identification, enabling rapid detection of metabolites in biological samples. These intelligent tools make the Xevo TQ-MS particularly suitable for high-throughput analysis in GLP/GMP-compliant laboratories.

Performance Advantages and Application Fields

The Xevo TQ-MS excels in key performance metrics: detection sensitivity reaches fg levels, dynamic range exceeds 5 orders of magnitude, and mass accuracy is better than 0.1Da. The system supports flow rates up to 10mL/min, perfectly matching UPLC for analyzing ultra-narrow chromatographic peaks of 2-3 seconds. Its exceptional stability ensures highly consistent data across different analyses and instruments.

In pharmaceutical R&D, the system is used for pharmacokinetic studies, bioequivalence evaluation, and impurity analysis. For clinical diagnostics, it can detect hormones, vitamins, and drug concentrations. In food safety, it accurately determines pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues, and illegal additives. For environmental monitoring, it analyzes persistent organic pollutants in water and soil. Notably, the system demonstrates unique advantages in clinical applications such as newborn screening and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Service Support and System Value

Waters provides comprehensive technical support for the Xevo TQ-MS, including application method development, operator training, and regular maintenance. The system's compact design (36×60×94cm) saves laboratory space. Its engineered design significantly reduces the operational complexity of mass spectrometry, allowing researchers to focus on data analysis rather than instrument tuning.

The Xevo TQ-MS represents the pinnacle of Waters' technology in the field of high-sensitivity quantitative LC-MS/MS. Through revolutionary ion optics design, intelligent software platforms, and stable system performance, it provides laboratories with a trustworthy analytical solution. With continuous technological innovation, the system is constantly expanding its application boundaries, helping scientists address increasingly complex analytical challenges.