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AB Sciex API 5000 LC-MS/MS System Comprehensive Overview

The AB Sciex API 5000 LC-MS/MS system is a high-performance triple quadrupole mass spectrometer developed by AB Sciex (now Sciex, a Danaher company), widely used in pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Renowned for its exceptional sensitivity, stability, and high-throughput capabilities, this instrument has become the gold standard for quantitative analysis of complex samples. Below is a detailed introduction covering core technologies, performance features, applications, and advantages.

I. Core Technologies and Performance Specifications

The API 5000 incorporates the Turbo V™ ion source and QJet® ion guide technology, significantly enhancing ion transmission efficiency while reducing background noise, ensuring high sensitivity and low detection limits (LOD). Key specifications include:

1. Extended Mass Range: m/z range of 5–3,000, suitable for analyzing diverse compounds, including small-molecule drugs, peptides, and proteins.

2. Ultra-High Sensitivity: Achieves a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of up to 1,000,000:1 in MRM mode, with detection limits as low as fg levels (e.g., <1 pg/mL for vitamin D3).

3. Rapid Scanning Speed: Scanning rates of up to 10,000 Da/s, compatible with UHPLC for high-throughput analysis (processing thousands of samples per day).

II. Innovative Features and Stability Design

The API 5000 employs multiple patented technologies to ensure data reliability and user convenience:

1. iFunnel™ Ion Focusing Technology: Enhances ion transmission efficiency by 10-fold through multi-stage ion focusing channels, significantly improving detection rates for low-abundance compounds.

2. Dynamic Collision-Induced Dissociation (Dynamic CID): Automatically optimizes collision energy for different precursor ions, increasing fragment ion yield and quantitative accuracy.

3. Intelligent Diagnostics System: Features real-time monitoring of voltage, vacuum, and temperature parameters, providing early fault warnings to minimize downtime.

III. Applications and Industry Solutions

The API 5000 delivers high precision and flexibility across multiple fields:

• Pharmaceutical R&D:

  • Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies: Quantitative analysis of drugs and metabolites in biological matrices (e.g., plasma, urine).

  • Bioequivalence (BE) testing: Complies with FDA/EMA guidelines, with data directly suitable for regulatory submissions.

• Clinical Diagnostics:

  • Newborn screening: Simultaneous detection of 50+ biomarkers for inherited metabolic disorders (e.g., amino acids, organic acids).

  • Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM): Accurate measurement of drug concentrations (e.g., tacrolimus, antiepileptics) in blood.

• Food Safety & Environmental Monitoring:

  • Pesticide residue analysis: Complies with standards like GB 23200.113, capable of analyzing 500+ pesticides in a single run.

  • Environmental pollutants: Trace-level detection of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water.

IV. Compliance and Scalability

The API 5000 is ISO 9001 certified and supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (including electronic signatures and audit trails), meeting GLP/GMP requirements. Its modular design allows for future upgrades, such as:

• Switching between ESI, APCI, or APPI ion sources to accommodate compounds of varying polarity.

• Integration with automated sample preparation systems (e.g., CTC PAL) for fully unattended operation.

V. Service and Support

Sciex provides global warranty coverage, including:

• 1-year standard warranty (extendable to 3 years), covering core components like ion sources and detectors.

• Remote diagnostics and on-site engineer support for rapid issue resolution.

• Regular application training (e.g., Mass Spectrometry University online courses).

Conclusion

The AB Sciex API 5000 LC-MS/MS system stands out for its "high sensitivity, reliability, and throughput," making it a benchmark instrument in drug development, clinical research, and environmental analysis. With its advanced ion transmission technology, intelligent method development tools (e.g., Analyst® software), and comprehensive compliance support, the API 5000 empowers laboratories to tackle complex challenges—from basic research to industrial-scale testing—driving advancements in precision analytical science.