Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum Access MAX

Importance of the Topic

Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry is a cornerstone in modern analytical chemistry for sensitive and selective quantitation of small molecules. Its applications span environmental monitoring, food safety, pharmaceutical research, clinical studies, and forensic analysis. The ability to perform multi-residue screening and structural confirmation in a single run improves laboratory throughput and data confidence.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document introduces the Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum Access MAX, the newest addition to the TSQ product family. The goals are to showcase its innovative features, demonstrate performance benchmarks, and highlight real-world applications across diverse analytical workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The TSQ Quantum Access MAX incorporates several key technologies to enhance sensitivity, specificity, and speed:

• QED-MS/MS for simultaneous quantitation and structural confirmation
• Highly Selective Reaction Monitoring (H-SRM) and reversed energy ramp (RER) for cleaner MS/MS data and universal library searching
• HESI-II heated electrospray ionization source for robust ionization over a wide flow range (low to >1 mL/min)
• Zero cross-talk collision cell enabling 2 ms dwell time scans without false positives
• Fast positive/negative polarity switching at ≤25 ms for dual-mode multi-residue assays
• Capability to perform up to 3000 timed SRMs in a single chromatographic run for maximum sample coverage

Used Instrumentation:

• Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum Access MAX triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
• HESI-II heated electrospray ionization source
• Thermo Scientific Accela high-speed LC and Hypersil GOLD C18 columns
• Xcalibur, TraceFinder, LCQuan, MetWorks and complementary application-specific software

Main Results and Discussion

Performance highlights include:

• Superior response in negative ion mode for matrix-intensive assays of antibiotics and steroids
• Mass range up to m/z 3000 supporting small molecules to intact proteins
• Signal-to-noise exceeding 200:1 for 50 fg/µL alprazolam in plasma with RSD ≤3%
• Zero cross-talk at 2 ms dwell time confirmed using multiple herbicide transitions
• 25 ms polarity switching enabling eight acid herbicides and triazines in a single fast run
• Online sample enrichment (EQuan system) reducing environmental pesticide analysis from days to minutes with mL-level injections

Benefits and Practical Applications

The TSQ Quantum Access MAX delivers:

• High specificity and sensitivity for regulated and research labs
• Simultaneous quantitation and confirmation streamlining multi-residue screening
• Flexible chromatography coupling from conventional HPLC to U-HPLC
• Cost-effective performance for routine and advanced applications in food safety, environmental analysis, pharmaceuticals, clinical research, and forensics
• User-friendly software workflows minimizing training and speeding method acceptance

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions include:

• Integration of expanded spectral libraries and AI-driven data analysis for non-target screening
• Further miniaturization and higher flow-rate ionization designs for sub-minute separations
• Advances in automated online sample preparation for large-scale environmental and clinical monitoring
• Deeper structural elucidation through hybrid and multi-stage MS techniques

Conclusion

The TSQ Quantum Access MAX redefines value in triple quadrupole mass spectrometry by combining unmatched sensitivity, robust operation, rapid polarity switching, zero cross-talk, and powerful software. Its versatility and performance make it an ideal platform for a broad range of modern analytical challenges.