LC-MS/MS
LC MS
Powerful Analytical Versatility
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) enables the precise identification and quantification of compounds in complex mixtures at trace levels. This technique offers rapid, reliable analysis for diverse sample matrices, combining the separation capabilities of liquid chromatography with the sensitivity and specificity of tandem mass spectrometry.
LC-MS/MS excels in detecting and quantifying small molecules, peptides, and metabolites, with exceptional sensitivity and selectivity. Our instrumentation utilizes advanced collision-induced dissociation and high-resolution mass analyzers, ensuring accurate differentiation of closely related compounds and eliminating interference. For targeted analysis, multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes deliver precise quantification with unparalleled reproducibility.
Coupled with advanced separation techniques, LC-MS/MS is ideal for a wide range of applications, from environmental contaminants to pharmaceutical compounds, providing detailed structural and quantitative insights with time-resolved data acquisition.

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Our expert team, with extensive experience in LC-MS/MS, is committed to guiding you through every stage of your analysis.
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We provide precise, dependable results by leveraging cutting-edge LC-MS/MS technology and implementing rigorous quality control protocols at every step.
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We provide flexible solutions tailored to meet the unique requirements of your project and samples.
At Artemis Labs, we employ advanced LC-MS/MS techniques tailored to the complexities of your sample matrices and the required selectivity for accurate compound identification and quantification. All our analytical methods undergo rigorous validation to ensure accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), selectivity, recovery, and robustness.
We take pride in delivering results with confidence, consistently reporting values at levels at least twice the LOQ for routine assays, ensuring exceptional reliability and trustworthiness in every analysis.
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): A Powerful Analytical Tool
LC-MS/MS is a highly sensitive and versatile analytical technique that combines liquid chromatography for separation and tandem mass spectrometry for detection and quantification. It is especially effective for analyzing complex mixtures and trace-level compounds across a range of applications, including pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
The process begins with sample preparation, where the sample—whether a liquid extract, biological fluid, or another matrix—is introduced into the liquid chromatography system. In the LC step, the sample is carried by a liquid solvent through a column packed with a stationary phase. As the sample components interact with the stationary phase, they are separated based on their physical and chemical properties, such as polarity or size. The separated compounds are then directed into the mass spectrometer.
In the MS step, compounds are ionized using methods such as electrospray ionization (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), converting them into charged particles. These ions are then guided into the first mass analyzer, which isolates precursor ions of specific mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios. The selected ions are fragmented in a collision cell using collision-induced dissociation (CID), generating smaller fragment ions. These fragments are analyzed in the second mass analyzer, creating a fragmentation pattern that provides structural information about the molecule.
One of the key advantages of LC-MS/MS is its ability to achieve exceptional sensitivity and specificity, allowing it to detect and quantify compounds at trace levels, often in the parts-per-trillion (ppt) range. This makes it indispensable for applications requiring stringent detection limits, such as drug development, toxicology, and environmental contaminant analysis. Additionally, LC-MS/MS enables multi-analyte detection in a single run, saving time and resources.
Advanced features, such as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and high-resolution mass spectrometry, further enhance the technique’s accuracy and selectivity, even in challenging sample matrices. LC-MS/MS also offers the flexibility to be paired with other analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography or advanced sample preparation workflows, to address specific analytical challenges.
Whether used for quantitative analysis or structural elucidation, LC-MS/MS stands as a cornerstone in modern analytical science, delivering unparalleled performance and reliability for the most demanding applications.
Additional LC-MS/MS Information
Why is LC-MS/MS a reliable techniques for complex samples?
LC-MS/MS is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and versatile techniques for analyzing complex samples because it combines the separation power of liquid chromatography with the sensitivity and specificity of tandem mass spectrometry. This combination allows for the precise detection and quantification of compounds in even the most challenging sample matrices, such as biological fluids, food products, or environmental contaminants.
One key reason for its reliability is its ability to perform chromatographic separation, which isolates individual analytes before they are introduced into the mass spectrometer. This reduces interference from other sample components, a critical factor when working with complex mixtures. Once in the mass spectrometer, advanced tools like quadrupole analyzers and collision-induced dissociation provide detailed structural information about each compound.
The method also benefits from extensive method development capabilities, allowing users to optimize workflows for specific applications. Whether it’s the detection of trace-level pollutants in environmental analysis or the profiling of metabolites in biological samples, LC-MS/MS consistently delivers accurate, reproducible results. Its robust instrumentation, coupled with its ability to detect a wide range of analytes, makes it a cornerstone of modern analytical chemistry.
How does LC-MS/MS achieve sensitivity for trace-level detection?
The high sensitivity of LC-MS/MS is one of its defining features, making it ideal for detecting compounds at trace levels, even in complex samples. This sensitivity is achieved through a combination of advanced liquid chromatography and cutting-edge mass spectrometry technologies, which work together to ensure that only the analyte of interest is detected and quantified.
The process begins with meticulous sample preparation, which ensures that the sample is free from contaminants and ready for analysis. During the chromatographic separation step, compounds are isolated using an LC column, allowing for the precise differentiation of analytes based on their physical and chemical properties. This separation ensures that the mass spectrometer receives a clean, concentrated stream of the target analytes.
In the mass spectrometer, the use of advanced ionization techniques like electrospray ionization (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) ensures a strong signal by converting neutral molecules into charged ions. These ions are then analysed by highly sensitive tools such as the quadrupole mass analyser, which isolates and fragments specific m/z values. This process enhances detection limits, allowing LC-MS/MS to identify and quantify analytes down to parts-per-trillion levels.
The combination of robust mass detectors, advanced ionization techniques, and optimized LC-MS technology makes this technique unparalleled in its ability to detect low concentrations of analytes with accuracy and precision.
What sets LC-MS/MS apart from other analytical methods?
LC-MS/MS stands out from other analytical techniques due to its unique combination of liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, which enables it to deliver precise quantitative analysis even in challenging scenarios. Unlike simpler methods like UV detection or basic chromatography, LC-MS/MS offers the ability to perform both separation and detection with unmatched accuracy and selectivity.
One key feature that sets LC-MS/MS apart is its ability to handle complex mixtures with minimal interference. During the chromatographic separation phase, analytes are isolated based on their unique chemical properties. This step ensures that the mass spectrometer only receives a stream of purified compounds, reducing the risk of cross-contamination or signal suppression.
Additionally, LC-MS/MS uses advanced tandem MS capabilities, such as collision-induced dissociation, to break down precursor ions into smaller fragments. This provides detailed structural information, allowing for precise compound identification. Tools like the quadrupole mass analyser further enhance accuracy by focusing solely on specific m/z values.
Another advantage of LC-MS/MS is its adaptability. The technique supports extensive method development, allowing users to tailor workflows to specific applications, such as environmental analysis, pharmaceutical research, or testing biological samples. Its ability to deliver reliable quantification across a wide range of analytes ensures its place as a trusted tool in analytical chemistry.
Which industries benefit the most from LC-MS/MS analysis?
LC-MS/MS is a versatile and widely used analytical technique, benefiting a broad range of industries due to its ability to provide precise quantification and detection of analytes in complex samples.
In the pharmaceutical industry, LC-MS/MS is critical for drug development and quality control. It helps identify active ingredients, study metabolites, and monitor therapeutic drug levels in biological matrices. Its high sensitivity ensures that even trace impurities or degradation products can be detected, making it essential for maintaining safety and efficacy.
The environmental analysis sector also relies heavily on LC-MS/MS to detect pollutants, pesticides, and contaminants in water, soil, and air. Its ability to analyze complex mixtures with minimal interference makes it indispensable for regulatory compliance and environmental safety.
In food safety, LC-MS/MS is used to test for harmful residues like antibiotics, mycotoxins, and pesticides in food products. Its robust method development capabilities ensure accurate results, even in difficult sample matrices.
Finally, LC-MS/MS is extensively used in academic research and clinical diagnostics. It plays a vital role in studying metabolites, proteins, and other biomarkers in biological samples, supporting advancements in health care and personalized medicine.
From pharmaceuticals to environmental testing, LC-MS/MS remains a cornerstone of analytical chemistry, offering unparalleled accuracy, versatility, and reliability.
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