How do I clean/store my Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometry instruments after analysis?
For short periods (less than 24 hr) the system can just be put into standby. However, it is good practice to flush the system with 50:50 solvent/water (where the solvent is either methanol or acetonitrile) to remove buffers or additives and stop microbial growth.
For longer periods, flush the LC system with 50:50 solvent/water. Then flush with 100% solvent. Put the system into standby.
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How do I perform mass calibration on Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometry instruments and how often should I do it?
The mass calibration should ideally be performed every 3 months and definitely performed at least every 6 months. Refer to the Instrument Manual (https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/TSQ-Series-Hardware.pdf) for detailed instructions on how to perform mass calibration.
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How should I clean the Ion Transfer Tube on Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometry instruments?
The Ion Transfer Tube should be removed and sonicated in a 50:50 solution of methanol/water that contains 20% formic acid for 30 min. Rinse thoroughly with water. Then sonicate in methanol for 15 min. Dry with nitrogen gas.
The same procedure can be applied to the Ion Sweep Cone.
Refer to the Instrument Manual (https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/TSQ-Series-Hardware.pdf) for more detailed instructions.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Mass Spectrometry Support Center.
How should I adjust my ion source position on Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometry instruments?
Perform loop injections of your analyte using isocractic elution through a short column at the flow rate and approximate mobile phase composition. Use a concentration where the signal to noise is approximately 10:1. Record the raw data file and integrate the peaks, comparing peak areas at different source positions (i.e., left and right, up and down, fore and aft). Ensure that the background noise is not increasing more than the peak area.
Note: The needle position on the Thermo Fisher Scientific TSQ Altis MS, TSQ Quantis MS, and TSQ Fortis MS instruments is set and should not be adjusted.
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Do I need to warm/equilibrate Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometry instruments prior to starting a session of analysis?
It is advisable to turn both the LC system and the MS system on for at least 30 min prior to analysis. This time can usually be spent testing one or more solvents or matrix blanks.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Mass Spectrometry Support Center.
