Quattro Micro or API3000?

[Ann]

Dear All

I am an LC/MS/MS neophyte (9 yrs HPLC experience) and now find myself having to choose between two triple quad systems: a Waters Quattro Micro or an Applied Biosystems API3000 . I would welcome any opinions on what you consider to be the 'better' instrument. I have sent samples away for assay to each vendor's demo labs and it appears that both instruments could perfom the analysis we require (we will be performing clinical pharmacokinetic studies). My primary consideration is instrument sensitivity but I would welcome opinions on other aspects of use such as system 'user friendliness', reliability and experience of vendor support. I am UK based.

With thanks and best wishes, Ann

[Louis Maljers]

just a question did you think about a thermo instrument at all?

[Ann]

Yes, we have considered Thermo but they are unable to compete with the prices offered by Waters/ABS.

[Robbie Rotten]

Thermo launched a new low price triple quad at ASMS this year, did you know about that? I've not seen any data so I don't know anything about it but should be worth a try

[Eugene]

Both of the vendors have good reputations. If the sensitivity is your primary concern, you need to evaluate the detection limit with column method after you continuesly run the samples for 2 hrs or longer, which usually lower than the results from infusion or flow injection right after fine tune and/or clean up.

I concern about robustness more when I run the PK samples - I worry about the residues of peptide, fat and salt from plasma or urine samples. If I use a simple sample preparation method, the LCMS can still let me run 4000 injections without clean up Q0, I accept it -which means I don't have to break vacuum for cleanning within 2-3 months. I saw some users have some more concerns at: http://www.sclcms.com/ you may get more information.

EG

[Ann]

Thanks for the replies. This has gone to tender so the decision is between the ABI or Waters systems (Thermo were out of our budget).

Eugene, thanks for the tip about looking at longer term sensitivity. I don't think I will be able to arrange this with the vendors before 'decision time' but that is good to know for future evaluations.

[Eugene]

Both of the vendors have good reputations. If the sensitivity is your primary concern, you need to evaluate the detection limit with column method after you continuesly run the samples for 2 hrs or longer, which usually lower than the results from infusion or flow injection right after fine tune and/or clean up.

I concern about robustness more when I run the PK samples - I worry about the residues of peptide, fat and salt from plasma or urine samples. If I use a simple sample preparation method, the LCMS can still let me run 4000 injections without clean up Q0, I accept it -which means I don't have to break vacuum for cleanning within 2-3 months. I saw some users have some more concerns at: http://www.sclcms.com/ you may get more information.

EG