LC-MS buyer's guid

[che313]

we are looking for LC-MS-MS
our goal is narcotics in body fluids

is there any buyer's guide?

[sassman]

For quantitative analysis, you want a triple quad. Waters and Sciex both have very good instruments. I suggest you contact both manufacturers for quotes and talk to some people that have used similar instruments. Also ask them if you can send some samples for analysis. That way you can compare the instruments with real world samples instead of the specs which can be misleading. We have a Sciex API-3000, and we love it. My only complaint is that the software is buggy, but it get's the job done.

[leadazide]

Depending on exactly what you what/need there is the possibilty of Thermos tripelQuad TSQ or maybe their Iontrap LTQ.. If you what to go all the way they also have really high end stuff like the Orbitrap..

For simple narcs in body fluid I might suggest a TSQ Quantum Ultra maybe with a Coheisive turboflow system attached.. Then you'd really be cooking with fire!!

I've seen a couple of these systems and there really nice to work with for a chrom-nerd!

[sassman]

No offense to leadazide, but I must say that my experience with thermo LC/MS systems has not been good. I believe their GC/MS systems are very reliable, but I have had serious electronic problems with every Thermo LC/MS I have ever used (3 different models of ion traps). Maybe the triple quad is more reliable, but I have not used it.

I have also been very dissatisfied with Thermo customer service. You should talk to other people in your area about what kind of customer service they get from the various instrument manufacturers. The salesmen will tell you anything to get you to buy there instrument, but daily users are your best gauge of what is going to happen after you have this thing in your lab.

I can say for sure that both Waters and Sciex triple quads have very good reputations. These are the systems in heavy use by the EPA and many commercial labs.

[Bryan Evans]

Below are LC-MS applications for THC and Opiates in blood:

http://www.imtakt.com/TecInfo/TI338E.pdf
http://www.imtakt.com/TecInfo/TI365E.pdf

[leadazide]

No offense to leadazide, but I must say that my experience with thermo LC/MS systems has not been good. I believe their GC/MS systems are very reliable, but I have had serious electronic problems with every Thermo LC/MS I have ever used (3 different models of ion traps). Maybe the triple quad is more reliable, but I have not used it.

No offence taken! I will admit that I am not an expert on the ion traps especially the older ones.. But from my experience the TSQ's are quite sturdy...

But I agree with you.. get a look at the local area in respect to service availability. This varies drastically from country to country! Contact what ever company you what to buy from and ask if they can refere to one or two costumers you could talk to. If they won't refere to anyone, don't buy!