Shimadzu’s New GCMS-TQ8040 with Smart MRM Transforms Analysis by Triple Quadrupole GC-MS/MS

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments has launched the GCMS-TQ8040 with Smart MRM. Featuring Smart Productivity for high-efficiency sample throughput, Smart Operation for quick and easy method development, and Smart Performance for low detection limits and Scan/MRM, the GCMS-TQ8040 provides the most accurate, cost-effective and user-friendly triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS in the marketplace.

Smart Productivity: The GCMS-TQ8040 enables analysis of 400+ compounds in a single MRM run. Traditional approaches to analysis of large numbers of compounds required that they be separated into two or three methods. With over 32,000 MRM transitions in a single run, the GCMS-TQ8040 with Smart MRM can combine over 400 compounds into a single MRM method without sacrificing sensitivity or selectivity, doubling or even tripling laboratory productivity. This results in added throughput before routine maintenance is required and faster return on investment.

Smart MRM with flexible MS events prevents compounds from being lost or missed when retention times shift in the presence of a complex matrix. In addition, the Automatic Adjustment of Retention Times (AART) function with > 99.9% accuracy updates retention times in both the acquisition and data processing methods after column maintenance, without changing chromatographic conditions or requiring multiple injections of standards. There is no need to adjust flow rates or update RTs manually.

The GCMS-TQ8040 is capable of accepting installation of two narrow-bore capillary columns into the MS simultaneously. The optional Twin Line MS System allows users to switch between applications or run a second-column confirmation without venting the mass spectrometer

Smart Operation: The Shimadzu GCMS-TQ8040 MRM Optimization Tool automatically determines optimum transitions and collision energies for all compounds in a single sequence, and seamlessly incorporates them into the Smart Database Series for fully automated MRM method development. Using flexible MS events, the Smart MRM function routinely determines the best dwell and loop times for >400 compounds in a single method, providing optimum precision and sensitivity.

The Shimadzu Smart Database Series includes collections of related compounds (e.g. pesticides, environmental, forensic, etc.) with optimized transitions and collision energies, CAS registry numbers, and retention indices for two analytical columns. Users can select from hundreds of pre-registered compounds in the database or add their own optimized transitions, and create MRM or Scan/MRM methods with the push of a button.

The GCMS-TQ8040 can acquire data in the classic MRM mode, or in synchronous Scan/MRM mode for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative results. The Scan/MRM mode simultaneously acquires accurate library-searchable mass spectra and low-level MRM quantitation in a single analysis – a critical function when sample volume is limited.

Smart Performance: The exceptionally efficient ion source and collision cell in the GCMS-TQ8040 provide low detection limits. The patented ion source’s design and uniform temperature prevent active spots and boost sensitivity during analysis. The OFF-AXIS ion optics eliminate chemical nose.

Shimadzu’s proprietary UFsweeper™ technology achieves high-speed MRM analysis up to 800 transitions per second. The Advanced Scanning Speed Protocol (ASSP™) provides high-speed scanning control at 20,000 u/second. ASSP and simultaneous Scan/MRM analysis mode provides high-quality library searchable fragmentation spectra, and accurate low-level quantitative data in a single analysis.

This efficient design provides optimum performance in all analysis modes: MRM, SIM, Scan, Scan/MRM, Scan/SIM, Neutral Loss, Product Ion Scan, Precursor Ion Scan and combination modes.