Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

Advanced LC-MS Solutions: From Unknown Identification to Precise Quantification

At Leeder Analytical, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) forms the cornerstone of our analytical capabilities, supporting everything from unknown compound identification to regulatory-compliant quantitative analysis.

Using cutting-edge Thermo Fisher Scientific instrumentation, our NATA-accredited laboratory delivers comprehensive LC-MS solutions across diverse analytical challenges, from environmental monitoring and pharmaceutical research to industrial quality control.

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What Is LC-MS?

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) combines the separation power of liquid chromatography with the identification capabilities of mass spectrometry.

Liquid Chromatography (LC) separates compounds based on their chemical properties and interactions with the stationary phase

Mass Spectrometry (MS) identifies and quantifies compounds by measuring their mass-to-charge ratios and fragmentation patterns

This powerful combination enables analysis of non-volatile, thermally labile, and polar compounds that cannot be analysed by GC-MS, making it essential for pharmaceutical, environmental, and biological applications.

Our LC-MS Capabilities

High-Resolution LC-MS/MS (Orbitrap)	Triple Quadrupole LC-MS (Quantiva)
Purpose: Unknown compound identification and structural elucidation	Purpose: Targeted compound quantification with regulatory compliance
Key Features: Sub-ppm mass accuracy Ultra-high resolution (up to 1,000,000 FWHM at m/z 200) Mass range: m/z 50–3000 Broad MS/MS library coverage (>1 million compounds) Machine learning structure elucidation (SIRIUS 6)	Key Features: Femtogram-level sensitivity Wide dynamic range (4–5 log) Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) Fast polarity switching High-throughput robustness
Advanced Workflows: Library-based unknown identification De novo structure elucidation PFAS non-target screening and discovery Extractables & Leachables (E&L) unknown compound profiling Metabolomics and degradation product analysis Trace contaminant ID in complex matrices	Advanced Workflows: Scheduled MRM and dynamic MRM for complex panels Isotope dilution and internal standard correction Matrix-matched calibration for complex sample types Method validation under NATA-accredited protocols High-throughput batch analysis with QC automation Polarity-switching for multi-class quantification
Best Used For: Structural elucidation of unknowns PFAS, E&L screening Contaminant profiling in R&D and QA Metabolomics and degradation studies	Best Used For: Quantitative regulatory testing (EPA/FDA methods) PFAS, pesticide, pharmaceutical quantification Food residue and safety analysis Clinical, forensic, and industrial compliance workflows

High-Resolution LC-MS/MS (Orbitrap)

Triple Quadrupole LC-MS (Quantiva)

Purpose:
Unknown compound identification and structural elucidation

Purpose:
Targeted compound quantification with regulatory compliance

Key Features:

Sub-ppm mass accuracy
Ultra-high resolution (up to 1,000,000 FWHM at m/z 200)
Mass range: m/z 50–3000
Broad MS/MS library coverage (>1 million compounds)
Machine learning structure elucidation (SIRIUS 6)

Key Features:

Femtogram-level sensitivity
Wide dynamic range (4–5 log)
Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM)
Fast polarity switching
High-throughput robustness

Advanced Workflows:

Library-based unknown identification
De novo structure elucidation
PFAS non-target screening and discovery
Extractables & Leachables (E&L) unknown compound profiling
Metabolomics and degradation product analysis
Trace contaminant ID in complex matrices

Advanced Workflows:

Scheduled MRM and dynamic MRM for complex panels
Isotope dilution and internal standard correction
Matrix-matched calibration for complex sample types
Method validation under NATA-accredited protocols
High-throughput batch analysis with QC automation
Polarity-switching for multi-class quantification

Best Used For:

Structural elucidation of unknowns
PFAS, E&L screening
Contaminant profiling in R&D and QA
Metabolomics and degradation studies

Best Used For:

Quantitative regulatory testing (EPA/FDA methods)
PFAS, pesticide, pharmaceutical quantification
Food residue and safety analysis
Clinical, forensic, and industrial compliance workflows

What We Use LC-MS For

LC-MS is central to many of our specialised analytical services:

Unknown Identification & Structural Elucidation	Targeted Quantitative Analysis	Specialised Applications
Emerging contaminant identification in environmental samples Pharmaceutical impurity characterisation and degradation studies Extractables & Leachables (E&L) unknown identification for medical devices and pharmaceutical packaging Industrial unknown analysis for quality control and troubleshooting PFAS non-target screening for comprehensive environmental assessment	PFAS analysis using EPA methods and extended compound lists Pharmaceutical analysis for drug development and quality control Extractables & Leachables (E&L) quantification for regulatory submissions Environmental monitoring for regulatory compliance Food and agricultural testing for contaminants and additives	Extractables & Leachables (E&L) analysis for medical device and pharmaceutical packaging safety Method development and validation for novel analytical challenges Metabolomics research for biological pathway studies Forensic analysis for trace evidence examination Regulatory submissions for FDA, EPA, and international agencies

Instrumentation Overview

High-Resolution Orbitrap LC-MS System

Instrument: Thermo Fisher Scientific Vanquish UHPLC with Exploris Orbitrap MS
Mass Accuracy: Sub-ppm with internal calibration
Resolution: Up to 1,000,000 FWHM at m/z 200
Analysis Modes: Full scan MS, MS/MS, All Ion Fragmentation (AIF)
Ionisation: Heated electrospray ionisation (HESI)

Triple Quadrupole LC-MS Systems (3 units)

Instrument: Thermo Fisher Scientific Quantiva triple quadrupole LC-MS
Sensitivity: Femtogram detection limits
Acquisition Modes: MRM, SRM, full scan, product ion scan
Polarity Switching: Sub-second switching for comprehensive coverage
Ionisation: Heated electrospray ionisation (HESI)

Advanced Data Analysis Capabilities

Library-Based Analysis	Machine Learning Structure Elucidation	Filtering and Validation Criteria	Quantitative Method Validation
In-house authentic standard library (>600 compounds) mzCloud database (>32,000 compounds) XCMS-METLIN MS/MS library (>935,000 compounds) Specialised PFAS library (>40,000 compounds) NIST Tandem Mass Spectral Library (>51,000 compounds)	SIRIUS 6 for de novo identification PubChem structure candidate generation (>117M compounds) CSI: FingerID for molecular fingerprint prediction Expert validation and interpretation	Accurate mass matching (<3 ppm) Isotope pattern confirmation Retention time prediction using logP models MS/MS spectral quality assessment	Multi-point calibration with quality control standards Method detection limit (MDL) and quantification limit (LOQ) determination Precision and accuracy assessment Matrix effect evaluation and compensation Internal standard and surrogate recovery tracking

Key Advantages

Comprehensive Coverage

Polar and non-polar compounds across diverse chemical classes
Thermally labile molecules not amenable to GC analysis
Large molecular weight compounds up to 3000 Da
Wide concentration ranges from femtogram to milligram levels

Analytical Excellence

Sub-ppm mass accuracy for confident identification
Ultra-high resolution for complex mixture analysis
Extensive library coverage for comprehensive identification
Machine learning integration for novel compound discovery

Regulatory Compliance

NATA accreditation ensuring quality and reliability
EPA method compliance for environmental analysis
FDA submission support for pharmaceutical applications
International standard adherence for global acceptance

Contact Our Team Today

Ready to discuss your LC-MS analysis requirements or explore our advanced identification capabilities?

Contact us today to discuss sample requirements, detection limits, method development, and analytical strategies tailored to your specific needs.

Phone: +613 9481 4167
Email: enquiries@leeder-analytical.com

CONTACT US

For a free quote or a discussion on how Leeder Analytical can assist you with analytical testing services or consulting please contact us today via the form below

Contact us

To talk to our team regarding our services, please call 03 9481 4167

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