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The LC/MS market is expanding rapidly since the added specificity provided by MS detection is proving valuable, affordable, and now practical, even for nonspecialist operators. At ASMS 2019, Agilent expanded its offering of single quadrupole mass selective detectors with the new Agilent InfinityLab Liquid Chromatography/Mass Selective Detector iQ (LC/MSD iQ) system, specifically designed for the chromatographer. Each complements UV detection. However, as experience is gained, MS may soon replace the UV detector as the single detector of choice.
As a new instrumental technique matures, one sees a multiyear progression from analytical research to QC laboratories. Initially, the users are senior chemists, commonly with a Ph.D., located in a formal laboratory. Later, the technology starts to appear in the QC lab, where senior analysts or leads are usually responsible for introducing and training lab technicians. However, Agilent has taken this a step further with the introduction of the LC/MSD iQ, which offers analysts in the lab the equivalent of “self-drive capabilities.”
Automation of laboratory operations is rapidly advancing with the Internet of Things (IoT) and constant improvement programs. Plus, technology for monitoring and predictive self-diagnosis is rapidly emerging. The analogy to self-driving cars is not too far-fetched. Good (defensive driving) is an exercise in reaching the goal (destination) with risk recognition (such as a pedestrian) and mitigation (yield right-of-way) along the way. The MO seems to be: if we can entrust our lives to self-driving cars, why should an MS require advanced training to use? Also, with several hundred thousand HPLCs active globally, there should be a large market for MS detectors.
Maggie A. Ostrowski, Ph.D., LC/MSD Product Manager, described Agilent’s solution to this opportunity, the LC/MSD iQ. This LC detector is designed for labs that want a walk-up LC-MS to use as a QC tool, or for stat results, in method development or control. It might just fit into clinical diagnostics labs where “stat” results may be needed.
Let’s look at the IQ, OQ, and PQ of the iQ.
Installation qualification (IQ)
The iQ’s IQ starts with the power supply. It can plug into 120 V, or whatever voltage the rest of the LC is using, including 220 V. This can be provided with a power strip on the optional Flex Bench MS tower. Connect the transfer line to the column effluent and you are ready to go.
Operation qualification (OQ)
The LC/MSD iQ is billed as a “self-aware” and “self-driving” robust MS detector. Most users will probably be unaware as to the how the detector works. Controls can be stratified by user identity to protect the instrument from unintended operation. A slide presented at the Agilent press conference showed that one administrator is able to manage multiple systems for many operators using the new MassHunter Walkup software—hence MS for the masses.
Start-up is automated and rapid. After the system is installed, the instrument can be configured to perform a Scheduled Autotune, or introduce a System Suitability Test Mix to ensure complete system performance, prior to operation.
As the method can be locked down to the applications of choice, the mass or masses of interest and chromatographic method are all that is needed.
Performance qualification (PQ)
Dr. Ostrowski also presented a few data slides that illustrated the various performance measures of the system, such as precision over replicate injections. One example showed that the %RSD on retention time was <1%, UV peak area, <2%, and MS peak area generally <5%, but the peaks had a “sail profile.” The UV peaks resembled the masts. These measures show that the separations part of the LC is very well controlled with retention times much more precise than the precisions of peak area.
Risk recognition
Agilent has also developed sophisticated instrument health monitoring software that collects and analyzes data from the operating instruments, to report on performance and predict required maintenance or repair. This is communicated to the user via a graphical, color-coded dashboard. The dashboard displays the status of AutoTune, check tune, injection count, and valve switch positions including diverter valve, which routes the column effluent to waste, bypassing the MS. Performance of the vacuum pump, spray stability, detector inlet, and other instrument functions are based upon algorithms, which have been developed on more upscale or research-grade instruments.
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Method development or method transfer is also simplified. The LC/MSD iQ prompts the user to select scan or single ion monitoring (SIM) mode for a time segment. It also automatically collects LC parameters from the separation modules. This sets the initial MS parameters. The inter-MS instrument variance is usually insignificant, which facilitates method transfer.
In addition to the LC/MSD iQ system, new MassHunter Walkup software was also introduced. This software gives a single administrator open access to an LC/MS system by carefully locking down the methods to be run by the user. This is enhanced by the external tray option on the autosampler, as the software will color-code which well to drop the samples off, without even opening a door.
Maintenance
Maintenance is a major issue with most mass spectrometers. However, with the LC/MSD iQ, tasks such as replacing the ion injector are facilitated with novel designs such as the VacShield. This simple device makes it easy to change the ion source tube without breaking vacuum. Even changing the detector is a quick, easy, tool-less task, especially if one has the vertical Flex Bench MS, which was also introduced.
Agilent’s customers range in sophistication from leading research to applied labs that may have many GC/MS and LC/MS systems, each dedicated to one particular assay. The challenge is to get the sample to the right instrument and then retrieve the data reliably, with no human processing or potential confusion.
The OpenLab CDS 2.4 software is designed to protect records and control access by mapping the user to the information. At audit time, the software provides online control and review of records and audit trails. However, for the high-volume lab, the built-in reporting function eliminates the transcribing and reporting errors associated with manual report (paper) shuffling. Plus, you have control of your own e-signature.
Summary
The LC/MSD iQ from Agilent is a major design step forward that will make MS detection in applied labs much more affordable and available. The self-examination and prognostics will greatly improve adoptability with its multiuser capabilities for non-spectrometrists or non-chromatographers.
Robert L. Stevenson, Ph.D., is Editor Emeritus, American Laboratory/Labcompare; e-mail: [email protected]