Mass Spectrometry
Separation Science offers free learning from the experts covering methods, applications, eBooks, webinars, eSeminars, expert forums, videos, tutorials and training for mass spectrometry (MS) and spectroscopy analysis users.
Featured Educational Resources
LC-MS/MS Fundamentals: The Overview
On-demand
by Jack Steed and Jessica Smith (SCIEX)
This presentation discusses the fundamentals of LC-MS technology and how this can be utilized in your everyday workflows. The discussion ranges from the basics of LC separations to the implementation of high-resolution mass spectrometry, including data acquisition and review.
Accelerating Large-scale Proteomics with High-throughput Accurate Mass Spectrometry Workflows
On-demand
Dorte Bekker-Jensen (Evosep Biosystems) and Patrick Pribil (SCIEX Proteomics Applications Development)
This presentation discusses high-throughput mass spectrometry workflows for large-scale qualitative and quantitative proteomics. It explores the rapid adoption of data-independent acquisition (DIA or SWATH DIA) approaches, such as Zeno SWATH DIA: a method that achieves 5-6x more MS/MS sensitivity, resulting in this DIA approach surpassing data-dependent acquisition (DDA) for protein identifications and quantification in complex matrices.
Electron Activated Dissociation (EAD) MS/MS for the Structural Elucidation of Lipids
On-demand
Sophia Laposchan (Technical University of Munich, Germany)
By viewing this presentation you will gain a basic understanding of using electron activated dissociation in MS/MS analysis for structural elucidation of lipids; and learn how EAD can distinguish structural isomers of various lipid classes and how this powerful technique adds value over other fragmentation techniques.
Powering Up Battery Materials Analysis using ICP-OES and ICP-MS
On-demand
Simon Nelms and Sukanya Sengupta (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
This presentation provides a complete overview of how ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis supports every step in the battery manufacturing value chain, from raw material screening and refining, through battery cell material research and QA/AC, to recycling and environmental analysis. The basics of ICP-OES and ICP-MS technology are explained and selected analysis examples demonstrated.
Turn your Triple Quad up to 11!
On-demand webinar
April Quinn-Paquet (Technical Product Manager, SCIEX)
You will learn about the latest features for acquisition in SCIEX OS software including automatic data processing and decision rules, which can automatically perform actions on the queue according to user-specified criteria.
Precise Testing of Pesticides in Food using the SCIEX 7500 System
On-demand webinar
Jianru Stahl-Zeng (Global Technical Leader for Food and Environmental, SCIEX)
This presentation gives an overview of the new SCIEX 7500 System that is integrated with innovative technologies. The presenter showcases the capabilities and potential of the SCIEX 7500 System for precise pesticide testing in food.
Dilution and Sensitivity: Effects on a Food Contaminant Mega-Method
On-demand webinar
Dr Robert Di Lorenzo (Global Technical Marketing, Food & Beverage, SCIEX)
This presentation explores how far we can push dilution while still meeting sensitivity requirements to simplify sample preparation and analysis workflows. With the SCIEX Triple Quad™ 7500 LC-MS/MS System– QTRAP® Ready, a single mega-method comprising hundreds of pesticides, veterinary drugs and mycotoxins will be analyzed from various food and feed matrices from a single sample preparation method.
Understanding the Benefits of Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS in Everyday Analysis
On-demand webinar
Daniel Kutscher and Magda Mandic (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
This webinar highlights new opportunities where triple quadrupole ICP-MS will allow you to improve performance and efficiency, but also return on investment. It is demonstrated that modern TQ-ICP-MS systems are as easy to install and operate as a single quadrupole instrument.
Trials and Tribulations of Fat Soluble Vitamin Analysis by UHPLC-MS/MS
On-demand webinar
Alan Edgington (Biotage, UK)
This webinar summarizes the work performed to develop a method for the analysis of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamins A (Retinol and Beta Carotene), D (25 Hydroxy D3 and 25 Hydroxy D2), E (Alpha Tocopherol) and K (Phylloquinone and Menaquinone) in human serum.
Key Notes on Citing Spectral Library Searches
Letter to the Editor
O. David Sparkman
A collection of mass spectra of known compounds and the program used to search a spectrum of an unidentified compound are two different entities. The results obtained depend on both. Full and correct citations should be the norm - find out how to do this correctly.
Introduction to and Practical Applications of the SCIEX Triple Quad 7500 LC-MS/MS System – QTRAP Ready
On-demand webinar
Ian Moore and Jianru Stahl-Zeng (SCIEX)
Learn how the SCIEX 7500 System enables you to attain up to 7X greater sensitivity to quantify more trace analytes at lower levels across a broad suite of sample types and workflows.
Elemental Analysis of e-Cigarettes: Pushing the Boundaries of ICP-MS Analysis to a New Level
On-demand webinar
David Fishwick (Broughton Nicotine Services, UK) and James Hannan (Thermo Fisher Scientific, UK)
This presentation will focus on trace elemental analysis associated with the growing industry of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), more commonly referred to as e-cigarettes, using ICP-MS. It will cover the development of robust methods for this analysis using both single and triple quadrupole ICP-MS technology.
Towards AI-Powered Cost Effective Elemental ICP-OES Analysis
On-demand webinar
Eric Vanclay and Lindsey Whitecotton (Agilent)
In this ICP-OES webinar the presenters showcase how artificial intelligence based smart tools paired with innovative sample introduction systems can reduce sample remeasurement to improve productivity and overall performance, and simplify routine maintenance.
Trace Metals Analysis in Dietary Supplements Using ICP-MS: How to Achieve Regulatory Compliance and Minimize Contamination
On-demand webinar
Grant Fulford and Hans Krueger (Eurofins Food Integrity and Innovation)
This presentation covers ICP-MS analysis of dietary supplements for trace metals and minimizing contamination to meet regulatory compliance. Case studies and data are presented to show the challenges that regulations for trace metals can present in ICP-MS analysis of food and dietary supplements.
Perform like a PRO: Robust ICP-OES analysis with the new iCAP PRO Series ICP-OES
On-demand webinar
Dr Sukanya Sengupta & Nora Bartsch (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
A technique of choice for elemental analysis is inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), which is ideally suited for a range of sample types. However, some samples present analytical challenges including high matrix samples and samples which produce complex spectrum impacting accuracy. Watch this presentation to find out how the latest ICP-OES technology can address these issues and improve your elemental analysis.
Latest Mass Spectrometry-based Trends for Identifying and Quantifying Unknown PFAS Compounds
On-demand webinar
Lee Ferguson and Abigail Joyce (Duke University, North Carolina, USA)
In this webinar, leaders of the Ferguson Laboratory discuss a Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ Mass Spectrometer-based method, which captures more meaningful data to demystify unknown PFAS compounds. Additionally, a triple-quadrupole MS method will be discussed, which achieves desired limits of detection for identified PFAS compounds.
How to Easily Analyse Petrochemical Samples by ICP-OES
On-demand webinar
Matthew Cassap (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
Petrochemical samples present a number of different challenges when analyzing for trace elements by ICP-OES, these include the stable introduction of the sample in to the plasma, the complex matrix and potential interferences. This webinar describes these challenges and how to easily overcome them, by the development of robust methods that produce excellent results.
Mass Spec Training Courses
LC-MS/MS for Chromatographers - Training Course
Self-paced online course with validated learning and certificate of completion
Analytical Training Solutions | Separation Science
With the introduction of the mass spectrometer (MS) as a practical detector for high-performance liquid chromatography (LC or HPLC), LC-MS began to be used for routine applications. One form of LC-MS uses a tandem MS (LC-MS/MS), that has become the go-to instrument for quantitative analysis of drugs in biological matrices in the pharmaceutical laboratory. As they have become more widely used and understood, LC-MS and LC-MS/MS have found their way into environmental applications, synthetic chemistry, protein analysis, and many other areas. LC-MS/MS has moved from a technique available only to skilled experts in both HPLC and MS to a routine tool usable much as any other HPLC detector. You will find that this introductory course in LC-MS/MS will give you a good foundation of understanding the technique and how to use it in your daily work. We start out with an overview of different MS techniques and focus the majority of the course on the quadrupole mass spectrometer. You will learn how MS works, how ions are produced and fragmented. Sections focus on qualitative, as well as quantitative analysis. Each part of the process, calibration, tuning, sample preparation, HPLC method development, and MS method development are covered. Many tricks and techniques of practical use are presented.
GC-MS for Operators & Developers - Training Course
Self-paced online course with validated learning and certificate of completion
Analytical Training Solutions | Separation Science
‘GC-MS for Operators and Method Developers’ is a specifically designed course for GC users and operators. Fundamental principles, when presented, are done so with a focus on the practical aspects and applications as might be applied on a daily basis. Those who complete this course should be more efficient and comfortable at setting up, troubleshooting, verifying performance, acquiring and interpreting GC-MS data. As with 'Introduction to GC' and 'Intermediate GC' courses, the GC-MS course is organized into chapters and modules. The chapters focus on given themes and the modular structure underneath exposes students to subtopics within time-efficient segments. This course is designed for users of gas chromatographs who are looking to further develop their method development and troubleshooting skills in GC-MS.
Mass Spec Solutions
Dealing with Metal Adduct Ions in Electrospray: Part 1
Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spec Solutions
In this article we will be discussing specifically the adduction of alkali metal ions (Na, K), to analyte molecules and will therefore use the term “metal adduct ion” to refer to these species.
Dealing with Metal Adduct Ions in Electrospray: Part 2
Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spec Solutions
Previously we discussed the fundamental issue of metal adduct ion formation in electrospray LC/MS including method development strategies for dealing with adduct ions. This article will examine a real-world application which employs these strategies.
Adjusting Electrospray Voltage for Optimum Results
Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spec Solutions
An electrospray LC/MS interface consists of an enclosed, atmospheric pressure chamber. The HPLC effluent enters this chamber through a capillary tube which is surrounded by a second, concentric tube through which a nebulizing gas is applied. Learn how you can optimise your methods by adjusting the electrospray voltage.
Improving Electrospray LODs by Decreasing Column Diameter
Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spec Solutions
Reducing the internal diameter of your HPLC columns is an advantage for electrospray (ESI) LC/MS users. To understand this, two characteristics of ESI must be understood: (1) how response (i.e., peak area or height), is related to analyte concentration and (2) how response varies with HPLC flow rate.