Accurate mass and isotope pattern
high-resolution LC-MS
Material Analysis · Chromatography & Diagnostics
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
Characterise accurate mass and isotope pattern, retention time and fragment spectrum, and target concentration or untargeted molecular feature profile using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£60 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 9 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Thermo Fisher Orbitrap AstralSCIEX ZenoTOF 8600Waters Xevo MRTBruker timsTOF Ultra 2
- Typical outputs
- LC-MS chromatograms and spectraFeature/compound table with confidence levelTarget concentrations or multivariate comparison where scopedProcessed chromatogram or spectrum
Why this service
What LC-MS can help you understand
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry is selected when the project needs defensible information on accurate mass and isotope pattern, retention time and fragment spectrum, or target concentration or…
Retention time and fragment spectrum
triple-quadrupole targeted LC-MS/MS
Target concentration or untargeted molecular feature profile
ion mobility, data-dependent, or data-independent acquisition
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
High-resolution LC-MS
accurate mass and isotope pattern
- Best used when
- accurate mass and isotope pattern
- Typical result
- LC-MS chromatograms and spectra
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Triple-quadrupole targeted LC-MS/MS
retention time and fragment spectrum
- Best used when
- retention time and fragment spectrum
- Typical result
- Feature/compound table with confidence level
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Ion mobility, data-dependent, or data-independent acquisition
target concentration or untargeted molecular feature profile
- Best used when
- target concentration or untargeted molecular feature profile
- Typical result
- Target concentrations or multivariate comparison where scoped
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
LC-MS chromatograms and spectra reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Feature/compound table with confidence level supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Target concentrations or multivariate comparison where scoped provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed chromatogram or spectrum included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry?
Provide liquid / solution, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For accurate mass and isotope pattern, start with high-resolution LC-MS; add triple-quadrupole targeted LC-MS/MS when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 9 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Ionisation and matrix suppression vary widely between compounds. Untargeted features are not fully identified without standards and orthogonal evidence.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope LC-MS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth