Alessandro Fabiani

Perkin Elmer Scientifica Italia, Milan, Italy

This abstract provides an overview of the dual source capabilities of the PerkinElmer QSight™ Triple Quadrupole LC/MS/MS system, focusing on its ability to sensitively detect organic contaminants requiring distinct ionization methods. It also discusses the procedural efficiencies, analytical speed, and improved sensitivity achieved by utilizing this dual source configuration for contaminant assessment across various matrices, while maintaining compliance with European regulations. The switch between ElectroSpray Ionization (ESI) and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) sources involves a systematic process of cooling, manual exchange, and subsequent heating to reach operational temperatures. This meticulous procedure often leads to reduced productivity in analyses requiring both sources simultaneously, leading many analysts to prefer using only the ESI source for its perceived simplicity, albeit at the expense of flexibility and quantitative robustness. Collaborating with ARPA Sardegna and Campania, we evaluated and optimized concurrent analytical methodologies employing dual source Qsight 420 for routine screening of different environmental and food matrices. To comprehensively assess ionization efficiency and analyte quantification, a diverter valve was strategically integrated between the LC column and the mass spectrometer. This addition facilitated the redirection of flow from the LC column to both ESI and APCI sources, enabling comparative analysis and simultaneous quantification within a single chromatographic run. Instrument control, data acquisition, and processing were efficiently managed using the Simplicity™ 3Q software platform, ensuring smooth operation and reliable analytical results.