Mass analyzers dynamic range

Mass analyzer Resolving power (xlO3) Mass accuracy (ppm) m z range (upper limit) (xlO3) Acquisition speed (Hz) Linear dynamic range Price... 

For high-throughput analysis, it is important to increase the specihcity of each bioanalytical method. The enhancement of chromatographic resolution presents various limitations. Better selectivity can be obtained with TOF mass analyzers that routinely provide more than 5000 resolution (full width at half-mass or FWHM). The enhanced selectivity of a TOF MS is very attractive for problems such as matrix suppression and metabolite interference. In one report of quantitative analysis using SRM, TOF appeared less sensitive than triple quadrupole methods but exhibited comparable dynamic range with acceptable precision and accuracy.102... 

A low resolution mass spectrometer used for routine analysis by EPA Methods 8260 and 8270 consists of three main parts an ion source, a mass analyzer (both kept under vacuum conditions), and a detector. Although a variety of GC/MS instruments with different designs are available, the most common in the environmental laboratory are those with electron impact ion sources and quadrupole mass analyzers as they are best suited for the coupling with gas chromatography columns. These stable and reliable detectors with a relatively broad linear dynamic range became the workhorses of the environmental laboratory. 

Besides the triple quadrupol instruments, other types of mass spectrometers might be used as well. Examples for these types of instruments are ion traps, time of flight mass spectrometers and also single quadrupol mass analyzers. Due to the characteristic and specific advantages and disadvantages of different instrument types, the overall assay performance (e.g. sensitivity, dynamic range and selectivity) may vary quite a bit from one instrument type to the other. 

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