Agilent 7000B Triple Quadrupole GC/MS System - Data Sheet

Importance of the Topic

Gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry plays a critical role in trace-level analysis across environmental, food safety, pharmaceutical and clinical applications. High sensitivity, selectivity and reliability are essential for detecting and quantifying target compounds at femtogram to low-picogram levels.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents the specifications and performance metrics of the Agilent 7000B Triple Quadrupole GC/MS system, introducing the Instrument Detection Limit (IDL) metric for a comprehensive assessment of system sensitivity and robustness compared to traditional signal-to-noise ratio measures.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Agilent 7000B employs a triple-axis high-efficiency detector with extended-life electron multiplier, a proprietary monolithic hyperbolic gold-coated quadrupole and a linear hexapole collision cell using nitrogen with helium quench gas. Standard analysis is performed in MS/MS mode via electron ionization; photoionization and negative chemical ionization are optional. The GC front end is the 7890A with split/splitless, multi-mode and PTV inlets, 7693 autosampler and 7697A headspace. Data acquisition and processing use Agilent MassHunter software. IDL verification consists of eight sequential injections of octafluoronaphthalene at defined concentration, with statistical derivation at 99% confidence.

Main Results and Discussion

• IDL for EI MRM: 12 fg octafluoronaphthalene (99% confidence, <4% RSD).
• PCI MRM S/N: >2500:1 for benzophenone transition at 5 pg on column.
• Typical S/N in scan and SIM modes: up to >300:1 for OFN and >2000:1 for NCI SIM.
• Mass range from m/z 10 to 1050; selectable resolution from 0.7 to 2.5 Da (default) or custom tune to 0.4–4.0 Da.
• Electronic dynamic range >10^6, scan rate up to 6250 u/s, MRM speed of 500 transitions/sec, minimum dwell time 1 ms.
• Mass axis stability better than ±0.10 u over 24 h (10–40 °C).
• Simultaneous acquisition of two GC detector signals alongside MS data enhances workflow efficiency.
• GC oven temperature range ambient +4 to 450 °C with versatile pressure and flow control and column backflushing capabilities.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The 7000B system offers exceptional sensitivity and reproducibility for quantitation of trace contaminants, enabling multi-residue protocols in regulatory testing, environmental monitoring, food safety screening and pharmaceutical impurity identification. Its fast MRM acquisition and broad dynamic range support high-throughput laboratories and complex sample matrices.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 7000B Triple Quadrupole GC/MS system with EI, optional PCI and NCI sources
• Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph with split/splitless, multi-mode inlet and PTV
• Agilent 7693 Automatic Liquid Sampler and 7697A Headspace Sampler
• Agilent MassHunter software for acquisition, quantitation and reporting

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements will focus on further lowering detection limits, enhancing automation and integration with artificial intelligence for data analysis, miniaturizing components for field deployable systems and expanding multiplexed workflows. Improvements in ion source design and software-driven tuning promise even higher sensitivity and selectivity.

Conclusion

The Agilent 7000B Triple Quadrupole GC/MS system, with its novel IDL metric, robust hardware design and comprehensive software platform, delivers reliable, high-performance analysis for demanding trace-level applications. It represents a versatile solution for laboratories seeking superior sensitivity, speed and productivity.

References

1. Agilent Technologies 2011 Agilent 7000B Triple Quadrupole GC/MS System Data Sheet 5989-9625EN
2. Agilent Technologies 2010 Ion Detection Limit Verification Technical Overview 5990-8341EN