Mass Spectrometry Systems
Waters Mass Spectrometry Systems are designed to deliver exceptional analytical performance, flexibility, and confidence across a broad spectrum of scientific applications. Built on decades of innovation and expertise, Waters' mass spectrometry (MS) portfolio includes high-resolution and tandem quadrupole systems that serve the needs of discovery, development, quality control, and routine testing laboratories. From small molecule quantitation to biopharmaceutical characterization, Waters MS platforms support both targeted and untargeted workflows with speed, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
At the core of Waters' MS offering is a range of purpose-built systems engineered to meet diverse analytical challenges. The Xevo family of tandem quadrupole mass spectrometers provides robust quantitation capabilities, which are ideal for applications in pharmaceutical development, food safety, environmental monitoring, and clinical research. The Xevo TQ Absolute, for example, offers industry-leading sensitivity and efficiency—particularly for challenging analytes that ionize in negative mode—making it a reliable tool for high-throughput and regulated environments.
For scientists requiring advanced qualitative and quantitative performance, high-resolution time-of-flight (TOF) systems such as the Xevo G3 QTof combine mass accuracy and speed with high data fidelity. These platforms are optimized for screening, structural elucidation, and biotherapeutic analysis, providing broad coverage and reproducibility across a wide m/z range. Their ability to seamlessly transition between full scan and targeted acquisition modes supports workflows from discovery to manufacturing.
Waters also offers fully integrated, compliance-ready systems like the BioAccord LC-MS System, designed specifically for biopharmaceutical analysis. Featuring automated data acquisition, attribute monitoring, and streamlined reporting, BioAccord brings high-resolution MS capabilities to routine labs, enabling deeper insight into critical quality attributes (CQAs) without compromising productivity or compliance.
The RADIAN ASAP system represents a different class of direct mass detection. Designed for rapid, walk-up analysis without sample preparation, it's ideal for synthetic chemistry environments or academic labs requiring fast, simplified workflows. The system leverages ASAP (Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe) technology and robust single quadrupole MS to support the real-time analysis of solids, liquids, and semi-volatiles.
Each Waters mass spectrometry system is backed by powerful software solutions such as MassLynx, Empower, and waters_connect, which facilitate method development, data acquisition, processing, and compliance. These platforms help ensure laboratories can manage their MS data efficiently, maintain traceability, and meet regulatory expectations.
From the development of new therapeutic modalities to monitoring trace-level contaminants, Waters Mass Spectrometry Systems offer a complete range of solutions to match your analytical goals. Each system is designed with usability, reliability, and future-forward integration in mind—whether you require unmatched sensitivity, intuitive workflows, or compliance-ready performance. Supported by a global network of service, training, and application experts, Waters mass spectrometry platforms continue to help scientists uncover deeper insights, increase productivity, and advance science with confidence.
Mass Spectrometry Systems FAQ
How do I choose the right Waters MS system for my application?
Choosing the right Waters mass spectrometry system depends on your analytical goals, sample types, and workflow requirements. For routine quantitation of small molecules in applications like food safety, clinical research, or environmental testing, Xevo tandem quadrupole systems such as the Xevo TQ Absolute provide high sensitivity and robust performance. For broader screening and structural elucidation, especially in pharmaceutical discovery or biotherapeutic characterization, a high-resolution TOF system like the Xevo G3 QTof may be more appropriate. The BioAccord LC-MS System is ideal for routine, compliance-ready biopharmaceutical analysis, while the RADIAN ASAP offers rapid, direct mass detection without chromatography for synthetic chemistry and teaching labs.
Can Waters mass spectrometers be integrated with HPLC or UPLC systems?
Yes, Waters mass spectrometers are fully compatible with HPLC, UPLC, and UHPLC systems, enabling seamless integration for a wide range of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) workflows. Waters' MS systems are often paired with ACQUITY UPLC or Alliance HPLC platforms, depending on the throughput, resolution, and separation needs of your application. The systems are designed to work together in both standard and compliance-ready environments, with shared software such as Empower, MassLynx, and waters_connect providing unified control of both the chromatographic and mass spectrometric components. This integrated approach improves data quality, streamlines workflow development, and enhances overall system performance for both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
What ionization techniques are supported across Waters MS systems?
Waters mass spectrometry systems support a variety of ionization techniques to accommodate a broad range of sample types and analytical methods. Commonly supported techniques include Electrospray Ionization (ESI) and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI), which are suitable for most LC-MS applications. Some systems also support Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization (APPI) and UniSpray, a unique Waters source that enhances ionization efficiency across compound classes. For rapid, direct analysis without chromatography, the RADIAN ASAP uses Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP) technology, which is ideal for analyzing volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Ionization sources are available in modular, tool-free configurations to enable quick switching between methods, offering laboratories the flexibility to adapt to changing sample demands or workflows.
