Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) couples chromatographic separation (HPLC/UPLC) with mass spectrometry detection for precise molecular weight determination, structural characterization, and quantification at trace levels (pg–ng/mL). LC-MS/MS adds tandem mass spectrometry for enhanced selectivity via precursor-to-product ion transitions, making it ideal for complex matrices and low-abundance analytes.

Key advantages: High sensitivity/specificity, ability to handle polar/non-polar compounds, and structural information from fragmentation patterns – far superior to HPLC-UV alone for unknowns and trace impurities.

Our LC-MS Capabilities & Instrumentation

• Triple quadrupole (QQQ) LC-MS/MS for targeted quantification (MRM mode)
• High-resolution accurate mass (HRMS) options (if available via partners) for unknown ID
• Ionization modes: ESI (positive/negative), APCI for non-polar compounds
• Columns: C18, C8, HILIC for polar metabolites; gradient elution with formic acid/ammonium formate buffers
• Method development/validation: Specificity, linearity (1/x or 1/x² weighting), accuracy/recovery, precision (intra/inter-day), LOD/LOQ, matrix effects, carryover, stability
• Applications: Targeted/untargeted metabolomics, impurity/degradant characterization, PK/PD bioanalysis

End-to-End LC-MS Analysis Workflow

1. Project Consultation – Free guidance on analyte properties, matrix (plasma, serum, urine, tissue, formulations), detection limits, and regulatory needs
2. Sample Preparation & QC – Protein precipitation, SPE, LLE optimized for biofluids/API; internal standard addition; purity/concentration checks
3. Method Development (if required) – Column/mobile phase screening, gradient optimization, MRM transition selection, ionization tuning
4. Analysis & Validation – System suitability, calibration curves (multi-level), QC samples, full validation per FDA/ICH guidelines
5. Data Processing & Reporting – Chromatogram/mass spectra review, quantification, impurity/metabolite identification (m/z, fragments, proposed structures); detailed report with raw data, calculations, conclusions

Why Choose Yaazh Xenomics for LC-MS Services in India?

• Affordable high-sensitivity testing – competitive for pharma QC, startups, academia
• Regulatory-ready methods – ICH/FDA/EMA-compliant development & validation
• Expert team – experienced in complex bioanalysis, metabolite ID, impurity characterization
• Fast TAT – efficient for PK studies, stability testing, release assays
• ISO-certified lab in Coimbatore – strict QA, matrix effect mitigation, nationwide sample logistics
• Integrated with HPLC/GC-MS/NMR for comprehensive characterization

Key Applications of Our LC-MS Analysis

• Pharmaceuticals – Process/genotoxic impurity profiling, forced degradation products, unknown identification
• Bioanalysis & Pharmacokinetics – Drug/metabolite quantification in plasma/serum/tissues, PK parameters (Cmax, AUC, half-life)
• Metabolite Identification – Phase I/II metabolites, reactive intermediates
• Herbal & Nutraceutical – Marker compounds, adulterants, bioavailability studies
• Clinical Research – Biomarker discovery, therapeutic drug monitoring
• Environmental/Food – Trace contaminants, pesticide residues

LC-MS Advantages & Limitations

Advantages

• Ultra-high sensitivity (ppt–ppb range) & selectivity for trace analytes
• Structural elucidation via MS/MS fragmentation
• Robust for complex biological/pharma matrices

Limitations

• Matrix effects/ion suppression require careful mitigation
• Higher cost than HPLC-UV (offset by superior data quality)
• Requires skilled method optimization

For UV-based quantification, see our HPLC Analysis. For volatile compounds, explore GC-MS.