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Description
Agilent 6490 Triple Quad LC/MS Overview
The Agilent 6490 Triple Quad LC/MS System is a high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry platform engineered for laboratories requiring maximum sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and reliable quantitation across complex sample types. At the core of this system is an advanced ion handling design that enhances ion capture and transmission efficiency, enabling detection of compounds at extremely low concentration levels. This increased sensitivity allows analysts to confidently measure trace compounds that may be difficult to detect with conventional LC-MS/MS systems.
The 6490 is specifically optimized for quantitative workflows using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Its high-speed acquisition capabilities enable accurate monitoring of a large number of transitions within a single run, making it highly effective for multi-residue and high-throughput analyses. The system maintains excellent reproducibility and signal stability, even when processing demanding sample matrices such as biological fluids, environmental extracts, or food products. To support modern chromatography, the instrument is fully compatible with fast UHPLC methods. It is capable of capturing narrow peak widths while maintaining sufficient data density for precise quantitation. Rapid polarity switching further increases efficiency, allowing simultaneous analysis of compounds requiring both positive and negative ionization without extended run times.
The system also features an optimized collision cell design that improves fragmentation efficiency while reducing background interference, resulting in cleaner spectra and more reliable identification of target analytes. Combined with robust ionization options such as electrospray ionization (ESI), the platform can be adapted to a wide range of analytical applications.
Agilent 6490A Triple Quad LC/MS is offered fully refurbished and tested, in working condition.
Includes:
- Agilent 6490A Triple Quad LC/MS
- Jet Stream Source
- Two (2) Vacuum Pump
- Data System
- 90-Day Warranty
Optional:
- Agilent UHPLC Front End Systems (1260 or 1290 Infinity Series)
- Premium Refurbishment with Extended Warranty
Disclaimer: All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only. We are not an authorized dealer. Software, if included, is not transferable or upgradable.
Technical Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Instrument Type | Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS) |
| Model | Agilent 6490 (G6490A) |
| Mass Analyzer | Triple Quadrupole (QQQ) |
| Ionization Source | Electrospray Ionization (ESI), optional multi-mode sources |
| Application Range | Ultra-trace quantitative analysis in complex sample matrices |
| Mass Spectrometer Performance | |
| Mass Range | m/z 5 – 1400 |
| Scan Speed | Up to ~12,500 Da/sec |
| Sensitivity | Sub-picogram detection capability (compound dependent) |
| Polarity Switching | ~20 ms |
| Minimum Dwell Time | 1 ms |
| Resolution | ~0.4 Da |
| Mass Accuracy | ~0.01% or 0.1 Da |
| MRM / Quantitative Performance | |
| Acquisition Modes | MRM, Dynamic MRM, SIM, Full Scan, Product Ion Scan |
| MRM Speed | Up to ~500 transitions per second |
| Total MRM Capacity | >40,000 transitions per method |
| Quantitation Capability | Ultra-trace multi-analyte analysis with high selectivity |
| Dynamic Range | Up to ~10⁶ |
| Collision Cell | |
| Type | High-pressure hexapole collision cell with linear acceleration |
| Function | Efficient ion fragmentation for MS/MS analysis |
| Noise Reduction | Optimized design for low background signal |
| Ion Optics & Sensitivity | |
| Ion Transmission | Enhanced ion focusing system for improved signal intensity |
| Desolvation Technology | Thermally assisted ion focusing (Jet Stream design) |
| Sensitivity Level | Ultra-trace detection capability for demanding applications |
| LC Compatibility | |
| Supported Systems | Agilent 1200 / 1260 / 1290 HPLC & UHPLC series |
| UHPLC Compatibility | Optimized for fast separations and narrow peak widths |
| Peak Handling | High data density for accurate quantitation |
| Software & Control | |
| Software | Agilent MassHunter Workstation |
| Functionality | Method development, data acquisition, quantitation, reporting |
| Automation | Integrated instrument control and sequence processing |
| Physical | |
| System Configuration | Modular LC-MS/MS system |
| Footprint | Compact benchtop mass spectrometer |
| Maintenance Access | Front-access service design |
| Build | Robust architecture for continuous laboratory operation |
Additional information
| Availability | |
|---|---|
| Brand | |
| Condition | |
| Model | |
| Onsite Installation | |
| Warranty |
Key Features
-
Ultra-Sensitive Detection Performance
Engineered for laboratories that require extremely low detection limits, making it ideal for trace and ultra-trace analysis. -
Advanced Ion Transmission Design
Uses enhanced ion focusing and transfer efficiency to significantly improve signal strength and overall sensitivity. -
Wide Dynamic Range
Accurately quantifies both very low and high concentration compounds within the same analytical run. -
High-Speed Acquisition for UHPLC
Captures narrow chromatographic peaks with precision, supporting fast LC separations without data loss. -
Large-Scale MRM Capability
Handles extensive multi-analyte methods, allowing thousands of transitions in a single workflow. -
Rapid Polarity Switching
Easily alternates between ion modes to improve method efficiency and reduce total run time. -
Low Noise Collision Cell Design
Minimizes chemical background interference for improved signal clarity and reproducibility. -
Versatile Ion Source Options
Compatible with ESI and multi-mode ionization configurations for broader application flexibility. -
Integrated Software Workflow
Controlled through Agilent MassHunter software for streamlined setup, data acquisition, and reporting. -
Reliable High-Throughput Operation
Built for demanding lab environments requiring consistent performance over extended use.
Applications
-
Pharmaceutical Analysis
Quantitative drug analysis, metabolite profiling, and regulatory testing workflows. -
Environmental Monitoring
Detection of trace contaminants and pollutants in water, soil, and air samples. -
Food Safety Testing
Screening for pesticide residues, toxins, and chemical contaminants across large sample sets. -
Clinical & Biomarker Research
Accurate quantitation of biological markers in complex biological matrices. -
Forensic & Toxicology Labs
Identification and quantification of drugs, toxins, and unknown compounds. -
Omics Research (Proteomics & Metabolomics)
Targeted studies of peptides, metabolites, and small molecules in advanced research labs.
Start Guide – Agilent 6490 Triple Quad LC/MS.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the Agilent 6490 LC/MS best used for?
It is designed for highly sensitive quantitative analysis, especially for applications that require detecting very low concentrations in complex samples.
It is designed for highly sensitive quantitative analysis, especially for applications that require detecting very low concentrations in complex samples.
How is the 6490 different from lower models like the 6430?
The 6490 offers significantly higher sensitivity and a wider dynamic range, making it better suited for ultra-trace applications and demanding workflows.
The 6490 offers significantly higher sensitivity and a wider dynamic range, making it better suited for ultra-trace applications and demanding workflows.
Can the system handle high-throughput testing?
Yes, it supports fast scan speeds and large MRM methods, making it ideal for laboratories running many samples daily.
Yes, it supports fast scan speeds and large MRM methods, making it ideal for laboratories running many samples daily.
Is it compatible with UHPLC systems?
Yes, it is fully compatible with modern UHPLC setups and performs well with fast, narrow peaks.
Yes, it is fully compatible with modern UHPLC setups and performs well with fast, narrow peaks.
What ion sources are supported?
The system supports electrospray ionization (ESI) and can be configured with additional ionization options depending on application needs.
The system supports electrospray ionization (ESI) and can be configured with additional ionization options depending on application needs.
Is the Agilent 6490 suitable for complex sample matrices?
Yes, it is specifically designed to maintain performance and sensitivity even when analyzing complicated biological or environmental samples.
Yes, it is specifically designed to maintain performance and sensitivity even when analyzing complicated biological or environmental samples.
Who should consider the 6490?
Labs that need maximum sensitivity, high throughput, and reliable quantitation—especially in regulated or research-intensive environments.
Labs that need maximum sensitivity, high throughput, and reliable quantitation—especially in regulated or research-intensive environments.
