Refurbished mass spectrometer buyer's guide

A used high-resolution mass spectrometer can cost a third of new, but it's also the most technical purchase in the lab. Whether you're looking at a Thermo Orbitrap, a SCIEX or Agilent triple quadrupole, or a Waters/Bruker QTOF, these points matter most.

1. Analyzer type drives the application

Triple quadrupoles excel at targeted quantitation (SRM/MRM); Orbitrap and QTOF systems deliver high-resolution accurate mass for discovery, proteomics and unknown screening. Buy the analyzer that fits your science — resolution and scan speed specs only matter in that context.

2. Vacuum, source and detector health

Turbo pumps, the ion source, and the detector/multiplier are the components that age. Ask whether the system pumps down and holds vacuum, whether a recent tune/calibration passed, and the detector's condition. A system that tunes and calibrates to spec is the strongest signal of health.

3. The LC front end and software

Most MS systems are sold as LC-MS. Confirm the LC (pumps, autosampler, column oven) is included and functional, and that the acquisition/processing software and a compatible workstation come with it. Licensing and PC compatibility are frequent gaps.

4. Installation and logistics

These instruments need careful de-installation, crating and often professional re-installation. We arrange packing and freight, confirm the serial-numbered configuration in writing, and back the system with our 30-day functional guarantee.

Browse Mass Spectrometry stock, or send the model you're targeting for condition and pricing.