Finnigan LCQ DECA – Ion trap mass spectrometer for LC/MSn analysis
The Finnigan LCQ DECA is an ion trap mass spectrometer developed by Thermo Finnigan (now Thermo Fisher Scientific), designed to provide a powerful, flexible and accessible analytical solution for research and analytical laboratories. Thanks to its LC/MSn technology, it enables in-depth characterisation of chemical compounds, even at very low concentrations, in complex matrices.
This system is particularly popular in the fields of pharmacology, toxicology, proteomics, metabolomics, analytical chemistry and biomedical research. It is capable of identifying and quantifying drugs, metabolites, peptides, proteins or biomarkers in biological samples such as plasma, urine or tissue.
One of the major advantages of LCQ DECA is its multi-step analysis (MSn) capability. This feature allows ions to be fragmented several times, generating successive mass spectra that reveal detailed structural information. This approach is essential for elucidating complex molecular structures, detecting unknown contaminants or characterising post-translational modifications on proteins.
The system is equipped with an electrospray ionisation (ESI) source, ideal for polar and thermolabile compounds. It is also compatible with other sources such as APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation) or APPI (photo-chemical ionisation), which greatly expands the range of detectable analytes.
The Xcalibur software, supplied with the instrument, provides an intuitive interface for method configuration, data acquisition and processing. It enables the automation of analysis sequences, the creation of customised reports and easy integration with external databases. Thanks to its features, Xcalibur facilitates the management of complex projects while ensuring the traceability and reproducibility of results.
The LCQ DECA also stands out for its robustness, reliability and ease of maintenance. It is designed to operate stably over long periods with minimal technical intervention. Its modular architecture allows for easy maintenance, and integrated diagnostics facilitate quick troubleshooting when needed.
The Finnigan LCQ DECA is a versatile, high-performance and proven analytical tool that meets the sensitivity, accuracy and flexibility requirements of modern laboratories. It is an excellent choice for researchers and analysts who want to explore the chemical complexity of living organisms or the environment with rigour and efficiency.
