The Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum XLS offers maximum precision and sensitivity to gas chromatography (GC)/MS analysis. After separation of a sample into its components by GC, the components are transferred to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer through an electron ionization (EI) or chemical ionization (CI) source. Furthermore, this instrument contains an electron capture detector (ECD), which is beneficial for detecting halogenated compounds in addition to MS. Our group has used the TSQ to replicate the capabilities of much more expensive instrumentation.

Our group has used this instrument for many projects including:

• Studies of the fate of PBDEs in human liver extracts, blood, serum, and breast milk
• Studies of estrogens in cow manure
• Analysis of pesticides in birds