Introduction: High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) is one of the most advanced tools in modern analytical science. It gives researchers the ability to identify, measure, and study molecules with outstanding accuracy and confidence. At ResolveMass Laboratories Inc., with facilities in both Canada and the United States, we provide specialized HRMS services for industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, polymers, chemicals, and medical devices.
Our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art HRMS instruments like the Thermo Orbitrap Q Exactive Plus and the Sciex 5600 TOF. These instruments deliver reliable and reproducible data while meeting both research and regulatory standards. Alongside our equipment, we use advanced software platforms and scientific expertise, ensuring every project follows validated workflows that meet international guidelines.
By combining technology, expertise, and strict quality processes, ResolveMass helps clients achieve fast turnaround times, dependable outcomes, and complete regulatory alignment. Whether the study involves impurity profiling, residual solvent testing, or extractables and leachables analysis, our High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) capabilities guarantee trustworthy results.
Quick Summary of This Article
- ResolveMass Laboratories provides High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) services across Canada and the United States.
- Core instruments include the Thermo Orbitrap Q Exactive Plus and Sciex 5600 TOF, supported by specialized analytical software.
- Services cover extractables and leachables studies, impurity profiling, direct infusion analysis, polymer testing, and more.
- HRMS is widely applied in pharmaceuticals, polymers, biologics, medical devices, and environmental sciences.
- All workflows are validated, reproducible, and compliant with global standards.
- Clients benefit from transparency, accuracy, and regulatory-ready results.
- FAQs at the end provide further clarity for researchers and regulatory teams.
This summary helps readers quickly understand the scope of HRMS services offered while reinforcing ResolveMass as a trusted name in regulated analytical testing.
What Is High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)?
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) is an advanced analytical technique that measures the exact molecular mass of compounds with precision often within a few parts per million (ppm). This accuracy enables scientists to confidently detect unknown compounds, identify impurities at trace levels, and confirm molecular structures.
At ResolveMass Laboratories, HRMS plays a central role in supporting both exploratory and regulated studies. The technique is especially valuable in areas such as drug development and medical device testing, where even small differences in molecules can have significant effects. By detecting changes quickly and accurately, HRMS helps organizations maintain product safety and meet strict regulatory expectations.
HRMS Instruments at ResolveMass Laboratories
Thermo Orbitrap Q Exactive Plus
The Thermo Orbitrap Q Exactive Plus is one of the flagship HRMS instruments at ResolveMass. It combines quadrupole precursor selection with Orbitrap mass analysis, offering high resolution along with rapid scanning speeds.
- Software platforms: Xcalibur, Chromeleon, Proteome Discoverer
- Key applications: peptide and protein studies, pharmaceutical impurity profiling, metabolomics, lipidomics, and direct infusion testing
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Resolution > 140,000 | Exceptional precision for complex chemical and biological samples |
| Fast polarity switching | Efficient testing of mixed or diverse sample types |
| Robust quantification | Reliable detection in both research and regulated environments |
The Orbitrap system is highly effective for high-throughput research. Its balance of sensitivity and accuracy makes it particularly valuable in pharmaceutical development and advanced biomolecular testing.
Sciex 5600 TOF (TripleTOF)
The Sciex 5600 TOF is another powerful tool in ResolveMass laboratories. It uses time-of-flight technology paired with high sensitivity, making it ideal for both qualitative and quantitative investigations.
- Software platform: Analyst software for data acquisition and interpretation
- Key applications: structural elucidation, residual solvent testing, extractables and leachables, environmental contaminant analysis
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Fast MS/MS acquisition | Excellent for studying complex mixtures |
| High mass accuracy | Ensures reliability in regulatory submissions |
| Broad dynamic range | Capable of detecting trace-level as well as higher-concentration analytes |
This system offers flexibility for a wide range of industries. From pharmaceuticals to environmental sciences, its high dynamic range ensures no loss of accuracy, even when compounds are present at very low concentrations.
Applications of High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) at ResolveMass
Extractables and Leachables Testing
HRMS is widely used to detect and measure trace contaminants that may migrate from packaging materials or medical devices. These tests are critical for ensuring patient safety and meeting regulatory guidelines such as FDA, EMA, and ISO standards.
Learn more: Extractables and Leachables Testing.
Impurity Profiling
With both Orbitrap and TOF instruments, ResolveMass can identify impurities at extremely low levels. This makes impurity profiling essential during drug development, manufacturing, and long-term stability testing.
Explore: Impurity Profiling.
Peptide Sequencing and Mapping
HRMS provides high-resolution analysis of peptides, allowing for precise sequencing and peptide mapping. These capabilities are particularly valuable in biopharmaceutical development, where verifying peptide integrity and sequence accuracy is essential.
Explore : Peptide sequencing
Nitrosamine Testing
With heightened regulatory focus on nitrosamine contaminants, HRMS offers highly sensitive detection and quantitation methods. This ensures compliance with global safety guidelines while supporting rapid risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Learn more : Nitrosamine analysis
Impurity Identification and Characterization
Beyond routine profiling, HRMS enables detailed identification and structural characterization of impurities. This deeper understanding supports root-cause investigations, helps optimize purification processes, and provides critical data for regulatory submissions.
Direct Infusion Studies
Direct infusion paired with HRMS allows high-throughput screening of complex samples with minimal preparation. This speeds up the research process and delivers fast, reliable insights for early-stage discovery projects.
Advanced Structural Studies
When HRMS is integrated with techniques like NMR spectroscopy and HPLC, it enables complete structural characterization. This combined approach helps confirm compound identity, understand metabolites, and support regulatory filings.
Why Choose ResolveMass Laboratories for HRMS?
- Experience: Our scientists bring extensive expertise across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, polymers, and chemical analysis.
- Expertise: Every method is validated to meet strict regulatory requirements as well as exploratory research needs.
- Authority: Trusted by global clients operating in heavily regulated industries.
- Transparency: ISO-compliant workflows, reproducibility, and clear reporting ensure accuracy in every project.
In addition, our team works closely with each client to design studies tailored to their unique research and compliance objectives. With advanced High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) platforms, we deliver results that are precise, dependable, and actionable.
Conclusion
ResolveMass Laboratories provides advanced HRMS services with instruments such as the Thermo Orbitrap Q Exactive Plus and the Sciex 5600 TOF. Serving clients across Canada and the United States, we deliver accurate analytical solutions for applications ranging from impurity profiling to extractables and leachables studies.
With our blend of cutting-edge instruments, validated methods, and expert staff, we help clients meet international regulatory standards with confidence. To learn more about our instruments and applications, visit our Analytical Instruments page.
📩 Get in touch today: Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) is a technique that measures the exact molecular weight of compounds with very high accuracy. It helps scientists identify unknown substances, detect impurities, and confirm molecular structures. Because of its precision, HRMS is widely used in regulated industries where safety and reliability are critical.
At ResolveMass Laboratories, we use two of the most advanced HRMS platforms: the Thermo Orbitrap Q Exactive Plus and the Sciex 5600 TOF. These instruments are supported by specialized software such as Xcalibur, Chromeleon, Proteome Discoverer, and Analyst. Together, they allow us to provide highly accurate and reproducible data for a wide range of studies.
Yes, HRMS is one of the most reliable tools for impurity profiling. It can detect and measure impurities at very low levels, even in complex mixtures. This makes it essential during drug development and manufacturing, where identifying and controlling impurities ensures both product quality and regulatory approval.
HRMS plays a key role in extractables and leachables testing by detecting small amounts of contaminants that may migrate from packaging or medical devices into the product. Identifying these compounds helps ensure patient safety and compliance with FDA, EMA, and ISO regulations. This type of analysis is vital in industries where product safety cannot be compromised.
Our HRMS instruments are supported by advanced data platforms, including Xcalibur, Chromeleon, Proteome Discoverer, and Analyst. These programs manage everything from sample acquisition to data processing and interpretation. The use of multiple software tools ensures accurate reporting and smooth compliance with international standards.
Yes, our team provides polymer analysis using HRMS combined with techniques such as Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). This approach allows us to evaluate molecular weights, study degradation patterns, and assess overall material stability. These insights help industries improve material performance while maintaining regulatory compliance.
No, HRMS does not replace HPLC but rather complements it. HPLC provides separation of complex mixtures, while HRMS adds detailed molecular information with high mass accuracy. When used together, they give a complete analytical picture, which is especially valuable for regulated studies and structural characterization.
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References
- Marshall, A. G., & Hendrickson, C. L. (2008). High-resolution mass spectrometers. Annual Review of Analytical Chemistry, 1, 579–599. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.anchem.1.031207.112945
- Crutchfield, C. A., Wilkins, C. L., & Easterling, M. L. (2019). Present and future applications of high resolution mass spectrometers. Analytical Chemistry, 91(6), 3144–3154. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05017
- Tamara, S., den Boer, M. A., & Heck, A. J. R. (2022). High-resolution native mass spectrometry. Chemical Reviews, 122(8), 7269–7326. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00212
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