It is not uncommon for customers to have a good tune report on an LCMS or GCMS but still have poor results with their samples. One thing to keep in mind is that the tune report is snapshot of an instant in time. One thing we know is that moving pictures tell a better story than snapshots.
Here is a quick way to take a deeper look at the condition of your mass spec.
With the tuning solution connected, monitor ions in the negative mode for a minute then switch to positive mode. Note the initial intensity of a few ions.
On this system the intensity begins to drop after just a few seconds. This is a condition know as the “charging effect”.
This occurs when the mass spec is especially dirty. In most cases this requires professional attention. Fortunately, we are here to help with all your Shimadzu Mass spec service needs.
