LC-MS analysis

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a combined technique used to systematically separate and analyze the compounds present in a sample. LC-MS is ideal for splitting up complicated mixtures and identifying unknown chemical species. Combined with its high sensitivity, this makes it a popular technique across different industries.

LC-MS analysis
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Some of our LC-MS services

Specific migration testing – primary aromatic amines (PAA), extended package

EN 13130-1
Primary aromatic amines (PAA) are a class of compounds that are generated when residual isocyanate groups in food contact materials react with the water in foods. In addition, articles in which aniline, benzidine, or other PAAs have been used as precursors for pigments or as curing agents can be a source for restricted PAA. Certain PAAs are known carcinogens, and these are listed in entry 43 to Appendix 8 of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and Council (known as the REACH Regulation). These PAAs are not allowed to migrate into food or food simulants. Primary aromatic amine testing is especially relevant for products that contain, for example, the following: Aromatic isocyanate groups containing SML substances, Polyurethane-based materials, Azo dyes, Recycled plastic. This test package includes the analysis of the following substances: Substance CAS number 2-Amino-4-nitrotoluene 99-55-8 2-Naphthylamine 91-59-8 2,4-Diaminoanisole 615-05-4 2,4-Toluenediamine 95-80-7 2,4,5-Trimethylaniline 137-17-7 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 91-94-1 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine 119-90-4 4,4ʹ-Diamino-3,3ʹ-dimethyldiphenylmethane, 838-88-0 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine 119-93-7 4-Aminoazobenzene 60-09-3 4-Aminodiphenyl 92-67-1 4-Chloro-o-toluidine 95-69-2 4,4'-Diaminodiphenylmethane 101-77-9 4,4ʹ-Methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline) 101-14-4 4,4'-Oxydianiline 101-80-4 4,4'-Thiodianiline 139-65-1 Benzidine 92-87-5 o-Aminoazotoluene 97-56-3 o-Anisidine 90-04-0 o-Toluidine 95-53-4 p-Chloroaniline 106-47-8 p-Cresidine 120-71-8 1,2-Phenylenediamine 95-54-5 1,3-Phenylenediamine 108-45-2 1,4-Phenylenediamine 106-50-3 1,5-Diaminonaphthalene 2243-62-1 2-Aminobenzamide 88-68-6 2,4-Dimethylaniline 95-68-1 2,4'-Methylenedianiline 1208-52-2 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-chloroaniline 6358-64-1 2,6-Diaminotoluene 823-40-5 2,6-Dimethylaniline 87-62-7 3-Chloroaniline 108-42-9 4-Aminobenzamide 2835-68-9 4-Methylaminosulfonyl-p-cresidine 49564-57-0 4,4′-Diaminodiphenyl sulfone 80-08-0 5-Amino-6-methyl-2-benzimidazolone 67014-36-2 Aniline 62-53-3 4-Aminotoluene-3-sulfonic acid 88-44-8 N,N-Dimethylaniline 121-69-7 p-Toluidine 106-49-0 Sum of primary aromatic amines -
385 €
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Bisphenol A content

CEN/TS 13130-13, EN 14350-2, EN 14372, …
We offer bisphenol A (BPA) content determination for various matrices, including: Consumer goods made from plastic, elastomers, and rubber, Toys and childcare articles, Food packaging (plastic, paper, multi-materials), Food (herbs, spices, nuts, coffee, etc.). Extraction is possible with various techniques, including: Cold water extract (EN 645), hot water extract (EN 647), or solvent extract (EN 15519) from packaging containing recycled fibers for compliance according to German BfR recommendation XXXVI, Acetonitrile extract of food contact materials for compliance according to French regulation LOI n° 2012-1442, Release into aqueous simulant from child care articles for compliance according to EN 14372 and EN 14350, Release into aqueous simulant from toys for compliance according to Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. For food contact materials, we also offer a low LOD method that meets the 1 μg/kg detection limit specified in Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190. Our experts are happy to provide a quote for BPA testing with this method.
254 €
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Specific migration testing – non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), LC-QTOF-MS

EN 13130-1
Analysis of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), which are chemicals that are present in a food contact material (FCM) or food contact article (FCA) but have not been added for a technical reason during the production process. NIAS chemicals have various sources and can be grouped into side products, breakdown products, and contaminants. Analysis is available for various simulants apart from the dry food simulant (Tenax) and olive oil. The price includes a simple risk assessment based on EU regulations for food contact materials, and EFSA's Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. More extensive risk assessment is available upon request. The analysis is performed using the LC-QTOF-MS method (liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry).
546 €
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Chemical characterization of medical devices by ISO 10993-18

ISO 10993-18
Chemical characterization by the ISO 10993-18 standard is performed to identify the constituents of a medical device and to estimate and control the risks associated with its chemical composition. The test is a key part of assessing the biocompatibility of medical devices. Chemical characterization includes the estimation of substances released under simulated or exaggerated laboratory conditions (extractables) or the detection of actually released substances (leachables) by the medical device during clinical use. Applicable methods may include HS-GC (volatile organic compounds), GC-MS (semi-volatile organic compounds), LC-MS (non-volatile organic compounds), and ICP-MS (inorganic elements). Suitable tests, solvents, and analysis methods are chosen according to the device's composition, intended contact time, and site. We provide a range of chemical characterization tests based on the market area (MDR, FDA) and quality requirements (GLP). The tests are always customized for the product. Any chemicals detected above the concentrations established to be safe require further evaluation, typically through a toxicological risk assessment (ISO 10993-17). The starting price is based on the chemical characterization of volatile organic compounds (GLP, FDA).
5,200 €
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Isothiazolinone content

EN 645, EN 647
Determination of isothiazolinones in consumer goods. Isothiazolinones are common preservatives (biocides) in cosmetics, chemical formulations, and printing inks. The following isothiazolinones are included in the analysis: 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3(2h)-one (BIT, CAS: 2634-33-5), 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MIT, CAS: 2682-20-4), 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CMIT, CAS: 26172-55-4), CMIT/MIT mixture (CAS: 55965-84-9). Maximum content limits for isothiazolinones are specified in several EU directives and regulations, including the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, the Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, and the Food Contact Plastics Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.
302 €
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Specific migration testing – epoxy derivatives and bisphenols A, B, F, and S

Specific migration testing of epoxy derivatives used in the manufacturing of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. EU legislation bans some epoxy derivatives in food contact materials while imposing migration limits on others. Compliance can be evaluated using the following regulations as safety references: Commission Regulation (EC) No 1895/2005 on restricting the use of certain epoxy derivatives in food contact articles, Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials. This analysis package includes the following substances: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Bisphenol A BPA 80-05-7 Bisphenol B BPB 77-40-7 Bisphenol F BPF 620-92-8 Bisphenol S BPS 80-09-1 Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether BADGE 1675-54-3 Bisphenol A bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether BADGE.2H2O 5581-32-8 Bisphenol A bis(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) ether BADGE.2HCl 4809-35-2 Bisphenol A (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether BADGE.H2O 76002-91-0 Bisphenol A (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether BADGE.HCl 13836-48-1 Bisphenol A (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether BADGE.HCl.H2O 227947-06-0 Bis[4-(glycidyloxy)phenyl]methane BFDGE 2095-03-6 Bisphenol F bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether BFDGE.2H2O 72406-26-9 Bisphenol F bis(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) ether para-para BFDGE.2HCl 235741-59-0 Cyclo-di-BADGE CdB 20583-87-3 Novolac glycidyl ether* 3-ring NOGE 158163-01-0 * 4-6-ring NOGE are also determined More information on bisphenol A testing requirements can be found here.
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Perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) in water, method based on US EPA 1633

Determination of PFAS compounds using a method based on the US EPA 1633. Wide analysis package including the following 49 PFAS-compounds: Compound Abbreviation CAS number Perfluorobutanoic acid PFBA 375-22-4 Perfluoropentanoic acid PFPeA 2706-90-3 Perfluorohexanoic acid PFHxA 307-24-4 Perfluoroheptanoic acid PFHpA 375-85-9 Perfluorooctanoic acid PFOA 335-67-1 Perfluorononanoic acid PFNA 375-95-1 Perfluorodecanoic acid PFDA 335-76-2 Perfluoroundecanoic acid PFUnA 2058-94-8 Perfluorododecanoic acid PFDoA 307-55-1 Perfluorotridecanoic acid PFTrDA 72629-94-8 Perfluorotetradecanoic acid PFTeDA 376-06-7 Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid PFBS 375-73-5 Perfluoropentansulfonic acid PFPeS 2706-91-4 Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid PFHxS 355-46-4 Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid PFHpS 375-92-8 Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid PFOS 1763-23-1 Perfluorononanesulfonic acid PFNS 68259-12-1 Perfluorodecanesulfonic acid PFDS 335-77-3 Perfluorododecanesulfonic acid PFDoS 79780-39-5 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid 4:2FTS 757124-72-4 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid 6:2FTS 27619-97-2 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid 8:2FTS 39108-34-4 Perfluorooctanesulfonamide PFOSA 754-91-6 N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide NMeFOSA 31506-32-8 N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide NEtFOSA 4151-50-2 N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid NMeFOSAA 2355-31-9 N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid NEtFOSAA 2991-50-6 N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoethanol NMeFOSE 24448-09-7 N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoethanol NEtFOSE 1691-99-2 Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid HFPO-DA 13252-13-6 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid ADONA 919005-14-4 Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid PFMPA 377-73-1 Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid PFMBA 863090-89-5 Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid NFDHA 151772-58-6 9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid 9Cl-PF3ONS 756426-58-1 11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid 11Cl-PF3OUdS 763051-92-9 Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid PFEESA 113507-82-7 3-Perfluoropropyl propanoic acid 3:3FTCA 356-02-5 2H,2H,3H,3H-Perfluorooctanoic acid 5:3FTCA 914637-49-3 3-Perfluoroheptyl propanoic acid 7:3FTCA 812-70-4 Perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate PFecHS 335-24-0 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorododecanesulfonate 10:2 FTS 108026-35-3 Perfluorobutane sulfonamide FBSA 30334-69-1 Perfluorohexanesulfonamide FHxSA 41997-13-1 Perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid FOSAA 2806-24-8 Perfluoro-2,5-dimethyl-3,6-dioxanonanoic acid HFPO-TA 13252-14-7 Perfluorohexadecanoic acid PFHxDA 67905-19-5 Perfluorooctadecanoic acid PFODA 16517-11-6 Perfluoroundecanesulfonic acid PFUnDS 749786-16-1 Please contact our experts through the form below for more detailed information on the analysis.
348 €
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Specific migration testing – bisphenol A

CEN/TS 13130-13
Specific migration of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, commonly known as bisphenol A or BPA, from a plastic sample or material intended for food contact. Bisphenol A [CAS: 80-05-7] was previously listed under FCM No. 151 and Ref No. 13480/13607 in European Commission Regulation No 10/2011 with a specific migration limit (SML) value of 0.05 mg/kg of food. Using BPA in food contact materials was recently banned by Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, but materials compliant with the previous SML value can still be placed on the market until 20 July 2026 or 20 January 2028, depending on the material. The starting price for this measurement covers testing in line with the previous SML value. The analysis can also be performed with a low detection limit method (1 μg/kg), as specified in the new regulation. Please contact us for a quote.
271 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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  • Personal service from method experts
  • Competitive prices
  • Result accuracy guarantee

What is LC-MS analysis used for?

One common use of LC-MS is specific migration testing of food contact materials, where the method is used to quantify the migration of specified toxicologically concerning substances from the contact material to a food simulant. Examples of this include bisphenol A testing and primary aromatic amine (PAA) screening. Similarly, in the food and feed industries, LC-MS can be used for mycotoxin testing and for identifying and quantifying other unwanted contaminants.

LC-MS is also used in biochemical research to investigate proteins and other large molecules and in pharmaceutical development for research and quality control. In environmental analysis, LC-MS is commonly used to analyze water, soil, and other natural samples. Its ability to separate compounds based on molecular weight also makes it indispensable in the analysis of large molecules in polymer and material science.

How does LC-MS work?

LC-MS is a technique of two halves. Firstly, the sample is separated through liquid chromatography. This involves passing it through a column containing a stationary phase, which is usually silica or another inert solid, and a mobile phase, which is a solvent. Different compounds will pass through the column at different rates, which effectively separates them, staggering the times at which they reach the end of the column.

As each component reaches the end, it enters the mass spectrometer section. Here, each chemical species is ionized and accelerated through a flight chamber. The effect of the electric and magnetic fields in the chamber causes the ions to be separated based on their respective masses and electrical charges. As they reach the end, they are detected, which creates a log of the different molecular weights that have passed through the system.

Sample requirements

LC-MS samples must be able to pass through a liquid chromatography column, that is, they must be in the form of a liquid or solution. Solid samples can be tested if they are first dissolved in a suitable solvent. 

Advantages of LC-MS

LC-MS can detect components within a solution down to parts per million (ppm) concentrations, making it incredibly sensitive. The method can be used on a wide variety of sample types, and can easily detect several components in a sample, even helping to identify unknown components.

Limitations of LC-MS

LC-MS is a destructive technique, as samples are ionized and broken apart during the latter half of the analysis. It also has a slower throughput than some less complicated techniques, such as GC-MS. Certain solutions and contaminants can affect the results gathered from LC-MS and may therefore not be suitable for testing. If the target analytes are fluorescent (e.g., certain vitamins or melatonin), the highly selective fluorescence detector used in HPLC-FLD can be chosen instead to minimize interference from contaminants or the solvent.

What is liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)?

LC-MS/MS is fundamentally similar to standard LC-MS. The difference is that the second half is replaced by a technique called tandem mass spectrometry (denoted as MS/MS). In tandem mass spectrometry, the analyte is passed through two mass spectrometry steps in sequence, enabling more in-depth analysis and improved sensitivity. This makes LC-MS/MS ideal for detecting trace quantities of analytes, such as nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals, PFAS in environmental samples, or persistent organic pollutant (POP) traces in food.

Do you need an LC-MS analysis?

Measurlabs offers high-quality laboratory services with techniques including LC-MS, HPLC-MS, and UPLC-MS/MS. Whether it’s just a dozen of samples or a large series, we offer competitive pricing and deliver reliable results quickly. Should you need assistance with method selection, our testing experts are always here to help craft testing plans and offer their best recommendations. Contact us through the form below to get a quote and start the discussion.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Organic solutions
  • Proteins
  • Dissolved polymers
  • Water samples
  • Pharmaceuticals

Ideal uses of LC-MS

  • Determining molecular weights during polymerization
  • Identifying parts of larger biomolecules
  • Identifying unknown organic contaminants
  • Detecting impurities in water samples
  • Testing for toxins

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  • Do you have a recurring need for these tests? If yes, how often and for how many samples at a time?

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Frequently asked questions

What is LC-MS commonly used for?

Common applications of LC-MS include pharmaceutical and food industry quality control. In environmental testing, LC-MS can be used for PFAS testing and for screening other selected contaminants in water.

What are the limitations of LC-MS?

Compared to other methods, LC-MS analysis is relatively expensive and time-consuming. HPLC-DAD can be a more straightforward and cost-effective alternative for some analyses.

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.