Methods / HPLC-MS

HPLC-MS analysis

HPLC-MS is an effective analytical technique for determining the composition and purity of chemicals. The combination of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) offers great capabilities in physical separation and mass analysis, providing accurate data on sample composition.

HPLC-MS analysis
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Some of our HPLC services

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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Substances of very high concern (SVHC) analysis

The substances of very high concern (SVHC) analysis provides comprehensive material screening for SVHC substances as listed in the Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemical Substances (REACH). The maximum allowed concentration of any substance on the SVCH list is 0.1 mass-%. If the product contains more than 0.1% w/w of an SVHC substance, ECHA has to be notified and information on the safe use of the article must be provided to customers upon request. Contact us to request a quote for screening your material for SVHCs. The price of the analysis depends on the sample type.
400–600 €
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Specific migration testing – Irganox 1076

EN 13130-1
Specific migration of octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, known by the trade name Irganox 1076 [CAS 2082-79-3], from a plastic material intended for food contact. The substance is listed under FCM No 433 and Ref No 68320 in European Commission Regulation 10/2011 with an SML value of 6 mg/kg of food.
295 €
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Preservatives - benzoic acid and sorbic acid

Benzoic and sorbic acids can be used as preservatives in various foods. Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 regulates the foods in which benzoic and sorbic acid can be used as additives and specifies the maximum levels allowed. This HPLC-UV method can be used to quantify amounts of benzoic and sorbic acids or corresponding sodium and potassium salts.
100 €
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Pesticide residue screening (extensive package)

EN 15662
Screening of pesticide residues from various matrices, including food, feed, and dietary supplements. Pesticides are extracted using acetonitrile according to the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method and analyzed using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. A list of the tested compounds (500+) is available upon request. Pesticides are used to protect plants and plant products from the effects of harmful organisms. However, these substances can be present as toxic residues in treated plant products, animals feeding on those products, and honey produced by bees exposed to pesticides. Compliance can be evaluated using Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as a safety reference.
250 €
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Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 determination

EN 14123
Determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in food, feed, and dietary supplements with an HPLC method based on EN 14123. Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by certain Aspergillus fungi. According to EU food contaminant regulations, materials that potentially require testing include: Groundnuts, tree nuts, Dried fruits, certain spices, Cereals, cereal products, Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children, Feed materials, complementary feed, complete feed. Compliance can be evaluated based on the following regulations: Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915, Directive 2002/32/EC. Note that we also offer aflatoxin M1 testing for milk-based products.
95 €
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Acrylamide determination

Acrylamide is a food contaminant that forms from the naturally occurring constituents of the amino acid asparagine and reducing sugars, such as glucose and fructose, when food is prepared in low-moisture conditions at temperatures above 120 °C. The risk of acrylamide contamination is highest for baked and fried carbohydrate-rich foods whose raw materials contain its precursors, such as cereals, potatoes, and coffee beans. Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 establishes mitigation measures to lower the levels of acrylamide in food and sets benchmark levels for acrylamide in different types of foodstuffs. The regulation mandates food business operators to undertake regular, risk-based sampling and analysis of acrylamide in the relevant product groups. Products with set benchmark levels include a variety of processed potato and cereal products, coffee products, baby foods, and cereal products for infants and young children.
135 €
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Vitamin B1 (thiamine) in food and dietary supplements

AOAC 2015.14
Determination of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in food with an HPLC-MS/MS method, or in dietary supplements with a UPLC-MS/MS method. According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, thiamine content may be included in the nutrition declaration for food products if it is present in significant amounts. Considering the daily reference intake (DRI) of 1.1 mg, thiamin can be declared in at least the following amounts: 165 µg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of DRI), 82.5 µg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of DRI), 165 µg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of DRI). Foods and beverages that contain at least the above amounts of thiamine are considered sources of thiamine. Such products may be labeled with additional health claims, such as: Thiamine contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, Thiamine contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system, Thiamine contributes to the normal function of the heart, Thiamine contributes to normal psychological function. More information on permitted nutrition and health claims can be found in Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EU) No 432/2012.
100–125 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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HPLC mass spectrometry as an analytical tool

High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) is an ideal tool for the identification, quantitation, and mass analysis of components, often used to determine the chemical composition and purity of chemicals. HPLC-MS has high sensitivity and is optimal for performing precise and reproducible quantitative analyses. The method is ideal for detecting heat-labile compounds, such as proteins and vitamins in food products. Food contaminants are also often quantified using HPLC-MS.

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The operating principle

In HPLC-MS, the two techniques (HPLC and MS) are connected by an interface that transfers the separated components from the liquid chromatograph column into the mass spectrometer ion source. An interface is needed since HPLC operates at high pressure and the MS system has a high vacuum.

HPLC includes a mobile phase and a stationary phase, both of which can be modified to suit the sample matrix and the desired properties to be determined. Usually, the mobile phase is adjusted to the sample, and the stationary phase is adjusted to work well with the mobile phase. The degree of compound separation is based on the compound’s affinity for the mobile phase.

HPLC methods can be divided into two main categories based on the properties of the stationary and mobile phases. A combination of a polar stationary phase and a non-polar mobile phase is called "normal-phase chromatography" and the opposite of that, the combination of a non-polar stationery and a polar mobile phase is called "reverse-phase chromatography".

Normal-phase HPLC

In normal-phase HPLC, the column is usually filled with silica particles. The silica is polar and will bind to polar molecules in the mobile phase. This means that the least polar compounds elute first and the most polar compounds last. Normal-phase HPLC is suitable for highly hydrophobic or hydrophilic compounds, compounds that are not soluble in water, and compounds that may decompose in water. The ideal use of normal-phase HPLC is the separation of isomers.

Reverse-phase HPLC

In reverse-phase HPLC, the stationary phase usually consists of C8 or C18 silica (silica derivatized with alkyl chains). Unlike in normal-phase HPLC, in reverse-phase HPLC, the most polar compounds elute first and the least polar compounds last. The stationary phase can be composed of different solids to meet different needs.

Combining HPLC with mass spectrometry

Once compounds have been separated using HPLC, they are identified and their contents are determined by mass spectrometry (MS), which creates a mass spectrum that is unique for every compound. In mass spectrometry, the compounds and their fragments are ionized using either electron or chemical ionization. The sample is then accelerated through a mass analyzer, which includes either a quadrupole or an ion trap, and the ions are identified based on their mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios. 

It is also possible to combine HPLC with detectors other than the mass spectrometer. In HPLC-DAD analysis, for example, a diode-array detector is used instead. The choice of the most appropriate detector depends on the analyte and the goal of the analysis. In general, HPLC-MS is more suitable for identifying unknown components, while the DAD-detector works well in quantifying known components. For certain analytes with fluorescent properties, the HPLC-FLD method (with a fluorescence detector) can yield excellent results.

Samples and sample preparation

HPLC-MS is suitable for samples in liquid form. For solid sample matrices, sample preparation is necessary. Compounds that are being determined must be extracted into a solvent and filtered before analysis.

Need HPLC-MS analyses?

Measurlabs offers laboratory testing with HPLC-MS and other HPLC-techniques. We process even large sample batches with speed, precision, and quality, enabling you to get the insights you need without unnecessary delays. Should you need assistance with method selection, our testing experts are always here to help craft testing plans and offer their best recommendations.

More than 700 companies choose Measurlabs for accurate results and dependable service - contact us through the form below to get a quote and experience our service level yourself.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Pharmaceutical products
  • Cosmetics
  • Environmental samples
  • Biological samples
  • Packaging materials
  • Chemical products
  • Food products

Ideal uses of HPLC-MS

  • Quality assurance and quality control
  • Quantitative purity analysis
  • Proteomics analysis
  • Pharmaceutical analysis
  • Non-volatile and complex molecule analysis
  • Isomer separation and identification

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Answering the following questions helps us prepare an offer for you faster:

  • How many samples do you have and what is the sample material?
  • 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 HPLC-MS commonly used for?

High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is commonly used for analyzing organic and inorganic compounds. Contaminant screening, including POP testing, is a popular application. Complex samples, often found in the environment, are especially well-suited for HPLC-MS. 

What are the limitations of HPLC-MS?

Compounds analyzed with HPLC-MS need to be soluble in common solvents like water, different types of alcohol, or acetonitrile. The instruments usually have limited pump pressure and are often not compatible with aggressive non-polar solvents. UHPLC-MS offers a higher pressure setup and thus improves the sensitivity.

What kinds of samples can be analyzed using HPLC-MS?

Samples must be in liquid form, which means that solid samples must be extracted into a solvent and filtered. 

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.