Booking Information
The Queen’s Mass Spectrometry Facility features an advanced suite of instrumentation tailored to a wide range of analytical research needs. For high-resolution analysis and intact biomolecule characterization, the facility houses the Agilent AdvanceBio 6545XT LC/QTOF (with a 1260 Infinity II LC) and the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Velos Pro (Easy-nLC/HESI Hybrid), alongside the Bruker AutoFlex Speed MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer. For routine screening, volatile organics, and nominal mass testing, the laboratory utilizes the Thermo LC ISQ EM and the gas chromatography-coupled Thermo GC ISQ 7000.
*For real-time instrument availability please contact the facility manager.
- Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Velos Pro (Easy-nLC/HESI Hybrid Ion Trap-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer)
- Agilent AdvanceBio 6545XT LC/QTOF (1260 Infinity II LC APCI/ESI Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer)
- Bruker AutoFlex Speed (MALDI Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer)
- Thermo GC ISQ 7000 (low resolution GCMS Mass Spectrometer)
- Thermo LC ISQ EM (low resolution LCMS Mass Spectrometer)
Instrument / Resource / Service | Queen’s University Departments (CAD$) | Other Educational Institutions (CAD$) | Industry (CAD$) |
Mass Determination (High Res) | $40 / sample | $60 / sample | $90 / sample |
LC-MS/MS Analysis (High Res) | $75 / sample | $125 / sample | $175 / sample |
GC-MS Analysis (30 min) | $40 / sample | $60 / sample | $85 / sample |
LC-MS (Low Res, 30 min) | $50 / sample | $75 / sample | $120 / sample |
Self-Service (High Res LCMS) | $50 / h | N/A | N/A |
Self-Service (Low Res LCMS) | $50 / h | N/A | N/A |
Self-Service (GCMS) | $40 / h | N/A | N/A |
Researcher Training | $50 / session (Chemistry Only) | N/A | N/A |
Method Development | $50 / h | $100 / h | $150 / h |
Data Analysis | $50 / h | $100 / h | $150 / h |
*Current pricing is provided for guidance and may be updated periodically.
Ionization Methods
Selecting the correct ionization method is critical for successful analysis. Please match your sample characteristics to the appropriate technique below:
Electron Impact (EI): Stable, volatile samples (up to 350°C)
Low Res ESI: Complex or thermally labile samples
High Res ESI: Complex (e.g., organometallic compounds), unstable samples
MS samples are normally analyzed in the positive ionization mode because of high sensitivity, except some analysis of organic acids, sugars, nucleic acids have to be performed in negative ionization mode.
Solubility of Organic Compounds
Samples may be submitted in either solid or liquid form. All solvents used for LC–MS analysis must be LC–MS grade, with methanol, water, acetonitrile, or mixtures thereof recommended. All samples must be fully dissolved and filtered (0.22 µm membrane) to prevent instrument clogging.
*Please note the facility will not accept Bio-hazardous or Radio active labeled samples.
Peer-reviewed publications acknowledging Queen’s Mass Spectrometry Facility:
- Cherry, M. J., Picard-Lafond, A., Diaz, E., Nunzi, J.-M., Sabat, R. G., Scott, J., & Lebel, O. (2025). Glass forming mixed-ligand diketonate lanthanide complexes for amorphous thin film applications. Inorganica Chimica Acta, 578, 122548.
- Helvig, C., Kariyawasam, T., Vriens, B., & Petkovich, M. (2025). Genetically engineered bacteria and microalgae expressing a mutant of cytochrome P450 BM3 for efficient Diuron degradation in wastewater treatment. Microbiology Spectrum, 13(6), e02905-24.
- Falconer, D., Melamed, J., Kocev, A., Bossert, M., Jakeman, D. L., & Brockhausen, I. (2024). Synthesis of the O antigen repeating units of Escherichia coli serotypes O117 and O107. Glycobiology, 34(12), cwae074.
- Falconer, D., Phillippopoulos, K., Czuchry, D., Kocev, A., & Brockhausen, I. (2025). Biosynthesis of Salmonella O43 and Escherichia coli O86 antigens: Comparison of α1,3-GalNAc-transferases WfbG and WbnH. Carbohydrate Research, 552, 109434.
- Kariyawasam, T., Petkovich, M., & Vriens, B. (2024). Diclofenac degradation by immobilized Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Scenedesmus obliquus. MicrobiologyOpen, 13(6), e70013.
- Huang, Y., & Wu, G. (2025). Incorporating 17O isotopes onto amino acid sidechains: a convenient synthesis of [3-17O]-L-serine and [3-17O]-L-threonine and their 17O NMR characterization. Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 103(7): 363-372.
Has your research benefited from Queen’s Mass Spectrometry Facility? If so, please acknowledge our support in your publications, posters, and presentations.
We appreciate your support.
Address Department of Chemistry | Phone Office: 613-533-6539 | Hours Monday to Friday |
Contact Information
Dr. Mario Khalil
Email: mario.khalil@queensu.ca