---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Laboratory for LC-QTOF analysis"
description: "Do you want to perform LC-QTOF analysis in the context of a control or a product development? What is LC-QTOF technology? skip render: ucaddon_section_textes_image What is LC-QTOF analysis used for? Liquid Chromatography – Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (LC-QTOF analysis) is a high-resolution..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-for-lc-qtof-analysis/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_6281f8ab03c55", "Chemical analysis", "Our advanced techniques", "Thomas ROUSSEAU"]
timestamp: "2026-06-29T11:59:35Z"
published: "2022-06-15T14:19:43Z"
language: "en"
author: "bwa"
---

# Laboratory for LC-QTOF analysis

## Do you want to perform LC-QTOF analysis in the context of a control or a product development?

### What is LC-QTOF technology?

The LC-QTOF apparatus combines l**iquid chromatography with a high resolution time-of-flight detector.**

This equipment allows us to determine the different components of a mixture of organic materials and to determine their nature.

With the help of its specialized detector, the Lc-QTOF is able **to determine precisely the molar mass of the molecules and thus their gross formula and their nature.**

Indeed, this technique is associated with a database of more than 800 substances! 

### What is LC-QTOF analysis used for?

Liquid Chromatography – Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (LC-QTOF analysis) is a high-resolution analytical technique combining chromatographic separation with accurate-mass spectrometry.

LC-QTOF couples ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The chromatograph separates the mixture, while the TOF detector measures exact mass and isotopic patterns. 

This technology provides:

- High-resolution, high-accuracy mass measurements (< 5 ppm)
- Identification of unknown compounds, impurities, degradation products and leachables
- Screening of complex mixtures using full-scan, non-targeted acquisition
- Formula elucidation and structural interpretation
- Sensitive detection at low concentration levels

 

Thanks to its versatility, LC-QTOF analysis is ideal for samples requiring detailed chemical profiling such as polymers, organic additives, cosmetic ingredients, medical-device extracts or specialty chemicals.

## The FILAB laboratory is equipped with a latest generation LC-QTOF to assist you

FILAB is an independent, ISO 17025-accredited contract laboratory offering LC-QTOF analysis services for the identification, characterization, and profiling of organic compounds.

We support R&D teams, quality departments, and regulatory projects across the chemical, polymer, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and medical-device industries.

Our expertise and state-of-the-art high-resolution mass spectrometry instrumentation allow us to provide accurate and reliable LC-QTOF testing tailored to your application.

All detectors :

Volatile molecules: [HS/GC-MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gcms.md)

Non volatile molecules: [LC-MS](https://filab.fr/en/laboratory-mass-spectrometry-unknown-spike-analysis.md)

Semi-volatile molecules: GC-MS

Identification of non-volatile molecules: LC-QTOF

### Advantages of QTOF analysis over conventional LC-MS

Unlike triple-quadrupole systems that require predefined transitions, QTOF acquires full spectral data for every ion. This makes it ideal for retrospective data mining, unknown identification, and structural elucidation through MS/MS fragmentation. The large dynamic range and fast polarity switching further extend its applicability to complex industrial and biological matrices.

## FAQ

 What types of samples can be analyzed by LC-QTOF?
LC-QTOF is suitable for a wide range of organic and polymer-based matrices, including:

- Polymers, plastics, elastomers
- Packaging materials
- Cosmetics & personal care products
- Medical devices (extracts, residues)
- Pharmaceuticals & intermediates
- Chemical formulations & specialty chemicals

 What applications is LC-QTOF testing used for?
Our LC-QTOF services support multiple applications, such as:

- Impurity and contaminant identification
- [Extractables & leachables testing](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-extractable-leachable-testing.md)
- [Polymer de-formulation](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/deformulation-polymers-laboratory.md) and additive characterization
- Non-targeted screening
- Formulation comparison or reverse engineering
- Discovery of unknown peaks in chromatograms
- Regulatory compliance ([ISO 10993-18](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-biocompatibility-testing/laboratory-material-chemical-characterization.md), REACH, etc.

 Do you offer non-targeted LC-QTOF screening?
Yes. LC-QTOF is particularly suited for non-targeted, full-scan screening, allowing the detection and identification of unknown compounds without predefined lists.

This is ideal for complex mixtures, contamination investigation, and material compatibility studies.

 Can LC-QTOF testing quantify compounds or only identify them? What is the difference between QTOF and triple-quadrupole LC-MS?
Triple-quadrupole LC-MS/MS is optimal for targeted quantification of known analytes with very low detection limits. QTOF provides full-scan high-resolution spectra, making it superior for unknown identification, retrospective analysis and comprehensive profiling without predefined methods.

 How sensitive is LC-QTOF analysis?
Modern LC-QTOF systems achieve detection limits in the low ng/mL to pg/mL range for many organic compounds, depending on matrix complexity, ionisation efficiency and chromatographic resolution. Exact sensitivity is determined during method feasibility.

 Does FILAB offer method validation for LC-QTOF?
Yes. FILAB validates LC-QTOF methods in accordance with ICH Q2(R1) and client-specific protocols, covering specificity, linearity, repeatability, intermediate precision, accuracy, LOD, LOQ and stability.