Application Note
Simultaneous Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Food Using Triple Quadrupole GC-MS/MS with PTV Mode of a Multimode Injection Unit (MMI)
Triple Quadrupole Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer
The GCMS-TQ RX series brings trusted GC-MS/MS performance to a new level of adaptability for demanding routine laboratories. Designed for evolving methods, changing matrices and shifting gas strategies, it combines robust hardware with smart workflows and true multipurpose capability. From day-to-day routine analysis to future applications, the GCMS-TQ RX helps labs stay ready, efficient and in control.
The environment surrounding analytical operations is continually evolving. The GCMS-TQ RX Series is a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer that integrates Shimadzu’s advanced technologies to meet the diverse and growing demands of modern analytical laboratories. Based on the “3R” concept — Reliable, Resilient, and Responsible — the series delivers consistent performance alongside exceptional ease of use.
In addition to highly reliable and stable hardware, the GCMS-TQ RX Series features intuitive software with advanced automation technologies. Together, this integrated, versatile system adapts to a wide range of analytical needs and changing operational workflows, providing laboratories with new value and enabling more efficient analytical operations.
The Multi-Mode Injection Unit (MMI) supports a wide range of injection modes in a single unit, including split/splitless (SPL), programmable temperature vaporization (PTV), large-volume injection (LVI), direct injection, and thermal desorption/extraction (TD/TE). Dedicated software with an intuitive user interface enables easy method creation and seamless method transfer, simplifying analytical workflows.

Shimadzu’s proprietary thermal insulation technology achieves both high temperature stability and rapid heating and cooling. While maintaining excellent data compatibility with conventional split/splitless inlets, it also significantly reduces downtime for inlet maintenance, such as liner replacement.
Chromatogram Comparison of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)

Comparison of Instrument Downtime by Maintenance
The MMI can heat samples at up to 1200 °C/min, enabling rapid thermal desorption.
Chromatograms Obtained in TD Mode at Different Temperature Ramp Rates (Methyl Hexanoate)
Optimizing the focus of the electron beam in electron ionization (EI) maximizes ionization efficiency to the highest possible level, enabling detection at the attogram order.
* This ion source is compatible with the TQ8050 RX.

The Smart EI/CI ion source acquires CI data without switching the ion source, and without losing the sensitivity of the commonly used EI. Combining EI mass spectra with molecular weight information obtained from CI results in highly accurate qualitative analysis.

Instead of using conventional flammable gases, SMCI introduces methanol into the ion source to perform CI analysis. By eliminating the need for high-pressure flammable gas cylinders, this approach enhances safety and reduces running costs.

Shimadzu’s proprietary UFsweeper technology efficiently removes ions from the collision cell, achieving high CID efficiency and high-speed ion transport. As a result, a sufficient number of transitions can be secured even during high-speed analysis, enabling simultaneous multicomponent analysis of hundreds of compounds in MRM mode.

Example of Simultaneous Analysis of 439 Pesticide Compounds (5 pg/μL Each)
The GCMS-TQ RX Series delivers mass spectra and SIM results equivalent to those obtained with a single quad GC-MS system. From quantitative analysis using MRM and SIM to qualitative analysis by scan mode, a single instrument supports the entire analytical workflow.
Scan Analysis Results for Fenitrothion
Corresponding Mass Spectrum from the NIST Library
The Off-Axis ion optics eliminate neutral noise, such as metastable helium ions, without compromising sensitivity.
The GCMS-TQ8050 RX is equipped with a newly developed, patented detector that combines the latest noise-reduction technologies with high amplification performance. Combining this with Off-Axis ion optics creates a dual Off-Axis configuration that significantly reduces noise originating from neutral species. In addition, this new detector offers excellent robustness, ensuring stable and reliable long-term performance.


Increasing the distance between the filament and the ion source reduces the influence of the filament’s electric potential. In addition, a shield blocks radiant heat generated from the filament, helping to maintain a uniform ion source temperature. This prevents the formation of localized hot spots, resulting in higher analytical sensitivity. (Patent: US7939810)

A high-accuracy mass filter equipped with pre-rods, combined with patented electric field control technology, delivers excellent mass separation performance. In addition, the pre-rods minimize contamination of the quadrupole, eliminating the need for quadrupole maintenance.

The newly developed long-life filament delivers a service life more than five times longer than conventional filaments. By significantly reducing reanalysis and downtime caused by unexpected filament breakage, it supports stable and reliable operation.

LabSolutions GCMS software integrates with the system to maximize the efficiency of the acquisition and data analysis workflow.It enables simultaneous GC and MS acquisition and data analysis with ease, and assist users with difficult tasks, enabling reliable analysis.

Smart MRM+ allows flexible adjustment of the data acquisition time window. Widening the window helps prevent missed detections, even for compounds with retention time shifts or peak tailing. Additionally, event times can be easily modified for each compound, and compounds can be added or removed with ease.

Smart MRM+ enables the creation of simultaneous Scan/MRM methods. During quantitative MRM analysis, scan data can be used to assess matrix effects. The GCMS-TQ RX Series also delivers performance comparable to a single quad GC-MS, providing high-quality scan data even during simultaneous Scan/MRM analysis.
Simultaneous Scan/MRM Analysis of Pesticides in Ginger (10 ppb)
LabSolutions Insight enables targeted analysis using high-sensitivity MRM data and non-target analysis using scan data on a single platform when analyzing simultaneous Scan/MRM data.

Easily and reliably check key components and sensitivity-critical compounds
Reveal hidden peaks through deconvolution
The operating status of each instrument in the laboratory and the estimated completion time of consecutive analyses can be monitored in real time. In addition, the remaining time until completion is displayed during instrument start-up and shutdown, which helps improve overall laboratory productivity and operational efficiency.


Peakintelligence for GCMS, which is equipped with AI peak integration algorithms, significantly shortens the time required for peak integration and provides results comparable to those obtained by an experienced operator.


The standard carrier gas saver function reduces carrier gas consumption during analysis. In addition with the optional gas selector, the carrier gas can be switched from helium to nitrogen during standby periods, significantly reducing overall helium consumption.


Hydrogen or nitrogen, which are more cost-effective and readily available than helium, can be used as alternative carrier gases. With high-performance flow controller and a design that minimizes the influence of carrier gas properties, the GCMS-TQ RX Series ensures stable measurements with hydrogen or nitrogen carrier gas without requiring changes to the system configuration.

Hydrogen is an effective alternative carrier gas in terms sensitivity and separation performance. By equipping the optional hydrogen sensor, the system automatically switches to a safe standby mode in the unlikely event of a leak, ensuring safe and reliable operation when using hydrogen as the carrier gas.
Even when employing nitrogen carrier gas, which has a relatively narrow optimal linear velocity range, the GCMS-TQ RX Series, by using constant linear velocity mode, achieves separation performance equivalent to that obtained with helium.

The GCMS-TQ RX Series is equipped with an ecology mode that reduces power consumption and has been certified under Shimadzu’s environmental recognition program, Eco Products Plus. In addition to lowering running costs during analysis, it helps reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society.
An oil-free type roughing vacuum pump can be used, eliminating the need for regular oil replacement. This significantly reduces oil consumption and contributes to a lower environmental impact.


The system is equipped as standard with the ClickTek™ nut, which allows the GC inlet to be opened simply by turning the lever by hand—no tools required. This significantly reduces the workload associated with insert replacement and improves overall maintenance efficiency.
The vacuum system ON/OFF and Easy stop* can be directly operated from the control panel on the GC. This eliminates the need for a computer, enabling smoother maintenance of the GC inlet, column, and ion source.
* Easy sTop is a function that enables septum and glass insert replacement at the GC inlet without stopping the vacuum system.
By simultaneously connecting two different columns to the MS, application-specific data can be acquired without stopping the vacuum. Because no restrictor tubing is required, existing methods and retention times used with a single column can be applied without modification.

The backflush system reverses the carrier gas flow after the target compounds are detected, expelling un-eluted components remaining in the column from the injection inlet side. This shortens analysis time and improves overall analytical productivity.

Detector splitting divides the column outlet and distributes a single flow path simultaneously to multiple detectors. This allows multiple chromatograms to be obtained from a single analysis, enabling efficient data collection while reducing cost and measurement time, leading to higher productivity.
Heart-cutting is a separation technique that uses two different columns. Components that cannot be sufficiently separated on the first column are selectively transferred to a second column with different polarity for additional separation. Even with multiple heart-cut operations, peak retention times in downstream analysis remain unchanged, ensuring stable and reproducible separations.

Even in systems combining multiple columns and detectors, the visually intuitive software interface enables easy operation from method creation through analysis.
Discover application notes for the GCMS-TQ RX Series that help you develop, validate, and optimize methods for demanding routine analysis.
Application Note
Simultaneous Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Food Using Triple Quadrupole GC-MS/MS with PTV Mode of a Multimode Injection Unit (MMI)
Application Note
Simultaneous Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Food Using Triple Quadrupole GC-MS/MS with SPL Mode of a Multimode injection Unit (MMI)
Application Note
Analysis of Volatile PFAS in Textiles Using GCMS-TQ8040 RX with MMI
Shimadzu offers the GCMS-TQ RX Series, an adaptable GC-MS/MS platform for demanding routine laboratories, combining robust hardware, smart workflows, Smart MRM+ and MMI, and flexible carrier gas options to support evolving methods, changing matrices, and future application needs.
The Nexis GC‑2060 is Shimadzu’s latest flagship gas chromatograph. The Nexis GC‑2060 offers both exceptional reliability and continuous innovation, serving as a trusted partner that supports users and advances the industry across generations.
GCMS-TQ RX Series
Shimadzu’s triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, adaptive by design and reliable by nature.
Built on the “3R” concept — Reliable, Resilient, and Responsible — the GCMS-TQ RX Series delivers consistent performance, exceptional ease of use, and efficient analytical operations for modern laboratories.
- Flexibility with Purpose
- Proven Performance
- Built for Evolving Labs