Optimization of the Hewlett-Packard particle-beam liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry interface by statistical experimental design.

Optimization of both sensitivity and ionization softness for the Hewlett-Packard particle-beam liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry interface has been achieved by using a statistical experimental design with response surface modeling. Conditions for both optimized sensitivity and ionization softness were found to occur at 55-lb/in.(2) nebulizer flow, 35°C desolvation chamber temperature with approximately 45% organic modifier in the presence of 0.02-F ammonium acetate and a liquid chromatography flow rate of 0.2 mL/min.