Standard reference spectra for tandem mass spectrometry quality assurance, performance evaluation and proficiency testing: Tandem mass spectrometers which use RF‐only multipole collision cells

The collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) of the acetone cation ( m / z 58) can be used for quality assurance, performance evaluation, and proficiency testing of CAD measurements in tandem mass specstrometry (MS/MS) instruments which use RF‐only multipole collision cells. The absolute branching ratios (product distributions) of the CAD fragment ions, when measured as a function of the center‐of‐mass collision energy E cm , can provide an objective basis for quality assurance whenever MS/MS methods are used (viz, to validate how well the target thickness, ion‐containment efficiency, and collision energy are being controlled in various instruments).