Instrument settings for detection of intact polar lipids (MRM1) and core lipids (MRM2) on ABSciex QTRAP4500 triple-quadrupole/ion trap mass spectrometer. Settings were optimized during infusion or flow-injection analysis of purified standards and Nitrosopumilus maritimus biomass extracts. Settings include mass to charge ratios (m/z) for quadrupoles Q1 and Q3, as well as collision energy (CE), declustering potential (DP), entrance potential (EP), and collision exit potential (CXP).