A method for assessing and maintaining the reproducibility of mass spectrometric analyses of complex samples.
Direct injection mass spectrometric analysis of biological samples is potentially an attractive approach to the discovery of diagnostic patterns for specific pathophysiological conditions because of its speed and simplicity. Despite the possible benefits offered by such a method, its extensive application has been limited so far by several factors, including the inadequate reproducibility of the analytical results. We describe a method for monitoring and optimizing the performance of mass spectrometers used for biomarker discovery studies, based on the analysis of patterns of standardized spectral features. The method was successfully applied to maintaining spectral reproducibility during a multi-day analysis of hundreds of serum samples despite an ion source failure, which necessitated minor maintenance. The monitoring method allowed the early detection of that failure and the restoration of the spectral profiles after the system was restarted.
Correlogic Systems, Inc.(R), 1405 Research Boulevard, Suite 220, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
Paolo
P
Lecchi
Jinghua
J
Zhao
Wesley S
WS
Wiggins
Tzong-Hao
TH
Chen
Greg P
GP
Bertenshaw
Ping F
PF
Yip
Brian C
BC
Mansfield
John M
JM
Peltier
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D044967:Serum / Q000737:chemistry*
D015415:Biomarkers