Mass spectrometry methods and apparatus

摘要

Methods, apparatus, compositions, systems, and articles of manufacture useful in connection with performing offsite mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of samples are disclosed. In embodiments, library samples are arrayed on MS substrates in a blinded fashion and stability-packaged for transport to an off-site location where the MS substrate is de-packaged and MS analysis is performed, enabling off-site MS analysis without requiring transport of the sample library and without compromising the confidentiality of the library contents.

主权项

1. A stability-packaged mass spectrometric (MS) array comprising:
a MS array comprising a MS substrate having a plurality of MS samples applied thereon; an enclosure surrounding the MS samples; an environmental control system; and a protective barrier isolating the MS samples from physical contact; wherein the MS array is operable for performing laser desorption ionization (LDI) of the samples in situ on the MS array upon de-packaging and without further sample preparation; and wherein the MS samples are of differing composition and disposed on the MS substrate at a center-to-center distance less than about 500 microns.