Deep-MALDI TOF mass spectrometry of complex biological samples, e.g., serum, and uses thereof

摘要

A merhod of analyzing a biological sample, for example seram or other blood-based samples, using a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer instrument is described. The method includes the steps of applying the sample to a sample spot on a MALDI-TOF sample plate and directing more than 20,000 laser shots to the sample at the sample spot and collecting mass-spectra! data from the instrument. In some embodiments at least 100.000 laser shots and even 500,000 shots are directed onto the sample. It lias been discovered that mis approach, referred to as "deep-MALDF, leads to a reduction in the noise level in the mass spectra and that a significant amount of additional spectral information can be obtained from the sample. Moreover, peaks visible at lower number of shots become better defined and allow for more reliable comparisons between samples.