MASS SPECTROMETRY SAMPLE PREPARATION
Mass spectrometry sample preparation is now a requirement for a number routine diagnostic tests measuring small molecules. These assays are performed in a range of laboratories including those doing workplace drugs of abuse tests such as Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) or those measuring Imunosurpressants such as Cyclosporin in organ transplatation units. What these tests all have in common is a requirement for a variety of sample preparation techniques that benefit from automation when sample numbers become significant.
Processes involved
Some of these tests require sample preparation involving the following processes:
Sample identification
Accurate pippetting of samples, calibrators, controls including mixing of whole blood samples where required
Addition of internal controls
Addition of reagents (eg extraction buffers and or precipitating reagents)
Agitation of mix and separation of supernatant and precipitate by filtration or centrifugation
Creation of pipetting data files for secure chain of custody
Transfer of supernatant to a microplate or deep well plate for presentation to an HPLC autosampler
Mass Spectrometry Sample Preparation Automation
Many of the steps involved in these assays can be successfully and cost-effectively automated using the Beeline range of pipetting robots. Some of the features that make the Beeline suited to this application are:
Range of cost effective instrument platform – ideal for lower throughput laboratories
Automated sample and target plate barcode identification
Flexible automated pipetting software
Internally coated probe for low carryover
Ultra sensitive capacitance liquid level detector for organic solvents
Flexible interfacing software for creation of Export files
Both the Beeline 300 sx and Beeline 500 sx can both be configured for all of the liquid handling steps involved in the preparation of samples prior to HPLC. For more information on this application please contact us using our contact form.
