Mass Spectrometry Facility: Sample Submission Guide
Welcome to the Mass Spectrometry Facility. To ensure the highest quality of analytical data and to maintain the integrity of our instrumentation, we require all users to adhere to the following submission protocols. Proper sample preparation is the most critical step in obtaining accurate, reproducible results.
1. Initial Consultation
Before submitting samples, new users or those initiating a new type of project are encouraged to contact the facility manager. Discussing your experimental goals, the nature of your analytes, and the required sensitivity helps us choose the most appropriate ionization methods, chromatographic separation techniques, and mass analyzer configurations.
2. Sample Preparation Guidelines
- Purity: Ensure that samples are free from non-volatile salts (e.g., NaCl, PBS), detergents (e.g., SDS, Triton X-100), and plasticizers. These contaminants can severely suppress ionization and contaminate the instrument source.
- Solvent Compatibility: Use MS-grade solvents. Avoid high concentrations of buffers or salts that are not volatile.
- Concentration: Provide the expected concentration of your analyte. Typical concentrations range from 1 to 10 M for direct infusion, though smaller amounts may be accommodated depending on the application.
- Labeling: Clearly label all vials with a unique identifier, the date of submission, and the initials of the primary researcher. Ensure labels are solvent-resistant.
3. Submission Process
All samples must be accompanied by a completed Sample Submission Form. This form serves as the official record of your request and must include:
- Chemical structure or protein/peptide sequence information.
- Molecular weight or expected mass-to-charge ratio.
- Storage requirements (e.g., -20C, 4C, or room temperature).
- Any safety hazards associated with the compound (e.g., toxicity, radioactivity, or biological risk).
Samples should be delivered to the designated drop-off location during business hours. Please notify the facility staff via email once the samples have been deposited.
4. Data Retrieval and Storage
Once the analysis is complete, you will receive an automated notification. Data files will be stored on the facility server for a period of 30 days. It is the responsibility of the user to download and backup their data within this timeframe. The facility is not responsible for data loss after this period.
5. Acknowledgment Policy
If the data generated in this facility contributes to a publication, we request that you acknowledge the Mass Spectrometry Facility in your paper. Proper acknowledgment allows us to demonstrate the facility's impact and ensures continued funding for the maintenance and upgrading of our instrumentation.
