Rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry (“REIMS”) and desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (“DESI-MS”) analysis of swabs and biopsy samples

A method comprising:

• directing a spray of charged droplets onto a surface of a swab having a sample of vaginal mucosa from a human or non-human animal provided thereon using Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (“DESI”) in order to generate a plurality of analyte ions;
• analysing said analyte ions to obtain mass spectrometric data and/or ion mobility data;
• and
• determining from said mass spectrometric data and/or ion mobility data either:
• (i) whether or not said human or non-human animal is pregnant;
• (ii) the stage or state of pregnancy of said human or non-human animal;
• (iii) whether or not said human or non-human animal is at an increased risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome;
• and/or (iv) whether or not said human or non-human animal is at an increased risk of having a preterm delivery or a premature delivery.