Sample analysis

A method of analysing a sample, the method comprising:

• providing a capillary having an outlet at a first end;
• supplying a flow of solvent to the capillary such that solvent is emitted from the outlet of the capillary;
• bringing the sample and the first end of the capillary into contact with, or proximate to, each other such that analyte from the sample collects around the first end of the capillary;
• separating the sample and the first end of the capillary, and applying a voltage to the solvent such that charged droplets of the solvent comprising the analyte from the sample are emitted from the first end of the capillary;
• and
• causing the charged droplets to be drawn into one or more sampling conduits connected to an atmospheric interface of an analytical instrument;
• wherein the capillary is housed by a housing that forms a handle, the first end of the capillary is arranged at a distal end of the housing, and the one or more sampling conduits extend from the housing from a proximal end of the housing;
• wherein the one or more sampling conduits comprise one or more inlets, the first end of the capillary and/or the one or more inlets are moveable between at least a first position in which the one or more inlets are positioned away from the first end of the capillary, and a second position in which the one or more inlets are positioned downstream of the first end of the capillary;
• and
• wherein causing the charged droplets to be drawn into the one or more sampling conduits comprises moving the first end of the capillary and/or the one or more inlets into the second position such that the charged droplets emitted from the first end of the capillary are drawn into the one or more sampling conduits through the one or more inlets.

An apparatus for analysing a sample, the apparatus comprising:

• a capillary comprising a bore that runs centrally along a longitudinal axis of the capillary and forms an outlet at a first end of the capillary;
• a solvent supply line configured to supply a flow of solvent to the capillary such that solvent passes through the bore of the capillary and is emitted from the outlet of the capillary;
• a conductor configured to apply a voltage to solvent supplied to the capillary by the solvent supply line such that charged droplets of the solvent are emitted from the first end of the capillary;
• one or more sampling conduits connectable to an atmospheric interface of an analytical instrument, wherein the one or more sampling conduits comprise one or more inlets, wherein the one or more inlets are moveable relative to the first end of the capillary and/or the first end of the capillary is moveable relative to the one or more inlets, and wherein the one or more inlets are configured to receive charged droplets emitted from the first end of the capillary when positioned downstream of the first end of the capillary;
• a housing for the capillary;
• and
• a moveable member moveably connected to the housing, wherein the capillary and/or the one or more sampling conduits are connected to the moveable member such that the first end of the capillary and/or the one or more inlets can move between a first position in which the one or more inlets are positioned away from the first end of the capillary, and a second position in which the one or more inlets are positioned downstream of the first end of the capillary;
• wherein the housing forms a handle, wherein the first end of the capillary is arranged at a distal end of the housing, and the solvent supply line and the one or more sampling conduits extend from the housing from a proximal end of the housing.