Mass spectrometry imaging
AssigneeMicromass UK Limited
InventorsEmrys Jones, Richard Denny, Emmy Hoyes, Keith George Richardson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of analysing a sample comprises analysing a sample in a first mode of operation so as to produce a spatially resolved data set representative of the sample, and analysing the data set so as to identify one or more regions of the sample. For each of one or more identified regions of the sample, a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data set is produced for that region by determining a path through the region, and analysing the sample along the path using Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (“DESI”) in a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) mode of operation.
Claims20
A method of analysing a sample, the method comprising:
- analysing a sample in a first mode of operation so as to produce a spatially resolved data set representative of the sample;
- analysing the data set so as to identify one or more regions of the sample;
- and
- for each of one or more identified regions of the sample, producing a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data set for that region by:
- determining a path through the region;
- and
- analysing the sample along the path by analysing the sample along at least part of the path using Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (“DESI”) in a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) mode of operation.
An analytical instrument comprising:
- a Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (“DESI”) ion source configured to produce ions from a sample;
- one or more analysers configured to analyse a sample;
- and
- a control system configured to cause the analytical instrument to:
- analyse a sample in a first mode of operation so as to produce a spatially resolved data set representative of the sample;
- analyse the data set so as to identify one or more regions of the sample;
- and
- for each of one or more identified regions of the sample, produce a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data set for that region by:
- determining a path through the region;
- and
- analysing the sample along the path by analysing the sample along at least part of the path in a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) mode of operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.