Mass spectrometry device

Abstract

One embodiment of the mass spectrometry device according to the present invention comprises: a measurement unit (1) for performing mass spectrometry analysis on a plurality of target samples and a plurality of quality control samples in a predetermined order; a sample information storage unit (20) for pre-storing identification information capable of distinguishing the target samples and the quality control samples in a series of measurements on the plurality of target samples and the plurality of quality control samples; and a display processing unit (25, 251) for separating the measurement results for the target samples and / or the analysis results derived therefrom from the measurement results and the measurement results for the quality control samples and / or the analysis results derived therefrom from the measurement results, thereby creating display information in a predetermined format and displaying the two display information on a screen of the display unit. Thus, the analysis results of the target samples and the quality control samples can be easily distinguished on the display, and the validity of the measurement results and analysis results of the target samples can be accurately and efficiently evaluated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mass spectrometer, and more particularly to a mass spectrometer that automatically analyzes a large number of samples in sequence and displays analysis results based on the data obtained. Background Art

[0002] When performing analysis using a mass spectrometer equipped with an ion source based on the matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization (MALDI) method, a matrix, serving as an ionization assist agent, is generally added to the substance being analyzed. This mixture is then dripped into a small amount of a well on a dedicated sample plate and air-dried to form a sample for analysis. In a MALDI mass spectrometer, laser light is irradiated onto the sample on the sample plate, ionizing the compounds in the sample. Mass spectrometry analysis is then performed on the generated ions.

[0003] In recent years, with the rapid advancement of mass spectrometry technology, the trend toward applying mass spectrometry to the clinical examination and diagnosis of various diseases and illnesses has been growing. This application to clinical examination and diagnosis requires the most efficient and rapid measurement possible of large numbers of specimens collected from subjects in hospitals, research institutions, and the like. MALDI mass spectrometry devices can efficiently and sequentially measure a large number of samples pre-formed on a single sample plate. Therefore, MALDI mass spectrometry is well-suited for such applications.

[0004] In particular, ensuring measurement quality is crucial in measurements in fields such as those described above. Therefore, for example, a typical practice is to measure a QC (Quality Control) sample for quality evaluation each time a predetermined number of samples from a test subject (hereinafter referred to as "subject samples") are measured, or before and after measurements of multiple specimens are completed. The reliability of the data obtained from the specimens is then verified based on the analysis results of these QC samples (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-169377

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6410810

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-53063

[0010] Non-patent literature

[0011] Non-patent document 1: N.Kaneko, Twelve names, "ノベル・プラズマ・バイ" Novel plasmabiomarker surrogating cerebral amyloid deposition)", プロシーディングス·オブ·ザ·ジャパン·アカデミー·シリProceedings of the Japan Academy Series B Physical and BiologicalSciences), 2014, Vol.90(9), pp.353-364 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0013] During measurements using a MALDI mass spectrometer, QC samples are formed in the wells of a sample plate, similar to the actual sample, and are measured using the same conditions and procedures as the actual sample. The QC samples are pre-determined, or set, among the numerous wells on the sample plate. The analysis results table indicates whether the sample type is an actual sample or a QC sample.

[0014] Therefore, the operator determines whether the measurement of the actual specimen is appropriate while checking the analysis results of the QC sample on the display screen or in the analysis result table printed on paper. However, this situation poses the following problems: the operator easily confuses the analysis results of the actual specimen sample with those of the QC sample, and it is also difficult to understand which QC sample analysis results are used to evaluate which actual specimen analysis results.

[0015] The present invention is completed to solve such problems. Its purpose is to provide a mass spectrometry analysis device that can easily distinguish between actual specimen samples and QC samples when the operator (user) confirms the analysis results, and can easily and accurately grasp the correspondence between the analysis results of the actual specimen samples and the analysis results of the QC samples.

[0016] Solutions for solving problems

[0017] One embodiment of the mass spectrometer according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises:

[0018] a measuring unit that performs mass spectrometry analysis on each of the plurality of target samples and the plurality of quality control samples in a predetermined order;

[0019] a sample information storage unit that stores in advance identification information capable of identifying target samples and quality control samples in a series of measurements on the plurality of target samples and the plurality of quality control samples; and

[0020] A display processing unit, which uses the identification information stored in the sample information storage unit to separate the measurement results for the target sample and / or the analysis results derived from the measurement results, from the measurement results for the quality control sample and / or the analysis results derived from the measurement results, to create display information of respective prescribed formats, and displays the two display information on the screen of the display unit.

[0021] Here, “measurement result” refers to information such as mass spectrum data obtained by mass spectrometry analysis of the measurement unit, and “analysis result derived from the measurement result” refers to information such as quantitative values and index values obtained by performing predetermined calculation and analysis processing on mass spectrum data.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] In the mass spectrometry analysis device of the above-described embodiment of the present invention, for example, each time a predetermined number of target samples (the aforementioned actual specimen samples) are subjected to mass spectrometry analysis using the measurement unit, mass spectrometry analysis is also performed on the quality control samples using the measurement unit. In terms of time series, mass spectrometry analysis using the measurement unit is continuously performed without distinction between target samples and quality control samples. However, the display screen displays the measurement results and analysis results for the target samples and the measurement results and analysis results for the quality control samples separately. Specifically, for example, the measurement results and analysis results for the target samples and the measurement results and analysis results for the quality control samples are displayed in separate tables.

[0024] According to the mass spectrometry analysis device of the above-mentioned method involved in the present invention, since it is difficult to confuse the measurement results and analysis results of the quality control sample with the measurement results and analysis results of the actual specimen sample, the operator can use the measurement results and analysis results of the quality control sample to appropriately and efficiently evaluate the reliability of the measurement results and analysis results of the actual specimen sample. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a MALDI mass spectrometer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing a sample measurement procedure of the MALDI mass spectrometer according to this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3Schematic diagram showing the relationship between samples in each well formed on a sample plate and the order of their measurement in the MALDI mass spectrometer of this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a display example of analysis results in the MALDI mass spectrometer according to this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing another display example of analysis results in the MALDI mass spectrometer according to this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing a display example of analysis results for each sample in the MALDI mass spectrometer according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the MALDI mass spectrometer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram of a MALDI mass spectrometer according to this embodiment.

[0033] This MALDI mass spectrometer includes a measuring unit 1, a control / processing unit 2, an input unit 3, and a display unit 4. The measuring unit 1 comprises a MALDI ion source 10 and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF MS). The MALDI ion source 10 includes a stage 100 for holding a sample plate 101 and a laser irradiation unit 103 for irradiating a sample 102 on the sample plate 101 with laser light for ionization. The stage 100 is movable along two mutually orthogonal axes, the X-axis and the Y-axis, by a stage drive mechanism (not shown).

[0034] The control / processing unit 2 includes a sample information storage unit 20, an analysis control unit 21, a mass spectrometry data collection unit 22, a data analysis unit 23, a quality determination unit 24, and a display processing unit 25 as functional blocks. The display processing unit 25 includes an analysis result list creation unit 251 and an independent analysis result report creation unit 252.

[0035] The control / processing unit 2 is mainly composed of a personal computer or a computer with higher performance than a personal computer, and can realize the functions of each functional block described below by running dedicated control / processing software pre-installed on the computer.

[0036] Here, the operation of the MALDI mass spectrometer of this embodiment will be described using as an example the case of examining the progression of Alzheimer's disease by measuring the level of amyloid β in a biological sample such as blood extracted from a subject. This method is a well-known method disclosed in Patent Documents 2-3, Non-Patent Document 1, and the like. It determines the presence of amyloid β accumulation in the brain based on the intensity ratio of multiple peaks with specific mass-to-charge ratios (m / z) derived from peptides associated with amyloid β observed in a mass spectrometric analysis of the biological sample.

[0037] First, as a sample preparation step, a predetermined matrix for MALDI is added to a specimen prepared from, for example, blood extracted from a subject (i.e., subjected to various pretreatments), and this mixture is dropped into a well on sample plate 101. Separately, the same matrix is added to a quality control substance, and this mixture is dropped into other wells on sample plate 101. The liquids dropped into each well of sample plate 101 are air-dried to form samples 102. Samples derived from the specimen are called actual specimen samples, while samples derived from the quality control substance are called QC samples.

[0038] Generally speaking, in this type of MALDI mass spectrometry, QC sample measurements are performed before and after a series of measurements on a predetermined number (n) of real specimen samples. The value of n is predetermined. Therefore, the positions of the wells for forming QC samples on the sample plate 101 are generally predetermined, and the operator forms the real specimen samples and QC samples according to these positions. Here, as an example, n = 3.

[0039] Figure 2 : is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sample measurement sequence. Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the relationship between samples in each well formed on the sample plate 101 and the order in which they are measured.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a top plan view of the sample plate 101. In this example, the wells are arranged in 4 rows and 8 columns. Each row is identified by the English letters a, b, ..., and each column is identified by the numbers 1, 2, .... Each well is assigned an identifier composed of English letters and numbers, such as 1a, 2a, .... The measurement sequence using the MALDI mass spectrometer is as follows Figure 3 As shown by the thick arrow in the figure, if the measurement order is represented by the well identifier, it is 1a→2a→…→8a→8b→7b→…. Therefore, Figure 3As shown on the right side of , if QC samples (sample ID is "QC1", "QC2", "QC3", ...) are formed in wells #1a, #5a, #8b, ..., a real specimen sample with sample ID "A" is formed in well #2a, a real specimen sample with sample ID "B" is formed in well #3a, a real specimen sample with sample ID "C" is formed in well #4a, ..., then it is possible to press Figure 2 The measurements of each sample were performed in the order shown.

[0041] If n is predetermined as described above and also Figure 3 As shown, the measurement order for the samples on the sample plate 101 is predetermined, and information identifying the wells on the sample plate 101 where the QC samples are located, that is, the identifiers of the wells where the QC samples are located, is determined. The sample information storage unit 20 stores information identifying the types of the samples on the sample plate 101.

[0042] Furthermore, the operator can also appropriately determine the position of the well where the QC sample is to be formed on the sample plate 101. In this case, before executing a series of measurements on the sample plate 101, the operator inputs the position (identifier) of the well where the QC sample is located through the input unit 3. The control / processing unit 2 receives this input and stores the input identification information in the sample information storage unit 20.

[0043] The operator places the sample plate 101 on which the specimen sample and QC sample are formed as described above on the workbench 100 and instructs the start of measurement from the input unit 3. Receiving this instruction, the analysis control unit 21 controls the measurement unit 1 to perform measurement on each sample 102 on the sample plate 101 in a predetermined order.

[0044] Under the control of the analysis control unit 21, in the measurement unit 1, the workbench 100 is moved so that the predetermined samples on the sample plate 101 are sequentially brought to the laser irradiation position (i.e., the mass spectrometry analysis position). Figure 3 As shown, the workbench 100 is moved so that the samples 102 with sample IDs of "QC1" → "A" → "B" → "C" → "QC2" → "D" → "E" → "F" → "QC3" → ... sequentially arrive at the mass spectrometry analysis position.

[0045] Whenever the sample 102 that arrives at the mass spectrometry analysis position is replaced, the laser irradiation unit 103 irradiates the sample 102 with laser light in a pulsed manner, generating ions originating from the compounds contained in the sample 102. The generated ions are introduced into the time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis unit 11, and each ion is separated and detected according to its respective mass-to-charge ratio. Its detection signal is sent to the control / processing unit 2. The mass spectrometry data collection unit 22 digitizes the detection signal and converts it into mass spectrometry data and then saves it. Usually, the mass spectrometry data for a sample 102 is obtained by repeatedly performing multiple measurements on the sample 102 and accumulating the data within the specified mass-to-charge ratio range obtained in the multiple measurements. For both the QC sample and the actual specimen sample, the measurement method itself is exactly the same.

[0046] Whenever the data analysis unit 23 obtains mass spectrum data for a sample, it determines the peak intensities of multiple specific mass-to-charge ratios associated with amyloid β in the mass spectrum. It then calculates an index value by performing a predetermined calculation based on the ratios of these multiple peak intensities. Here, two different index values are calculated based on the combination of peak intensities at different mass-to-charge ratios. Regardless of whether the sample being measured is a real specimen or a quality control sample, the data analysis unit 23 calculates the index value used for amyloid β determination using the same process.

[0047] In addition, when it is confirmed that the measured sample is a QC sample based on the identification information stored in the sample information storage unit 20, the quality judgment unit 24 compares the index value obtained by the data analysis unit 23 with a predetermined reference value. If the index value is above the reference value, it is judged as qualified (Pass); if the index value is less than the reference value, it is judged as unqualified (Reject).

[0048] When the data analysis unit 23 calculates the index values and the quality judgment unit 24 obtains the quality judgment results based on the index values, the analysis result list creation unit 251 in the display processing unit 25 adds the analysis results for the specimen sample and the QC sample to separate analysis result tables. The analysis result list creation unit 251 then creates an analysis result display screen 50 that displays these two analysis result tables in the same window and displays this analysis result display screen 50 on the display unit 4. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the analysis result display screen 50 .

[0049] exist Figure 4 In the analysis result display screen 50 shown, a specimen sample analysis result table 51 and a QC sample analysis result table 52 are arranged vertically.

[0050] Each row in the sample analysis results table 51 corresponds to the analysis results for a single sample. Each row contains the calculation results for two indicators #1 and #2, along with information about the corresponding QC samples. "QC1-QC2" in the figure refers to the QC sample with the sample ID "QC1" and the QC sample with the sample ID "QC2." These two QC samples are used to evaluate the reliability of the analysis results for the sample in that row.

[0051] Each row in the QC sample analysis result table 52 corresponds to the analysis result for a single QC sample. Each row includes the calculation results for two indicator values #1 and #2, along with the quality determination results for each indicator value #1 and #2. Furthermore, the bottom row of the QC sample analysis result table 52 shows the threshold values used as the basis for determining the quality of the two indicator values #1 and #2.

[0052] Conventional devices typically list analysis results for both the actual specimen sample and the QC sample in the same table. In contrast, the mass spectrometer analyzer of this embodiment lists analysis results for the actual specimen sample and the QC sample in separate tables 51 and 52 based on identification information stored in the sample information storage unit 20. Each time analysis results for a new sample are obtained, information is added to each table 51 and 52.

[0053] As described above, the QC sample analysis result table 52 shows the quality judgment results of the index values. Figure 4 In the example shown, the analysis results for the three test samples with sample IDs "A," "B," and "C" are reliable when the analysis results for the two QC samples with sample IDs "QC1" and "QC2" are acceptable. Conversely, if the analysis result for one of the two QC samples with sample IDs "QC1" and "QC2" is unacceptable, the analysis results for the three test samples with sample IDs "A," "B," and "C" are unreliable. In this example, one of the index values calculated for the QC sample with sample ID "QC2" is unacceptable, and the analysis results for the three test samples with sample IDs "A," "B," and "C" are unreliable. Such a result may indicate a malfunction in the measurement unit 1 itself, or a problem with sample preparation or measurement condition settings.

[0054] Therefore, after confirming on the analysis result display screen 50 that the analysis result for the QC sample is unqualified, the operator clicks the "Analysis Abort" button 53 located at the lower right of the analysis result display screen 50, for example, via the input unit 3. Upon receiving this instruction, the analysis control unit 21 controls the measurement unit 1 to abort the measurement at that point. This prevents subsequent, potentially wasteful, measurements. Alternatively, the measurement can be automatically aborted without operator intervention if the analysis result for the QC sample is unqualified.

[0055] As described above, the MALDI mass spectrometer of this embodiment displays the analysis results of the actual sample and the analysis results of the QC sample in a clearly separate manner. The relationship between the actual sample and the QC sample used to evaluate the analysis results of the actual sample is also clearly indicated. This allows the operator to easily, accurately, and efficiently verify the reliability of the analysis results of the actual sample. Furthermore, if the analysis results of the QC sample indicate a device failure, the measurement can be quickly terminated, avoiding waste of time and effort.

[0056] Furthermore, when the operator issues a specified instruction via the input unit 3, the independent analysis result report generating unit 252 receives the specified instruction, extracts only the analysis results for the specified specific sample, generates a measurement result report including the results, and displays the measurement result report on the display unit 4. An instruction to display the analysis results for multiple sample samples is also possible, but even in this case, an independent measurement result report is generated and displayed for each sample.

[0057] Figure 6 This is an example of displaying a measurement result report for a test sample with sample ID "A". For example, if the person in charge of the test, a doctor, etc. needs to show the test result to the subject, Figure 4 The display shown in the figure will also show the test results of other subjects. Figure 6 The display shown here can only present the test results of the target subject, and can appropriately protect personal information. In addition, when a doctor or the like wants to confirm the test results of a certain subject, it is also effectively prevented from mistaking the test results for those of other subjects.

[0058] In the mass spectrometer of the above-described embodiment, the quality of a QC sample is determined by comparing an index value of the analysis result with a reference value. However, the reference for quality can be changed. For example, if the analysis result of a QC sample deviates significantly from the average of the analysis results of multiple QC samples placed on a single sample plate, the analysis result of that QC sample can be determined to be unqualified.

[0059] Figure 5 This is an example of the analysis result display screen 50A in this case. In this example, the QC sample analysis result table 52A shows the batch average, which is the average of the analysis results for multiple QC samples placed on a single sample plate, and the deviation, which is the difference from this average. A reference value is set for this deviation, and if the deviation exceeds the reference value, the analysis result is judged as unacceptable. In this case, a quality determination cannot be made until the measurement of multiple QC samples placed on a single sample plate is completed and the analysis results are obtained. Therefore, while the measurement cannot be terminated midway, as in the device of the aforementioned embodiment, the device has the advantage of being able to reflect the deviation in the analysis results, allowing for a more detailed quality determination of the analysis results.

[0060] While the mass spectrometer described in the above embodiment is equipped with a MALDI ion source, the present invention can also be applied to mass spectrometers equipped with ion sources based on other ionization methods. However, the present invention is particularly effective when measuring a large number of samples sequentially and the number of QC samples is relatively large. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for mass spectrometers that can measure a large number of pre-prepared samples and obtain analytical results in a short period of time.

[0061] The above-described embodiment and modified examples are merely examples of the present invention, and any appropriate changes, corrections, additions, etc. made within the scope of the gist of the present invention are naturally encompassed by the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0062] <Various methods>

[0063] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0064] (Item 1) One embodiment of the mass spectrometer according to the present invention includes:

[0065] a measuring unit that performs mass spectrometry analysis on each of the plurality of target samples and the plurality of quality control samples in a predetermined order;

[0066] a sample information storage unit that stores in advance identification information capable of identifying target samples and quality control samples in a series of measurements on the plurality of target samples and the plurality of quality control samples; and

[0067] A display processing unit, which uses the identification information stored in the sample information storage unit to separate the measurement results for the target sample and / or the analysis results derived from the measurement results, from the measurement results for the quality control sample and / or the analysis results derived from the measurement results, to create display information of respective prescribed formats, and displays the two display information on the screen of the display unit.

[0068] Specifically, the "separated" "display information in each predetermined format" described above can be, for example, different tables listing measurement results and analysis results.

[0069] The mass spectrometer described in the first item allows the operator to easily confirm the measurement and analysis results of the quality control sample without mistaking the measurement and analysis results of the target sample. This allows, for example, accurate and efficient evaluation of the validity of the measurement and analysis results of the target sample, which is the subject of inspection.

[0070] (Item 2) In the mass spectrometry apparatus according to Item 1, the measurement unit can be configured to perform matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometry.

[0071] MALDI mass spectrometry analyzers typically perform measurements on a large number of pre-prepared samples sequentially within a relatively short period of time. The mass spectrometry analyzer described in the second item reduces the risk of confusion between the measurement and analysis results of the target samples and those of quality control samples, even when the number of target samples is large. This allows for accurate and efficient evaluation of the validity of the measurement and analysis results for a large number of target samples.

[0072] (Item 3) In the mass spectrometer according to Item 1 or Item 2, the display information may include information indicating a relationship between the quality control sample and a target sample for evaluating the quality of a measurement result or an analysis result using the sample.

[0073] According to the mass spectrometry device described in the third item, the correspondence between a target sample and a quality control sample used to evaluate the reliability of the measurement results and analysis results of the target sample is clear, so the appropriateness of the measurement results and analysis results of the target sample can be evaluated more accurately and efficiently.

[0074] (Item 4) The mass spectrometer according to any one of Items 1 to 3 may further include:

[0075] a determination unit that determines whether a measurement state is good or bad, using the measurement result or an analysis result derived from the measurement result, each time a measurement result for the quality control sample is obtained; and

[0076] The control unit controls the measuring unit so as to stop the measurement by the measuring unit when the determining unit determines that the measurement state is not good.

[0077] (Item 5) In addition, in the mass spectrometry analysis device described in Item 4, the display processing unit can be configured to display the judgment result of the determination unit on the quality of the measurement status together with the analysis result, and the control unit can receive the user's instructions to control the measurement unit in a manner that terminates the measurement of the measurement unit.

[0078] According to the mass spectrometer described in the fourth and fifth items, if a measurement cannot be performed properly due to a device failure, improper sample preparation, improper measurement condition setting, etc., the measurement can be quickly terminated, thereby avoiding the execution of a wasteful measurement. This can prevent the time and effort spent on wasteful measurements. In addition, the operator can quickly investigate the cause of the inability to perform a measurement properly.

[0079] (Item 6) In the mass spectrometry analysis device described in any one of Items 1 to 5, the display processing unit can be set to include an independent result production unit, which extracts the measurement results and / or analysis results for a target sample to produce display information in a specified format, and displays the display information on the screen of the display unit.

[0080] The mass spectrometry device described in item 6 can independently display measurement and analysis results for each target sample. This allows, for example, for the analysis results to be disclosed to a subject, only the analysis results for that subject to be disclosed. Furthermore, when an operator wishes to confirm the analysis results for a specific subject, confusion with the analysis results for other subjects can be avoided.

[0081] (Item 7) The mass spectrometry analysis device described in any one of Items 1 to 6 can be configured to further include an analysis unit, which detects multiple β-amyloid protein-related peaks from the mass spectrum obtained by measurement by the measurement unit, and calculates an index value as the analysis result by performing a predetermined operation based on the signal intensity of the peak obtained by the detection.

[0082] The amyloid-β related peaks detected from the mass spectrometer are amyloid-β derived peptides having a specific mass-to-charge ratio used in known testing methods disclosed in Patent Documents 2-3, Non-Patent Document 1, etc., such as Aβ1-39, Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and APP669-711.

[0083] According to the mass spectrometer according to Item 7, it is possible to achieve improved accuracy and efficiency in screening tests for investigating the state of accumulation of β-amyloid protein in the brain.

[0084] Description of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1: Measurement unit; 10: MALDI ion source; 100: Workbench; 101: Sample plate; 102: Sample; 103: Laser irradiation unit; 11: Time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis unit; 2: Control / processing unit; 20: Sample information storage unit; 21: Analysis control unit; 22: Mass spectrometry data collection unit; 23: Data analysis unit; 24: Good / bad judgment unit; 25: Display processing unit; 251: Analysis result list creation unit; 252: Independent analysis result report creation unit; 3: Input unit; 4: Display unit.

Claims

1. A mass spectrometry device comprising: a measuring unit that performs mass spectrometry analysis on each of the plurality of target samples and the plurality of quality control samples in a predetermined order; a sample information storage unit that stores in advance identification information capable of identifying target samples and quality control samples in a series of measurements on the plurality of target samples and the plurality of quality control samples; and A display processing unit, which uses the identification information stored in the sample information storage unit to separate the measurement results for the target sample and / or the analysis results derived from the measurement results, from the measurement results for the quality control sample and / or the analysis results derived from the measurement results, to create display information of respective prescribed formats, and displays the two display information on the screen of the display unit.

2. The mass spectrometry device according to claim 1, wherein The measuring section performs matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.

3. The mass spectrometry device according to claim 1, wherein The display information includes information indicating a relationship between a quality control sample and a target sample to be used for evaluating the quality of a measurement result or an analysis result using the sample.

4. The mass spectrometry apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Also features: a determination unit that determines whether a measurement state is good or bad, using the measurement result or an analysis result derived from the measurement result, each time a measurement result for the quality control sample is obtained; as well as The control unit controls the measuring unit so as to stop the measurement by the measuring unit when the determining unit determines that the measurement state is not good.

5. The mass spectrometry apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The display processing unit displays the determination result of the quality of the measurement state by the determination unit together with the analysis result, and the control unit controls the measurement unit so as to stop the measurement by the measurement unit in response to a user instruction.

6. The mass spectrometry apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The display processing unit includes an independent result generating unit that extracts measurement results and / or analysis results for one target sample to generate display information in a predetermined format and displays the display information on a screen of the display unit.

7. The mass spectrometry apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The apparatus further includes an analyzing unit configured to detect a plurality of amyloid-β-related peaks from the mass spectrum obtained by the measurement by the measuring unit and calculate an index value as the analysis result by performing a predetermined calculation based on the signal intensities of the detected peaks.

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