Analysis operation support program for laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer and sample preparation method using the program

Abstract

An analysis operation support program according to one aspect of the present invention, for supporting registration of sample-related information when performing analysis on an LDI-MS capable of sequentially performing analysis on samples prepared in advance in a plurality of wells on a plate, causes a computer to function as: a well prompting function section (200) that prompts an operator one by one in a prescribed order of a plurality of wells on a plate; an information acquisition function section (201) that, in a state where one well is prompted, receives sample information acquired by the operator performing a reading operation on an identifier using a reading device (4), the identifier having or being associated with sample information including information showing a sample category of one sample and information identifying the sample under the sample category; and an information registration function section (202) that registers the received sample information in association with identification information of the well prompted at the time of performing the reading operation. The degree of freedom in use of the wells on the plate is improved and the input operation of the sample information is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a computer program for supporting analytical operations in a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer, and a method for preparing samples for analysis in a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer using the program, wherein the laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer is represented by a matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer (hereinafter referred to as "MALDI-MS"). Background Technology

[0002] In MALDI-MS analysis, a matrix solution, acting as an ionization aid, is typically added to the sample to be analyzed. This liquid is then added in small amounts dropwise into wells on a dedicated sample plate and allowed to air dry, thus forming the sample. In MALDI-MS, the compounds in the sample are ionized by irradiating the sample plate with a laser, and the resulting ions are subjected to mass analysis.

[0003] Typically, before analyzing the target sample, an analysis is performed on a calibrator prepared from a standard calibration sample, and the m / z (mass-charge ratio) value is corrected using the results. Furthermore, particularly in fields requiring high reliability, such as pharmaceuticals or food, quality control (QC) samples containing known components at known concentrations are analyzed whenever a predetermined number of target samples are analyzed, or at the beginning and end of a series of analyses targeting multiple target samples. The results of this analysis are then used to assess whether the analysis of the target samples was properly performed (see Patent Document 2, etc.).

[0004] Therefore, in addition to the target sample, different types of samples, such as calibrators or QC samples, may be formed on the sample plate.

[0005] When performing analysis or analyzing data based on the results, and consequently managing such analytical or analytical results, sample information is required, including: information on the type of sample formed on the sample plate (e.g., target sample, QC sample, calibrator, etc.), or specific information about the type of sample (e.g., if it is a calibrator, information on the compounds it contains; if it is a target sample, information such as the sample name or identification number that identifies the individual sample). Therefore, typically before performing analysis, such as when forming samples, the operator performs the task of inputting sample information for each sample formed on or already formed on the sample plate.

[0006] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-74441 Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2022 / 049811 Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve Patent Document 1 describes an example of a sample plate for MALDI-MS. The sample plate in this example has multiple general-purpose holes for forming samples, and in addition to these general-purpose sample holes, it also has dedicated calibrator holes. Specifically, one dedicated calibrator hole is configured for every 16 sample holes. By setting up dedicated calibrator holes, which differ from the general-purpose holes, errors in the formation position of the calibrator and the target sample due to operator errors can be mitigated, as well as errors in the association between samples and sample information on the plate caused by incorrect input of sample information corresponding to the samples formed in each hole, including the calibrator hole.

[0007] However, since the types of calibrators used vary depending on the analytical conditions, such as the m / z range of the analyte, the sample plates will be available for analysis with some wells unused, depending on the number of target samples analyzed under the same analytical conditions. An increase in unused wells means a decrease in the number of target samples that can be analyzed using the same number of sample plates. In other words, if the available well positions for each type of sample are fixed, it may be necessary to increase the number of sample plates to analyze the same number of target samples, leading to increased analytical operating costs, increased operator workload, and increased operation time.

[0008] On the other hand, in addition to the method of pre-determining the position of the hole for forming QC samples on the sample plate, Patent Document 2 also describes a method in which the operator can freely set the position of the hole. In this case, where the position of the hole is not fixed for the type of sample and can be determined at the operator's discretion, the operator needs to perform an operation to input and display information about the type of sample formed in each hole on the sample plate, and then perform an operation to set information to identify the sample within that type. Performing this multi-stage operation for each sample is cumbersome, reduces workability, and can also become a cause of operational errors.

[0009] This invention was made to solve such technical problems. Its main purpose is to provide an analytical operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer and a sample preparation method using the program. It can improve the degree of freedom in using the wells on the sample plate while ensuring the accuracy of the correspondence between the sample formed in the well and the sample information, thereby improving the input operability of sample information.

[0010] Solution to the above technical problems According to one aspect of the present invention, an analytical operation support program for a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer is a program for supporting the registration of sample-related information when performing analysis on a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer capable of sequentially analyzing samples prepared in advance in multiple wells on a sample plate. This program enables a computer to operate as follows: The hole indicator function displays multiple holes on the sample plate to the operator in a prescribed order; The information acquisition function unit, when a hole is indicated by the hole indication function unit, receives sample information acquired by an operator using a reading device to perform a reading operation on an identifier, wherein the identifier has or is associated with sample information including information displaying the sample type and information identifying the sample under that sample type; and The information registration function unit registers the sample information received by the information acquisition function unit in association with the hole identification information prompted when performing the reading operation.

[0011] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a sample preparation method utilizing the laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer analysis job support program described above comprises the following steps: In the identifier reading step, based on the position of the hole indicated by the hole prompting function, the operator uses the reading device to perform a reading operation to read sample information of a sample or an identifier associated with that sample information. The information registration step involves registering the sample information contained in or associated with the identifier read in the identifier reading step, in association with the identification information of the well indicated when the reading operation is performed; and In the sample formation step, a sample corresponding to the sample information is formed in the hole of the sample plate in the information registration step.

[0012] Invention Effects According to the present invention, holes at any position among the plurality of holes on the sample plate can be used not only for forming the target sample, but also for forming other types of samples, such as calibrators or quality control samples. Therefore, the positional freedom of the holes for forming target samples, calibrators, quality control samples, etc., on the sample plate is increased, allowing for efficient utilization of the holes on the sample plate. This enables the sample plate to be used without waste, aiming to save on analytical operating costs.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the operation of inputting sample information, including information displaying the sample type and information identifying the sample, is simplified. Moreover, regardless of differences in sample types, such as target samples, calibrators, or quality control samples, the input operation for registering sample information can be performed using the same steps. Thus, while improving the operability of sample information registration and sample preparation, it reduces operational errors such as sample information input mistakes, ensuring the accuracy of the correspondence between the actual sample formed in the well and the sample information. As a result, the reliability of the analysis is also improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of the MALDI-MS system utilizing the analysis job support program of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the steps and processes involved in sample preparation in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing an example of a sample plate used in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an example diagram showing a display screen during sample preparation in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an example diagram showing the sample information registration results for each sample plate in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a MALDI-MS system utilizing the laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer analysis job support program of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this MALDI-MS system, a barcode is used as an identifier having or associated with sample information. However, the identifier that can be used is not limited to a barcode; as described below, any identifier that can read information using some kind of reading device is acceptable.

[0020] Furthermore, in the following description, the target sample formed in the holes of the sample plate, the QC sample used for quality control, and the calibrator used for quality correction are sometimes collectively referred to as the sample.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of the MALDI-MS system according to this embodiment. The MALDI-MS system includes a measurement unit 1, a control / processing unit 2, an operation unit 3, a barcode reader 4 as an identifier reading device, and a display unit 5.

[0022] The measurement unit 1 includes a MALDI ion source 10 and a mass analysis unit 11. The MALDI ion source 10 includes a sample stage 100 for holding a sample plate 101 and a laser irradiation unit 110 for irradiating a sample in a hole 102 formed on the sample plate 101 with an ionization laser. The sample stage 100 can be moved along two mutually orthogonal axes, the X-axis and the Y-axis, by a sample stage drive mechanism (not shown). The mass analysis unit 11 includes a mass analyzer and an ion detector of a suitable form, such as a time-of-flight mass analyzer or an ion trap mass analyzer.

[0023] The control / processing unit 2, as a functional module, includes a sample information registration support unit 20, an analysis control unit 22, a data processing unit 23, and a display processing unit 24. The sample information registration support unit 20, as a subordinate module, includes an information registration support screen generation unit 200, an information input receiving unit 201, and an information registration processing unit 202.

[0024] The entity of the control / processing unit 2 is a computer such as a personal computer or workstation, which enables the aforementioned functional modules to be implemented by executing one or more dedicated software programs (computer programs) installed on the computer. Such computer programs can be stored on computer-readable, non-transitory recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, memory cards, or USB storage devices (don'ts) and provided to the user. Alternatively, they can be provided to the user via data transmission through communication lines such as the Internet. Alternatively, they can be pre-installed on the computer as part of the system when the user purchases the system.

[0025] In addition, Figure 1 Although the sample information registration support unit 20 is included in the control / processing unit 2, as described later, the function of the sample information registration support unit 20 is utilized during sample preparation, and the actual analysis only requires the information registered by the sample information registration support unit 20. Therefore, the sample information registration support unit 20 may not be included in the control / processing unit 2. That is, the sample information registration support unit 20 may also be a function implemented by software mounted on a different computer than the control / processing unit 2.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a plan view of an example sample plate used here. In this example, sample plate 101 has holes 102 arranged in a 12×4 matrix (48 holes in total), which appear circular in top view. Furthermore, at appropriate positions between the holes 102, calibration-specific holes 103, slightly smaller than the holes 102, are formed. Calibration-specific holes 103 are dedicated holes for mounting standard specimens used for mass calibration, etc. Here, for... Figure 2 The 16 holes 102 within the range indicated by the dashed line 104 include one calibration material-specific hole 103.

[0027] In conventional MALDI-MS analysis, calibrators are formed in calibrator-specific wells 103, while target samples and QC samples are formed in wells 102. In contrast, in analysis using the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment, calibrators, target samples, or QC samples can be formed in multiple wells 102 on the sample plate 101. That is, in the sample plate used by the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment, calibrator-specific wells 103 are not essential.

[0028] First, refer to Figure 1 Briefly describe the analysis operations in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment.

[0029] Under the control of the analysis control unit 22, the sample stage 100 is driven by the sample stage drive mechanism, so that the analyte sample in the predetermined hole 102 formed on the sample plate 101 is positioned at the laser irradiation position. The laser emitted from the laser irradiation unit 110 is directed at the sample, and the compounds contained in the sample are ionized. The generated ions are introduced into the mass analysis unit 11, where they are separated and detected according to their m / z values. In the mass analysis unit 11, for example, spectral data displaying the ion intensity within a predetermined m / z range can be obtained. This data is input into the data processing unit 23, which generates a mass spectrum, and the display processing unit 24 displays the mass spectrum on the screen of the display unit 5. Furthermore, the data processing unit 23 performs compound identification (qualitative) or quantification, or structural analysis, etc., based on the mass spectrum.

[0030] In the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment, the aforementioned quality analysis operations can be performed sequentially on each of the multiple samples formed on the sample plate 101. The quality analysis results for the calibrators are then used for the correction of the m / z values, and the quality analysis results for the QC samples are used for the evaluation or determination of their suitability for the quality analysis of the target sample.

[0031] Next, the sample preparation process, including the registration of sample information, performed before the above analysis is carried out in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment. This sample preparation process is performed before the sample plate 101 is placed on the measuring unit 1. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the steps and processes involved in sample preparation.

[0032] First, when an operator performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 3, the control / processing unit 2, which receives the operation, activates the sample information registration support unit 20. In the sample information registration support unit 20, the information registration support screen generation unit 200 generates, for example, a... Figure 4The sample information registration support screen 6, which is configured to show a top view of a sample plate, is displayed on the screen of the display unit 5 via the display processing unit 24 (step S1).

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, on the sample information registration support screen 6, in addition to the panel layout 61, there are also pre-set calibrator barcodes 62 and QC sample barcodes 63. However, since calibrator barcodes 62 and QC sample barcodes 63 are not always necessary, they can be displayed as needed based on the operator's intended operation. Furthermore, sometimes multiple calibrators and QC samples are used; in such cases, two or more calibrator barcodes 62 and QC sample barcodes 63 may be displayed separately. Calibrator barcodes 62 and QC sample barcodes 63 respectively hold the following sample information as data: information about the sample type, such as calibrator or QC sample, and information that identifies the sample, including the sample name, compound name, and identification number of each calibrator and QC sample. The barcodes holding sample information as data can be pre-set by an analysis administrator, for example. The barcodes mentioned here include QR codes (registered trademarks) and other two-dimensional codes.

[0034] In addition, when using identifiers with limited data volume, such as one-dimensional barcodes, the identifier itself may not hold all the sample information. Instead, detailed sample information associated with the data shown by the identifier may be stored in a storage unit contained in or located outside the control / processing unit 2.

[0035] When the sample information registration support screen 6 is displayed, when the operator performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 3 (or automatically without performing an operation), the information input receiving unit 201 visually and clearly displays a hole 61A of the next object to receive sample information input on the board plan view 61 (step S2). For example, the location of the hole 61A can be indicated to the operator by displaying a portion of the hole 61A corresponding to the object receiving sample information input on the board plan view 61 in a predetermined color different from others, or by flashing the display. In addition to such displays, the operator's attention can also be drawn through sound, for example.

[0036] The operator confirms the location (number) of hole 61A on the board plan 61, and uses barcode reader 4 to perform a reading operation to read the barcode corresponding to the target sample, calibrator, or QC sample to be formed in the actual hole 102 corresponding to the indicated hole 61A (step S3). The barcode corresponding to the target sample can be affixed to a container such as a petri dish or sample bottle containing the target sample. In the target sample, the information identifying the sample can be, for example, the sample name, identification number, etc. On the other hand, the barcodes corresponding to the calibrator and QC sample are the calibrator barcode 62 and QC sample barcode 63 displayed on the sample information registration support screen 6, respectively. That is, in this system, for any of the target sample, calibrator, and QC sample, the sample information can be input in one operation using the exact same barcode reading operation.

[0037] Furthermore, in routine analyses involving a large number of target samples, the locations of the wells 102 for forming calibrators or QC samples are usually predetermined, and operators simply need to follow these guidelines. On the other hand, in non-routine analyses, there are often no such predetermined guidelines, and operators often freely determine the locations of the wells 102 for forming target samples, calibrators, and QC samples based on the purpose of the analysis or the type of sample.

[0038] When an operator performs a barcode reading operation, the information input receiving unit 201 receives the information from the read barcode, and the information registration and processing unit 202 registers the sample information contained in or associated with the barcode, along with the hole number displaying the current position of the hole 102 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 In the example, A1, A2, ... are registered in association (step S4). Additionally, if an operator mistakenly reads an inappropriate barcode, the input generated by that reading can be canceled by performing a predetermined operation.

[0039] When the sample information registration for a well 61A is complete, the operator adds the target sample, calibrator, or QC sample corresponding to the registered sample information to the corresponding well 102 on the actual sample plate 101 (step S5). If the sample and matrix are mixed on the sample plate 101, the matrix solution is added and mixed after the sample is added. Alternatively, if the sample and matrix solution have been pre-mixed, the mixed solution can be added to the well.

[0040] Subsequently, when the operator performs the predetermined operation on the operation unit 3, the information input receiving unit 201 changes the display color of the hole 61A where sample information has been registered and sample dispensing has actually been performed in the plate plan view 61 of the sample information registration support screen 6 to a predetermined color (step S6). Then, if the last hole in the prescribed order on a sample plate has been reached, the operation is determined to be completed (step S7 is Yes); otherwise, it returns to step S2. In the case of returning to step S2, the information input receiving unit 201 indicates to the operator the next hole 61A where sample information should be registered in the prescribed order on the display of the plate plan view 61.

[0041] The order in which the holes 61A on the sample plate 101 are indicated to register sample information is predetermined, and all holes 61A will be indicated sequentially on the plate plan view 61. Although the calibrator-specific holes are excluded at this time, it can also be set so that all holes, including the calibrator-specific holes, are indicated sequentially.

[0042] By repeating steps S2 to S7 above, sample information registration and actual sample addition are performed for all wells 102 on the sample plate 101. Of course, since sometimes it may be chosen not to load samples into some wells 102 (not using those wells), it can also be set so that when the operator performs a predetermined operation, the well 61A automatically indicated on the plate plan 61 is skipped, and the process proceeds to the next well 61A where sample information should be registered. Then, when the sample addition to the wells 102 on a sample plate 101 is complete, the sample plate 101 is provided for air drying (step S8), completing the sample preparation for analysis in the MALDI-MS system.

[0043] In the information registration processing unit 202 of the sample information registration support unit 20, the following is generated: Figure 5 The table shown associates well numbers with sample information, including sample type and sample identification information, and stores this information. During analysis, the location of, for example, a calibrator or QC sample is identified based on this information, and m / z value correction is performed based on the analysis results performed on the calibrator. Furthermore, when analyzing multiple samples formed on sample plate 101, analysis is performed on each sample individually, but the analysis order need not be the same as the order in which the sample information was registered.

[0044] As described above, in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment, the positions of the target sample, calibrator, QC sample, etc., can be freely determined for the multiple wells 102 on the sample plate 101. Therefore, even if one calibrator is configured for every n target samples (for any number n), all or most of the wells 102 can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, for any of the target sample, calibrator, or QC sample, sample information can be easily entered using the same steps as with barcodes, resulting in good operability and reducing errors in sample information input.

[0045] Additionally, while the barcodes for calibrators and QC samples are displayed on the screen as described above, barcodes can also be provided to operators through methods other than display. Specifically, they can also be provided to operators as printed materials.

[0046] Furthermore, while the above embodiment uses a barcode containing a QR code as the identifier, as mentioned above, any identifier that can be used for the target sample, calibrator, and QC sample is not limited to a barcode; other identifiers can also be used, such as IC tags, also known as RFID tags or RF tags. In this case, since the IC tags corresponding to the calibrator and QC sample cannot be provided through a display screen, they can be provided to the operator, for example, in the form of a card. Moreover, as the reading device, an RFID reader or a reader conforming to the IC tag format should naturally be used.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, on the displayed plate plan view 61, different colors are used to visually identify the holes where sample information will be registered next, the holes where sample information has been registered and sample has been added, and the holes where sample information has not yet been registered. In addition, for the holes where sample information has been registered and sample has been added, the display color can be changed according to the type of sample (i.e., target sample, calibrator, or QC sample), making them visually identifiable. Thus, the operator can immediately identify the type of sample that has been registered.

[0048] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely examples of the present invention. Any modifications, alterations, additions, etc., made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention are naturally included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0049] Specifically, in the MALDI-MS system described above, the target sample, calibrator, and QC sample are assumed to be sample types, but it is also possible to use both calibrator and QC sample. Furthermore, as mentioned above, one or two of various calibrators and QC samples can be used. Moreover, it is also possible to provide sample types other than these. For example, when performing a comparative analysis between a reference sample and the target sample, it is possible to consider providing more than one reference sample in addition to the calibrator or QC sample.

[0050] Various options Those skilled in the art will understand that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following states.

[0051] (Item 1) According to one aspect of the present invention, an analytical operation support program for a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer is a program for supporting the registration of sample-related information when performing analysis on a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer capable of sequentially analyzing samples prepared in advance in multiple wells on a sample plate, wherein the computer operates as the following components: The hole indicator function displays multiple holes on the sample plate to the operator in a prescribed order; The information acquisition function unit, when a hole is indicated by the hole indication function unit, receives sample information acquired by an operator using a reading device to perform a reading operation on an identifier, wherein the identifier has or is associated with sample information including information displaying the sample type and information identifying the sample under that sample type; and The information registration function unit registers the sample information received by the information acquisition function unit in association with the hole identification information prompted when performing the reading operation.

[0052] (Item 7) Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a sample preparation method utilizing the analytical work support program for a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer as described in Item 1, comprising the following steps: In the identifier reading step, based on the position of the hole indicated by the hole prompting function, the operator uses the reading device to perform a reading operation to read sample information of a sample or an identifier associated with that sample information. The information registration step involves registering the sample information contained in or associated with the identifier read in the identifier reading step, in association with the identification information of the well indicated when the reading operation is performed; and In the sample formation step, a sample corresponding to the sample information is formed in the hole of the sample plate in the information registration step.

[0053] (Item 2) In the analysis operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer described in Item 1 and the sample preparation method described in Item 7, the sample type may include at least two types of the target sample, quality control sample and calibrator.

[0054] According to the analytical operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometry described in item 1 and the sample preparation method described in item 7, any hole at any position among the multiple holes on the sample plate can be used not only for forming the target sample but also for forming calibrators or quality control samples. Therefore, the positional freedom of the holes for forming target samples, calibrators, quality control samples, etc., on the sample plate is increased, allowing for effective utilization of the holes on the sample plate. This enables the sample plate to be used efficiently without waste, aiming to save on analytical operating costs.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the analytical work support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer described in item 1 and the sample preparation method described in item 7, sample information, including information displaying sample types such as calibrators and quality control samples, as well as information for identifying calibrator types (e.g., compound names), can be entered in a single operation. The same operation steps can be used to input sample information for different types of samples. This improves the workability of sample information registration and sample preparation, reduces operational errors such as sample information input mistakes, and ensures the accuracy of the correspondence between the sample formed in the well and the sample information. As a result, the reliability of the analysis is also improved.

[0056] (Item 3) In the analysis operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer described in Item 1 or Item 2, the identifier may be a barcode containing a QR code, and the reading device may be a barcode reader.

[0057] According to the analysis operation support program for the laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer described in item 3, the information contained in the identifier can be read through simple operation. Furthermore, the device cost is also low.

[0058] (Item 4) In the analysis operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer described in Item 3, the computer may be further operated as an identifier display function unit, which displays sample information or barcodes associated with quality control samples and / or calibrators on the display screen.

[0059] Typically, the sample information for the target sample varies from sample to sample. Therefore, a barcode containing the sample information for the target sample can be provided along with the sample, for example, by affixing it to the container holding the sample that serves as the source of the target sample. In this case, the operator only needs to read such a barcode using a barcode reader. On the other hand, in the analytical work support procedure described in item 4, since the barcode containing the sample information for the calibrator or quality control sample is displayed on the screen, the operator only needs to read the displayed barcode using a barcode reader.

[0060] As described above, the analysis operation support procedure according to item 4 allows for the registration of sample information for calibrators or quality control samples simply by reading the barcode displayed on the screen, which simplifies the operator's work and aims to improve operational efficiency.

[0061] (Item 5) In the analysis operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer according to any one of items 1 to 4, the computer may be further operated as a registration information prompting function unit, which displays a sample plate planar diagram showing multiple wells on the display screen and displays the wells with registered sample information in different colors according to sample type.

[0062] According to the analytical operation support procedure described in item 5, operators can, for example, accurately determine at a glance on the display screen the location of the wells where the target sample, calibrator, and quality control sample are registered. Thus, after registering sample information for a well, for example, through a barcode reading operation, it is easy to determine whether the registered sample is the expected sample type; for example, when registering calibrator sample information, it can be confirmed whether the calibrator has actually been registered.

[0063] (Item 6) In the analysis operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer described in Item 5, the well prompting function can visually and recognizablely display the well for which the next sample information should be registered in a sample plate plan view displayed by the registration information prompting function.

[0064] According to the analysis operation support procedure described in item 6, the operator can visually and accurately determine the location of the next well where sample information should be recorded on the screen.

[0065] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Measurement Department 10 MALDI ion source 100 Sample Stage 101 Sample Plate 102 holes 110 Laser Irradiation Section 11 Quality Analysis Department 2 Control / Processing Unit 20 Sample Information Registration Support Department 200 Information Registration Support Screen Generation Department 201 Information Input and Receiving Unit 202 Information Registration and Processing Department 22. Analysis and Control Department 23 Data Processing Department 24 Display Processing Unit 3. Operations Section 4. Barcode Reader 5. Display section.

Claims

1. An analytical operation support program for a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer, which supports the registration of sample-related information when performing analysis on a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer capable of sequentially analyzing samples prepared in advance in multiple wells on a sample plate, wherein a computer is operated as the following: The hole indicator function displays multiple holes on the sample plate to the operator in a prescribed order; The information acquisition function unit receives sample information obtained by an operator using a reading device to perform a reading operation on an identifier when a hole is indicated by the hole prompting function unit. The identifier has or is associated with sample information including information showing the sample type of a sample and information identifying the sample under that sample type. as well as The information registration function unit registers the sample information received by the information acquisition function unit in association with the hole identification information prompted when performing the reading operation.

2. The analytical operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometry according to claim 1, wherein, The sample types include at least two of the following: the target sample to be analyzed, the quality control sample, and the calibrator.

3. The analytical operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometry according to claim 2, wherein, The identifier is a barcode containing a QR code, and the reading device is a barcode reader.

4. The analytical operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 3, wherein the computer further operates as an identifier display function unit, which displays sample information or barcodes associated with quality control samples and / or calibrators on a display screen.

5. The analysis operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 1, wherein the computer is further operated as a registration information prompting function, the registration information prompting function displays a sample plate planar diagram showing multiple wells on the display screen, and displays the wells with registered sample information in different colors according to sample type.

6. The analytical operation support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometry according to claim 5, wherein, The hole prompting function displays the next hole for which sample information should be registered in a visually recognizable manner on the sample plate plan view displayed by the registration information prompting function.

7. A sample preparation method using the analytical job support program for a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer as described in claim 1, the method comprising the following steps: In the identifier reading step, based on the position of the hole indicated by the hole prompting function, the operator uses the reading device to perform a reading operation to read sample information of a sample or an identifier associated with that sample information. The information registration step involves registering the sample information contained in or associated with the identifier read in the identifier reading step, in association with the identification information of the hole indicated when the reading operation is performed; as well as In the sample formation step, a sample corresponding to the sample information is formed in the hole of the sample plate in the information registration step.

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