Analytical work support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer and sample preparation method using the program

Abstract

This increases the flexibility of using wells on the plate and simplifies the process of inputting sample information. [Solution] In an analysis using an LDI-MS capable of sequentially performing analysis on samples prepared in advance in multiple wells on a plate, the computer is operated as follows: a well presentation function unit (200) that presents multiple wells on a plate to the operator one by one in a predetermined order; an information acquisition function unit (201) that receives sample information obtained by a reading operation by the operator using a reading device (4) on an identifier that has sample information including information indicating the sample type for a single sample and information identifying the sample under that sample type, or an identifier associated with said sample information; and an information registration function unit (202) that registers the received sample information in association with the identification information of the well that was presented when the reading operation was performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer program that supports analysis operations in laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometers including a Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption / Ionization Mass Spectrometer (hereinafter referred to as "MALDI-MS"), and a method for preparing a sample to be analyzed by a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer using the program.

Background Art

[0002] When performing analysis with MALDI-MS, generally, a matrix solution as an ionization aid is added to a sample to be analyzed, a small amount of the liquid is dropped into a well on a dedicated sample plate, and air-dried to form a sample. In MALDI-MS, the sample thus formed on the sample plate is irradiated with laser light to ionize the compounds in the sample, and mass spectrometry is performed on the generated ions.

[0003] Usually, prior to the analysis of the target sample to be analyzed, an analysis is performed on a calibrant prepared from a standard sample for calibration, and the m / z (mass-to-charge ratio) value is calibrated using the result of the analysis. In addition, particularly in fields requiring high reliability such as the pharmaceutical field and the food field, a QC (Quality Control) sample for quality control containing known components at known concentrations is analyzed every time a predetermined number of target samples are analyzed, or at the start and end of a series of analyses on a plurality of target samples, and the analysis result is used to evaluate whether or not the analysis on the target samples has been properly performed (see Patent Document 2, etc.). For these reasons, different types of samples such as calibrants and QC samples other than the target sample can be formed on the sample plate.

[0004] When performing analysis, analyzing data based on the analysis results, and managing such analysis results, sample information is necessary, including information indicating the type of sample (e.g., target sample, QC sample, calibrant, etc.) or the nature of the sample (e.g., information indicating the compounds contained in a calibrant, or information such as a uniquely identifiable sample name or identification number for a target sample). Therefore, the operator typically inputs sample information for each sample formed on the sample plate prior to the analysis, for example, during sample formation. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-74441 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2022 / 049826 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes an example of a sample plate for MALDI-MS. The sample plate exemplified in this document has multiple normal wells on the sample plate in which samples are formed, and separate from these normal sample wells, it also has a well dedicated to calibration. Specifically, one calibration-dedicated well is provided for every 16 sample wells. By providing a separate calibration-dedicated well in addition to the normal wells in this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of errors in linking samples on the plate with sample information caused by operator errors, such as incorrect formation positions of calibrators and target samples, or errors in inputting sample information corresponding to the samples formed in each well, including the calibration well.

[0007] However, since the type of calibrant used varies depending on the analytical conditions, such as the m / z range of the sample being measured, depending on the number of target samples being analyzed under the same analytical conditions, some of the normal wells may not contain the target samples, meaning that some wells may be unused when the sample plate is subjected to analysis. An increase in unused wells means that the number of target samples that can be analyzed with the same number of sample plates decreases. In other words, if the location of the usable wells is determined for each type of sample, the number of sample plates required to analyze the same number of target samples may increase, leading to increased running costs for analysis and increased workload and working time for the operator.

[0008] On the other hand, Patent Document 2 describes a method in which, in addition to pre-determining the position of the wells on the sample plate in which the QC sample is formed, the operator can freely set the position of those wells. In this case, where the position of the usable wells for each sample type is not fixed but can be determined as appropriate, the operator must perform an operation to input information indicating the type of sample to be formed in each well on the sample plate, and then perform an operation to set information that identifies the sample for that type. Performing such multiple steps for each sample is cumbersome, reduces work efficiency, and can also cause work errors.

[0009] The present invention was made to solve these problems, and its main objective is to provide an analytical work support program for a laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer and a sample preparation method using the program that can increase the degree of freedom in using wells on a sample plate, ensure the accuracy of the correspondence between the sample formed in the wells and the sample information, and further improve the workability of inputting sample information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the analytical work support program for a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer according to the present invention is a program that assists in registering information about a sample during analysis in a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer capable of sequentially performing analysis on a plurality of samples prepared in advance in multiple wells on a sample plate, and the computer... A well presentation function unit that presents multiple wells on a sample plate to the operator one by one in a predetermined order, With one well presented by the well presentation function, the information acquisition function receives sample information obtained by a reading operation by an operator using a reading device for an identifier associated with the sample information, which includes sample information that includes information indicating the sample type for one sample and information that identifies the sample under the sample type. An information registration function unit registers the sample information received by the information acquisition function unit in association with the well identification information that was presented when the reading operation was performed. It is operated in this manner.

[0011] Furthermore, one embodiment of the sample preparation method according to the present invention is a sample preparation method using an analysis work support program for a laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer according to the above embodiment, Identifier reading step: In accordance with the position of the well presented by the well presentation function, the operator performs a reading operation using a reading device to read an identifier that has sample information for one sample or is associated with said sample information. An information registration step in which sample information contained in or associated with the identifier read in the identifier reading step is registered in association with the identification information of the well that was presented when the reading operation was performed, A sample formation step in which a sample corresponding to the sample information is formed in a well on a sample plate where the sample information has been registered in the information registration step, This is what it does. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, any well among the multiple wells on a sample plate can be used not only for the target sample but also for forming other types of samples, such as calibrants and quality control samples. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the position of the wells for forming the target sample, calibrant, quality control samples, etc., on the sample plate is increased, making it possible to effectively utilize the wells on the sample plate. As a result, the sample plate can be used without waste, and the running costs of analysis can be reduced.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the process of inputting sample information, which includes information indicating the type of sample and information identifying the sample, is simplified. Moreover, regardless of the type of sample, such as target sample, calibrant, or quality control sample, the input process for registering sample information can be performed using the same procedure. This improves the efficiency of sample information registration and sample preparation, reduces the occurrence of operational errors such as errors in inputting sample information, and ensures 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 can also be enhanced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a MALDI-MS system utilizing the analysis work support program according to the present invention. [Figure 2] An example flowchart showing the procedure and process for sample preparation in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment. [Figure 3] A plan view showing an example of a sample plate used in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the display screen during sample creation in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment. [Figure 5]A diagram showing an example of a sample information registration result for each sample plate in the MALDI-MS system of the present embodiment. Forms for Implementing the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a MALDI-MS system using an analysis work support program for a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this MALDI-MS system, a barcode is used as an identifier that has sample information or is associated with sample information. However, the usable identifier is not limited to a barcode, and as will be described later, any identifier may be used as long as it is an identifier whose information can be read using some kind of reading device. Further, in the following description, the target sample to be analyzed, the QC sample for quality control, and the calibrant for mass calibration, which are formed in the wells on the sample plate, may be collectively referred to as a sample.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic block configuration diagram of the MALDI-MS system of the present embodiment. This MALDI-MS system includes a measurement unit 1, a control / processing unit 2, an operation unit 3, a barcode reader 4 which is an identifier reading device, and a display unit 5.

[0017] 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 that holds a sample plate 101, and a laser irradiation unit 110 that irradiates a sample formed in a well 102 on the sample plate 101 with laser light for ionization. The sample stage 100 is movable in two axial directions, the X-axis and the Y-axis, which are orthogonal to each other, by a stage drive mechanism (not shown). The mass analysis unit 11 includes a mass analyzer of an appropriate type such as a time-of-flight mass analyzer or an ion trap mass analyzer, and an ion detector.

[0018] The control and processing unit 2 includes, as functional blocks, 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 includes, as lower-level blocks, an information registration support screen creation unit 200, an information input reception unit 201, and an information registration processing unit 202.

[0019] The control / processing unit 2 is actually a computer such as a personal computer or workstation, and each of the above-mentioned functional blocks is realized by executing one or more dedicated software programs (computer programs) installed on such a computer. These computer programs can be provided to the user by being stored on a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, memory card, or USB memory (dongle). Alternatively, they can be provided to the user in the form of data transfer via a communication line such as the internet. Alternatively, they can be pre-installed on the computer that is part of the system when the user purchases the system.

[0020] In Figure 1, the sample information registration support unit 20 is included in the control / processing unit 2. However, as will be described later, the functions of the sample information registration support unit 20 are used during sample creation, 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 does not necessarily have to be included in the control / processing unit 2. In other words, the sample information registration support unit 20 may be a function implemented by software installed on a computer different from the control / processing unit 2.

[0021] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of a sample plate used here. In this example, the sample plate 101 has a matrix of 12 × 4 (48 in total) circular wells 102 when viewed from above. In addition, smaller calibration wells 103 are formed at appropriate positions between the wells 102. The calibration wells 103 are dedicated wells for holding standard samples for mass calibration, etc. Here, one calibration well 103 is provided for every 16 wells 102 in the area indicated by the dotted line 104 in Figure 2.

[0022] In conventional MALDI-MS analysis, the calibrant is formed in a dedicated calibrant well 103, while the target sample and QC sample are formed in wells 102. In contrast, in analysis using the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment, the calibrant, target sample, or QC sample can be formed in multiple wells 102 on the sample plate 101. That is, in the sample plate used in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment, a dedicated calibrant well 103 is not necessarily required.

[0023] First, the analysis operation in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment will be briefly explained with reference to Figure 1. Under the control of the analysis control unit 22, the sample stage 100 is driven by the stage drive mechanism so that the sample to be analyzed, formed in a predetermined well 102 on the sample plate 101, is positioned at the laser irradiation location. Laser light emitted from the laser irradiation unit 110 strikes the sample, and the compounds contained in the sample are ionized. The generated ions are introduced into the mass spectrometry unit 11, where they are separated and detected according to their m / z values. The mass spectrometry unit 11 obtains spectral data, for example, showing the intensity of ions in a predetermined m / z range. This data is input to the data processing unit 23, which creates a mass spectrum, and the display processing unit 24 displays this mass spectrum on the screen of the display unit 5. The data processing unit 23 also performs compound identification (qualitative) or quantification, or structural analysis, based on the mass spectrum.

[0024] In the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment, the mass spectrometry operations described above can be performed sequentially on each of the multiple samples formed on the sample plate 101. In this process, the results of mass spectrometry on the calibrant are used for calibrating the m / z value, and the results of mass spectrometry on the QC sample are used for evaluating and determining the suitability of mass spectrometry for the target sample.

[0025] Next, we will describe the sample preparation process, including the registration of sample information, which is performed prior to the execution of the analysis described above in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment. This sample preparation process is carried out before the sample plate 101 is set in the measurement unit 1. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure and processing of the sample preparation process.

[0026] First, when the operator performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 3, the control / processing unit 2, upon receiving this operation, activates the sample information registration support unit 20. In the sample information registration support unit 20, the information registration support screen creation unit 200 creates a sample information registration support screen 6 on which a plate plan view 61, for example, of a single sample plate as shown in Figure 4, is arranged, and displays it on the screen of the display unit 5 through the display processing unit 24 (step S1).

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the sample information registration support screen 6 displays not only the plate plan view 61 but also pre-configured calibrant barcodes 62 and QC sample barcodes 63. However, since calibrant barcodes 62 and QC sample barcodes 63 are not always necessary, they can be displayed as appropriate in response to predetermined operations by the operator. In addition, multiple types of calibrants and QC samples may be used, in which case two or more calibrant barcodes 62 and QC sample barcodes 63 may be displayed. Calibrant barcodes 62 and QC sample barcodes 63 each contain sample information as data, including information indicating the type of sample (calibrant, QC sample, etc.) and information that allows for the identification of the sample, such as the sample name, compound names contained, and identification number for each calibrant and QC sample. Barcodes containing sample information as data can be pre-configured, for example, by the analysis administrator. The term "barcode" here includes two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark).

[0028] Furthermore, when using identifiers with limited data volume, such as one-dimensional barcodes, the identifier itself does not necessarily hold all the sample information. Instead, detailed sample information associated with the data indicated by the identifier can be stored in a memory unit included in or outside of the control / processing unit 2.

[0029] When the sample information registration support screen 6 is displayed, and the operator performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 3 (or automatically without any operation), the information input reception unit 201 visually indicates on the plate plan view 61 the well 61A that will next accept sample information input (step S2). For example, the location of the well 61A can be indicated to the operator by displaying the part of the plate plan view 61 corresponding to the well 61A that will accept sample information input in a predetermined color different from the others, or by making it blink. In addition to such displays, the operator's attention may also be drawn to the device by sound, for example.

[0030] The operator confirms the position (number) of well 61A on the plate plan view 61 and uses the barcode reader 4 to perform a reading operation to read the barcode corresponding to the target sample, calibrant, or QC sample to be formed in the actual well 102 corresponding to the indicated well 61A (step S3). The barcode corresponding to the target sample can be, for example, one attached to the container such as a petri dish or vial in which the target sample is contained. For the target sample, the information that identifies the sample can be, for example, the sample name or identification number. On the other hand, the barcodes corresponding to the calibrant and QC sample are the calibrant barcode 62 and QC sample barcode 63 displayed on the sample information registration support screen 6 as described above. In other words, in this system, sample information can be entered for the target sample, calibrant, and QC sample with a single operation using the exact same procedure of barcode reading.

[0031] In routine analyses involving the analysis of numerous target samples, the positions of well 102 where the calibrant and QC samples are formed are usually predetermined, and the operator simply follows these predetermined positions. On the other hand, in non-routine analyses, there are often no such predetermined positions, and the operator is usually free to determine the positions of well 102 where the target sample, calibrant, and QC samples are formed, depending on the purpose of the analysis and the type of sample.

[0032] 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 processing unit 202 registers the sample information contained in or associated with the barcode, associating it with the well number indicating the position in well 102 at that time (for example, A1, A2, ... in the example in Figure 4) (step S4). If the operator mistakenly reads an inappropriate barcode, the input resulting from that reading can be canceled by performing a predetermined operation.

[0033] Once the registration of sample information for one well 61A is complete, the operator drops the target sample, calibrant, or QC sample corresponding to the registered sample information into the corresponding well 102 on the actual sample plate 101 (step S5). If the sample and matrix are to be mixed on the sample plate 101, the matrix solution is dropped after the sample is dropped and then mixed. On the other hand, if the sample and matrix solution have been mixed beforehand, the mixed solution can be dropped into the well.

[0034] After the operator performs a predetermined operation on the control unit 3, the information input receiving unit 201 changes the display color of the well 61A where the sample information has been registered and the sample has actually been dropped, in the plate plan view 61 of the sample information registration support screen 6, to a predetermined color (step S6). If the operator has reached the last well in the prescribed order on a single sample plate, the unit determines that the work is complete (Yes in step S7), otherwise it returns to step S2. If it returns to step S2, the information input receiving unit 201 displays on the plate plan view 61 the well 61A where the next sample information should be registered, in the prescribed order, to the operator.

[0035] The order in which the wells 61A on the sample plate 101 to be indicated for registering sample information is predetermined, and all wells 61A are indicated sequentially on the plate plan view 61. In this case, the calibration-only wells are excluded, but it is also possible to indicate all wells, including the calibration-only wells, sequentially.

[0036] By repeating steps S2 to S7 above, sample information is registered and actual samples are dropped into all wells 102 on the sample plate 101. Of course, there may be cases where some wells 102 are not loaded with samples (those wells are not used), so when the operator performs a predetermined operation, the well 61A indicated on the plate plan view 61 may be automatically skipped and the process proceeds to the next well 61A to which sample information should be registered. Once the dropping of samples into the wells 102 on one sample plate 101 is complete, the sample plate 101 is provided for air drying (step S8), and the preparation of a sample that can be analyzed in the MALDI-MS system is completed.

[0037] In the information registration processing unit 202 of the sample information registration support unit 20, a table is created, as shown in Figure 5, that associates well numbers with sample information including sample type and information identifying the sample, and this information is stored. When an analysis is performed, the location of, for example, a calibrant or QC sample is identified based on this information, and the m / z value calibration process is performed based on the results of the analysis performed on that calibrant. When analyzing multiple samples formed on the sample plate 101, the analysis is performed on each sample one by one, but the order of analysis does not necessarily have to be the same as the order in which the sample information was registered as described above.

[0038] As described above, in the MALDI-MS system of this embodiment, the positions of the target sample, calibrant, QC sample, etc., can be freely determined in multiple wells 102 on the sample plate 101. Therefore, even when, for example, one calibrant is placed for every n target samples for any number n, all or most of the wells 102 can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, since sample information can be easily entered for the target sample, calibrant, and QC sample using the same procedure with barcodes, work efficiency is improved and errors in entering sample information can be reduced.

[0039] In the above explanation, barcodes corresponding to the calibrant and QC sample were displayed on the screen, but barcodes may be provided to the operator by methods other than display. Specifically, they may be provided to the operator as printed material.

[0040] Furthermore, although the above embodiment used a barcode including a two-dimensional code as an identifier, as mentioned above, other identifiers are not limited to barcodes as long as they can be used in common for the target sample, calibrant, and QC sample. For example, other identifiers such as RFID tags or IC tags (also called RF tags) may be used. In that case, since the IC tags corresponding to the calibrant and QC sample cannot be provided through the display screen, they can be provided to the operator in the form of a card, for example. Also, it goes without saying that the reader should be an RFID reader or other reader that matches the format of the IC tag.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, on the displayed plate plan view 61, wells where sample information will be registered next, wells where sample information has already been registered and the sample has been dropped, and wells where sample information has not yet been registered are displayed in different colors, for example, so that they can be visually distinguished. In addition, in wells where sample information has already been registered and the sample has been dropped, the display color may be changed according to the type of sample, i.e., whether it is a target sample, calibrant, or QC sample, so that they can be visually distinguished from each other. This allows the operator to check the type of sample that has already been registered at a glance.

[0042] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and it goes without saying that any modifications, alterations, or additions made within the scope of the present invention will still be included in the claims of this patent application.

[0043] Specifically, in the MALDI-MS system of the above embodiment, the sample types assumed were the target sample, calibrant, and QC sample, but it is also possible to use the same calibrant and QC sample. Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is also possible to use multiple types of either the calibrant or the QC sample, or both. Moreover, it is possible to include other sample types. For example, when performing a comparative analysis between a reference sample and the target sample, it is conceivable to include one or more reference samples in addition to the calibrant and QC sample.

[0044] [Various forms] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0045] (Section 1) One aspect of an analytical work support program for a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer according to the present invention is a program that supports the registration of information about a sample when performing analysis in a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer capable of sequentially performing analysis on a plurality of samples prepared in advance in multiple wells on a sample plate, and the computer, A well presentation function unit that presents multiple wells on a sample plate to the operator one by one in a predetermined order, With one well presented by the well presentation function, the information acquisition function receives sample information obtained by a reading operation by an operator using a reading device for an identifier associated with the sample information, which includes sample information that includes information indicating the sample type for one sample and information that identifies the sample under the sample type. An information registration function unit registers the sample information received by the information acquisition function unit in association with the well identification information that was presented when the reading operation was performed. To operate as such.

[0046] (Section 7) Another aspect of the sample preparation method according to the present invention is a sample preparation method using the analysis work support program for laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer described in Section 1, Identifier reading step: In accordance with the position of the well presented by the well presentation function, the operator performs a reading operation using a reading device to read an identifier that has sample information for one sample or is associated with said sample information. An information registration step in which sample information contained in or associated with the identifier read in the identifier reading step is registered in association with the identification information of the well that was presented when the reading operation was performed, A sample formation step in which a sample corresponding to the sample information is formed in a well on a sample plate where the sample information has been registered in the information registration step, This is what it does.

[0047] (Section 2) In the analytical work support program for the laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer described in Section 1 and the sample preparation method described in Section 7, the sample type may include at least two of the following: the target sample to be analyzed, the quality control sample, and the calibrant.

[0048] According to the analytical work support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer described in Section 1 and the sample preparation method described in Section 7, wells at any position among the multiple wells on the sample plate can be used not only for forming the target sample, but also for forming calibrants and quality control samples. Therefore, the degree of freedom in positioning the wells for forming the target sample, calibrant, quality control samples, etc., on the sample plate is increased, making it possible to effectively utilize the wells on the sample plate. As a result, the sample plate can be used without waste, and the running costs of analysis can be reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the analytical work support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer described in paragraph 1 and the sample preparation method described in paragraph 7, sample information including information indicating the sample type, such as calibrant or quality control sample, and information for identifying the type of calibrant, such as compound name, can be entered in a single input operation, and sample information for different types of samples can be entered using the same operating procedure. As a result, the work efficiency of registering sample information and preparing samples is improved, the occurrence of operational errors such as errors in entering sample information is reduced, and the accuracy of the correspondence between the sample formed in the well and the sample information can be ensured. Consequently, the reliability of the analysis can also be increased.

[0050] (Article 3) In the analysis work support program for the laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer described in Article 1 or Article 2, the identifier may be a barcode including a two-dimensional code, and the reader may be a barcode reader.

[0051] According to the analysis support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometers described in Section 3, information contained in identifiers can be read with simple operation. Furthermore, the cost of the equipment is also low.

[0052] (Article 4) In the analytical work support program for the laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer described in Article 3, the computer may be further operated as an identifier display function unit that has sample information of the quality control sample and / or calibrant, or displays a barcode associated with said sample information on a display screen.

[0053] Typically, the sample information for each target sample differs. Therefore, the barcode containing the sample information for the target sample can be provided in conjunction with the sample, for example, attached to the container holding the original sample. In this case, the operator simply reads the barcode with a barcode reader. On the other hand, in the analysis support program described in Section 4, the barcodes containing the sample information for calibrants and quality control samples are displayed on the screen, so the operator simply reads the displayed barcode with a barcode reader.

[0054] Thus, with the analysis work support program described in Section 4, sample information for calibrants and quality control samples can be registered simply by performing a reading operation on the barcode displayed on the screen, thereby simplifying the operator's work and improving work efficiency.

[0055] (Article 5) In the analytical work support program for a laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer described in any one of Articles 1 to 4, the computer may be further operated as a registration information display function unit that displays a plan view of a sample plate showing the arrangement of multiple wells on a display screen and indicates wells in which sample information is registered in a different color for each sample type.

[0056] According to the analysis support program described in Section 5, the operator can accurately grasp the location of the wells in which the target sample, calibrant, and quality control sample have been registered at a glance on the display screen. This makes it easy to determine, for example, whether the registered sample was of the intended sample type after registering sample information in a well in response to a barcode reading operation, or whether the calibrant was indeed registered when the sample information for the calibrant was registered.

[0057] (Section 6) In the analysis work support program for the laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer described in Section 5, the well display function unit may be configured to visually identify the well in the plan view of the sample plate displayed by the registration information display function unit where the next sample information should be registered.

[0058] According to the analysis support program described in Section 6, the operator can visually and accurately determine the location of the well where sample information should be registered next on the screen. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...Measuring part 10…MALDI Ion Source 100... Sample stage 101... Sample Plate 102... Well 110... Laser irradiation area 11...Mass spectrometry section 2…Control and Processing Unit 20…Sample Information Registration Support Department 200... Information Registration Support Screen Creation Department 201... Information Input Reception Department 202... Information Registration Processing Unit 22…Analysis and Control Section 23...Data Processing Unit 24…Display Processing Unit 3...Operation unit 4…Barcode reader 5...Display section

Claims

1. A program that assists in registering information about samples during analysis using a laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometer capable of sequentially performing analysis on samples pre-prepared in multiple wells on a sample plate, wherein the computer... A well presentation function unit that presents multiple wells on a sample plate to the operator one by one in a predetermined order, With one well presented by the well presentation function, the information acquisition function receives sample information obtained by a reading operation by an operator using a reading device for an identifier associated with the sample information, which includes sample information that includes information indicating the sample type for one sample and information that identifies the sample under the sample type. An information registration function unit registers the sample information received by the information acquisition function unit in association with the well identification information that was presented when the reading operation was performed. An analytical work support program for laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometers that operates in this manner.

2. The analytical work support program for a laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 1, wherein the sample types include at least two types from among the target sample to be analyzed, quality control samples, and calibrants.

3. The analytical work support program for a laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 2, wherein the identifier is a barcode including a two-dimensional code, and the reader is a barcode reader.

4. The analytical work support program for a laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 3, further operating the computer as an identifier display function unit that displays on a display screen an identifier having sample information of a quality control sample and / or calibrant or a barcode associated with said sample information.

5. The analytical work support program for a laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 1, further operating the computer as a registration information display function unit that displays a plan view of a sample plate showing the arrangement of multiple wells on a display screen, and indicates wells in which sample information is registered in a different color for each sample type.

6. The analysis work support program for a laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 5, wherein the well display function unit visually identifies the well to which sample information should be registered next in a plan view of the sample plate displayed by the registration information display function unit.

7. A method for preparing a sample using the analysis work support program for a laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer described in claim 1, Identifier reading step: In accordance with the position of the well presented by the well presentation function, the operator performs a reading operation using a reading device to read an identifier that has sample information for one sample or is associated with said sample information. An information registration step in which sample information contained in or associated with the identifier read in the identifier reading step is registered in association with the identification information of the well that was presented when the reading operation was performed, A sample formation step in which a sample corresponding to the sample information is formed in a well on a sample plate where the sample information has been registered in the information registration step, How to create a sample to run it.

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