Mass Spectrometer Calibration Checks With Two-Point Full Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometry systems require frequent calibration to maintain accuracy, but existing calibration procedures are time-consuming and disruptive to automated operations, limiting their frequency and impacting productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method for quickly checking the validity of mass axis calibration by performing multiple full scan mode measurements within a predetermined m/z measurement range, allowing for frequent checks without substantial disruption to the analyzer system, using existing resources and samples, and scheduling these checks to minimize impact on operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent mass axis calibration procedures are performed to maintain measurement accuracy, then mass axis calibration validity is improved, but measurement time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential validation measurements from the full calibration procedure. By using a simplified check that measures only two specific mass axis points rather than performing a complete calibration across the entire m/z range, the system can frequently verify calibration validity without the time penalty of full calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing an incomplete but sufficient calibration check. Instead of measuring across the full m/z measurement range, the system measures only at two critical mass axis points (low and high m/z values) which is sufficient to validate calibration but takes significantly less time.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration procedures are used to ensure proper mass axis calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but automation is reduced and operational disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-validation of its mass axis calibration through automated measurement and comparison of measured mass axis points against reference values. The analyzer automatically determines whether calibration is valid and triggers appropriate actions without manual intervention, maintaining both accuracy and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured mass axis points are automatically compared against reference data, and the system responds by either confirming calibration validity or initiating recalibration. This closed-loop feedback maintains calibration accuracy while keeping the system fully automated.
3Reliability
If comprehensive calibration procedures are performed to cover the full m/z measurement range, then calibration coverage is improved, but productivity decreases due to extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration validation process into two specific critical measurements (low and high m/z points) rather than attempting to measure the entire continuous m/z range. This segmentation maintains calibration coverage for the full range by verifying endpoints while dramatically reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial calibration validation by measuring only the essential two mass axis points that are sufficient to ensure calibration accuracy across the full m/z range. This partial action maintains reliability while minimizing productivity loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for checking a validity of a mass axis calibration of a mass spectrometer (MS) of an analyzer system, comprising obtaining a mass axis check sample spanning a predetermined m/z measurement range of the MS and automatically processing the sample, performing multiple full scan mode MS measurements of different types using the MS for the at least two mass axis points to obtain measurement data, wherein the different types include at least a first full scan MS measurement in a positive mode and a second measurement in a negative mode, or at least a first full scan measurement for a first mass filter and a second full scan measurement for a second mass filter; comparing the measurement data for each of the at least two mass axis points with respective reference data and determining if a condition is out of specification based on a result of the comparing steps.