Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing a biological sample for analysis for the presence of a virus, or an exosome or other extra-cellular vesicle, by matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS). The preparation involves mixing the sample with at least one cationic viral envelope/vesicle disruptor compound, or at least one disulphide reducing agent, or a combination thereof; and at least one mass spectrometry grade solvent. Also provided are methods for analysing a biological sample for the presence of a virus, or an exosome or other extra-cellular vesicle, using MALDI-ToF MS once prepared.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening maternal urine samples for changes in the pattern of mass spectral fingerprinting which have been found to be characteristic of fetal aneuploidies such as Down's Syndrome and have application for the 5 screening of other fetal abnormalities and disorders of pregnancy including gestational trophoblastic diseases.

Abstract: The method describes rapid screening of whole blood samples, pin prick and blood spot cards, subjected to MALDI-ToF Mass spectrometry. The spectra is generated and compared to those from normal healthy controls. Characteristic spectra are indicative of the presence of a hemoglobinopathy and the method can be used to screen/diagnose all sickle cell diseases, alpha and beta Thalassemias.

Abstract: The method describes rapid screening of whole blood samples, pin prick and blood spot cards, subjected to MALDI-ToF Mass spectrometry. The spectra is generated and compared to those from normal healthy controls. Characteristic spectra are indicative of the presence of a hemoglobinopathy and the method can be used to screen/diagnose all sickle cell diseases, alpha and beta Thalassemias.

Abstract: The method describes rapid screening of whole blood samples, pin prick and blood spot cards, subjected to MALDI—ToF Mass spectrometry. The spectra is generated and compared to those from normal healthy controls. Characteristic spectra are indicative of the presence of a hemoglobinopathy and the method can be used to screen/diagnose all sickle cell diseases, alpha and beta Thalassemias.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing a prognosis for a pregnancy comprising subjecting a sample to direct mass spectral analysis, and comparing the spectra resulting from said analysis to spectra generated from samples obtained from 5 normal pregnancies. The invention describes subjecting a sample of maternal bodily fluid and/or fluids in which an embryo is cultured, or kept in, to direct matrix assisted laser desorption time of flight mass spectrometry and detection of spectral masses between 2,000 and 100,000 m/z. The changes in spectral masses, leading to changes in the profile of the spectra, are characteristic of disorders of fetal development and 10 pregnancy.

Abstract: The method describes rapid screening of whole blood samples, pin prick and blood spot cards, subjected to MALDI-ToF Mass spectrometry. The spectra is generated and compared to those from normal healthy controls. Characteristic spectra are indicative of the presence of a hemoglobinopathy and the method can be used to screen/diagnose all sickle cell diseases, alpha and beta Thalassemias.

Abstract: A method for determining the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous miscarriage is described, by measuring the levels of markers, especially hCG and CA-125 which have been found to be characteristic of these conditions. Preferably measuring these biomarker levels at earliest possible presentation of patients with general clinical symptoms and applying cut-off values described determines the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous miscarriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening maternal urine samples for changes in the pattern of mass spectral fingerprinting which have been found to be characteristic of fetal aneuploidies such as Down's Syndrome and have application for the screening of other fetal abnormalities and disorders of pregnancy including gestational trophoblastic diseases.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles for imaging a tumor in a mammal using electrical impedance tomography. The nanoparticles comprise a core of metal and/or semiconductor atoms to which are linked ligands that comprise a molecule capable of attaching to a specific tumor biomarker.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles for imaging a tumour in a mammal using electrical impedance tomography. The nanoparticles comprise a core of metal and/or semiconductor atoms to which are linked ligands that comprise a molecule capable of attaching to a specific tumour biomarker.