Abstract: A method of multiplexing the operation of a sample preparation and analysis system is disclosed. The system includes a sample preparation system capable of preparing a first sample in accordance with a first assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays and preparing a second sample in accordance with a second, different assay. The method includes separately transporting the first and second prepared samples to an analysis station having first and second separation channels and an analyzer comprising a mass spectrometer. The method further includes simultaneously analyzing the first prepared sample with the analyzer in accordance with the first selected assay and separating the second prepared sample with the second separation channel in accordance with the second selected assay.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system includes a sample preparation system and a sample analysis system. The sample preparation system prepares samples in accordance with an assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays. The sample analysis system includes an analyzer that is dynamically reconfigurable based on the selected assay so as to analyze the prepared sample in accordance with that selected assay. A data communication link communicates data from the sample preparation system to the sample analysis system to reconfigure the analyzer in accordance with the selected assay.

Abstract: A method of multiplexing the operation of a sample preparation and analysis system is disclosed. The system includes a sample preparation system capable of preparing a first sample in accordance with a first assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays and preparing a second sample in accordance with a second, different assay. The method includes separately transporting the first and second prepared samples to an analysis station having first and second separation channels and an analyzer comprising a mass spectrometer. The method further includes simultaneously analyzing the first prepared sample with the analyzer in accordance with the first selected assay and separating the second prepared sample with the second separation channel in accordance with the second selected assay.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system 10 includes a sample preparation system 12 and a sample analysis system 14. The sample preparation system 12 prepares samples in accordance with an assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays. The sample analysis system 14 includes an analyzer 110 that is dynamically reconfigurable based on the selected assay so as to analyze the prepared sample in accordance with that selected assay. A data communication link 27 communicates data from the sample preparation system 12 to the sample analysis system 14 to reconfigure the analyzer 110 in accordance with the selected assay.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system 10 includes a sample preparation system 12 and a sample analysis system 14. The sample preparation system 12 prepares samples in accordance with an assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays. The sample analysis system 14 includes an analyzer 110 that is dynamically reconfigurable based on the selected assay so as to analyze the prepared sample in accordance with that selected assay. A data communication link 27 communicates data from the sample preparation system 12 to the sample analysis system 14 to reconfigure the analyzer 110 in accordance with the selected assay.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry method comprises: introducing a first portion of a sample of ions including precursor ions comprising a first precursor-ion mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio into a first mass analyzer; transmitting the precursor ions from the first mass analyzer to a reaction or fragmentation cell such that a first population of product ions are continuously accumulated therein over a first accumulation time duration; initiating release of the accumulated first population of product ions from the reaction or fragmentation cell; continuously transmitting the released first population of product ions from the reaction cell to a second mass analyzer; transmitting a portion of the released first population of product ions comprising a first product-ion m/z ratio from the second mass analyzer to a detector; and detecting a varying quantity of the product ions having the first product-ion m/z ratio for a predetermined data-acquisition time period after the initiation of the release.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system includes a housing with a sample preparation station and a sample analysis station positioned within the housing. The sample analysis station is spaced away from the sample preparation station. A transport assembly is configured to move at least one sample within the housing and between the sample preparation station and the sample analysis station.

Abstract: A method for automatically checking and adjusting a calibration of a mass spectrometer having a first quadrupole (Q1), a fragmentation cell and a mass analyzer comprises: introducing a sample having at least one known chemical entity; decreasing a kinetic energy so as to prevent fragmentation of ions in the fragmentation cell; optionally applying a drag field to the fragmentation cell; ionizing the at least one known chemical entity sample to generate a set of ions; performing a mass scan of the set of ions using Q1; transmitting the scanned ions through Q1 to and through the fragmentation cell; detecting the scanned and transmitted ions by a detector of the mass analyzer; and comparing the results with expected results. Embodiments may include automatic recalibration or notification of possible errors, need for further data processing or an analysis of system performance.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system includes a sample preparation system and a sample analysis system. The sample preparation system prepares samples in accordance with an assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays. The sample analysis system includes an analyzer that is dynamically reconfigurable based on the selected assay so as to analyze the prepared sample in accordance with that selected assay. A data communication link communicates data from the sample preparation system to the sample analysis system to reconfigure the analyzer in accordance with the selected assay.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry method comprises: introducing a first portion of a sample of ions including precursor ions comprising a first precursor-ion mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio into a first mass analyzer; transmitting the precursor ions from the first mass analyzer to a reaction or fragmentation cell such that a first population of product ions are continuously accumulated therein over a first accumulation time duration; initiating release of the accumulated first population of product ions from the reaction or fragmentation cell; continuously transmitting the released first population of product ions from the reaction cell to a second mass analyzer; transmitting a portion of the released first population of product ions comprising a first product-ion m/z ratio from the second mass analyzer to a detector; and detecting a varying quantity of the product ions having the first product-ion m/z ratio for a predetermined data-acquisition time period after the initiation of the release.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system (10). The system (10) includes a housing (16) with a sample preparation station (12) and a sample analysis station (14) positioned within the housing (16). The sample analysis station (14) is spaced away from the sample preparation station (12). A transport assembly (50) is configured to move at least one sample within the housing (16) and between the sample preparation station (12) and the sample analysis station (14).

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system includes a housing with a sample preparation station and a sample analysis station positioned within the housing. The sample analysis station is spaced away from the sample preparation station. A transport assembly is configured to move at least one sample within the housing and between the sample preparation station and the sample analysis station.

Abstract: A method for automatically checking and adjusting a calibration of a mass spectrometer having a first quadrupole (Q1), a fragmentation cell and a mass analyzer comprises: introducing a sample having at least one known chemical entity; decreasing a kinetic energy so as to prevent fragmentation of ions in the fragmentation cell; optionally applying a drag field to the fragmentation cell; ionizing the at least one known chemical entity sample to generate a set of ions; performing a mass scan of the set of ions using Q1; transmitting the scanned ions through Q1 to and through the fragmentation cell; detecting the scanned and transmitted ions by a detector of the mass analyzer; and comparing the results with expected results. Embodiments may include automatic recalibration or notification of possible errors, need for further data processing or an analysis of system performance.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system 10 includes a sample preparation system 12 and a sample analysis system 14. The sample preparation system 12 prepares samples in accordance with an assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays. The sample analysis system 14 includes an analyzer 110 that is dynamically reconfigurable based on the selected assay so as to analyze the prepared sample in accordance with that selected assay. A data communication link 115a communicates data from the sample preparation system 12 to the sample analysis system 14 to reconfigure the analyzer 110 in accordance with the selected assay.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system (10). The system (10) includes a housing (16) with a sample preparation station (12) and a sample analysis station (14) positioned within the housing (16). The sample analysis station (14) is spaced away from the sample preparation station (12). A transport assembly (50) is configured to move at least one sample within the housing (16) and between the sample preparation station (12) and the sample analysis station (14).