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Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has gained significant attention in the clinical laboratory due to its ability to provide best-in-class sensitivity and specificity for the detection of clinically relevant analytes across a wide range of assays. For clinical laboratories new to LC-MS/MS, integrating this technology into their daily routine operations may seem like a daunting task. Developing a clear outline and defining the requirements needed to implement LC-MS/MS into your daily operations is critical to maximize the productivity and success of your clinical laboratory.

Below are four easy steps to follow to ensure a seamless integration of this new technology. Each step includes useful resources and considerations to help your laboratory prepare for the successful implementation of mass spectrometry.

Laboratory space readiness is the first step to successfully implementing LC-MS/MS in your laboratory’s operations. As you prepare to receive your new SCIEX instrument, consult your SCIEX preparation guide to ensure you have adequate infrastructure and space to meet the following requirements:

• Laboratory space access is needed for instrument installation, operation, and service.
• Adequate electrical receptacles and dedicated electrical circuits protected by a circuit breaker (consult your manufacturer’s manual for exact power requirements).
• Functioning workspace with adequate space for instrument benches, solvent cabinets, computer desks, dry roughing, and high vacuum (or turbo) pumps, as well as gas generators and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems, if applicable.
• Temperature control and working exhaust and ventilation systems are needed to ensure system stability.
• Appropriate gas requirements (i.e., high-purity nitrogen gas supply using nitrogen gas generators or nitrogen dewars).
• Fume hood with adequate exhaust ventilation.
• Refrigeration system to store samples, standards, and reagents.
• Flammable cabinet with solvents required for your daily needs.
• Appropriate space and proximity for the auxiliary items that will be used for daily instrument operations. This includes a wet laboratory workstation with appropriate supplies and sample preparation equipment (labware, containers, consumables, pipettes, pipette tips, orbital shakers, centrifuges, dry down station, etc).
• Laboratory safety equipment such as eye rinsing and emergency shower stations, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) such as laboratory coats, safety goggles, and gloves.
• Disposal process for biohazard and solvents.
• Last but not least, carefully consider the location of your waste station, biohazard waste containers, cabinets for standard and solvent storage, freezers, fume hoods, etc, to optimize your laboratory’s ergonomics.

Step 2: Ensure the appropriate IT infrastructure is in place to support your laboratory’s operation

Determining the IT requirements for your SCIEX instruments and the data they generate is key to a successful implementation. Be sure you understand your IT requirements so you can have the necessary IT network and infrastructure in place to fully support the data you acquire. These requirements include:

• Adequate number of acquisition and processing workstations.
• Sufficient processing power on workstations for data retrieval, processing, and reporting.
• Software license (consult with SCIEX regarding software license requirements as various software versions might be available (i.e., perpetual license, node-locked, subscription and/or concurrent licenses, etc.).
• Connection to any auxiliary software platforms, such as Microsoft Office, web browsing, and antivirus software.
• Data storage plan in line with your data generation output.
• Compatibility for seamless integration with a laboratory information system (LIS) or laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Appropriate IT requirements such as a connected network for instrument data retrieval, processing, and reporting.

Step 3: Bulletproof your laboratory with best-in-class service

Browse through our comprehensive service options to find which one fits your laboratory needs. Choose the right service options that meet the needs of your laboratory’s operations. Our flexible service offerings are meant to ensure your instruments are running at peak performance with optimal sensitivity so you can acquire reliable data you can trust. Consider the following key points when choosing the right service plan that fits your laboratory needs:

• Engineer proximity and expertise: Access to local, factory-certified engineers who can provide quality service so you can optimize instrument uptime and ensure laboratory operations.
• Preventative maintenance: Catch a problem before it happens. Preventative maintenance can help ensure that your instruments are meeting specifications and operating as intended to avoid unwanted instrument downtime.
• Remote monitoring and diagnostic services: Leverage real-time alerts and remote troubleshooting capabilities so you can take immediate action if an issue were to arise. Continuous monitoring is a great way to identify and potentially resolve any potential issues before they arise.
• Full inventory of quality parts: Get access to SCIEX authentic parts to ensure the long-term quality and functionality of your instrument.

Step 4: Ensure continuous success of your laboratory with our flexible support offerings

Find the support options that fit the evolving needs of your laboratory. Our flexible support options are designed to provide the right level of support for your laboratory and its staff. Maximize the lifespan and daily performance of your systems to get the most from your technology investment with our best-in-class support options, which include:

• Comprehensive service plans tailored to your laboratory needs, such as consulting and support-tailored services.
• Customized lab training services, which include lab training and application support from experienced industry experts.
• SCIEX Now support network enabling registered users to manage instruments as well as access to learning modules for applications support, helping  you get the most out of your lab resources and assets.
• Software support that enables you to keep your applications up to date, ensuring you leverage the features of your instrument software to improve laboratory operations and productivity.
• SCIEX Now Learning Hub to access virtual and in-person training courses on LC-MS/MS basics, workflows, and instrument maintenance. Access online training courses or sign up for our on-site training offerings so that you can quickly become an expert user of your LC-MS/MS system.

For additional information about our IVD medical devices, software solutions, and service and support offerings, please visit our website or check out our clinical implementation guide.