Bulletproof your clinical laboratory with rugged and reliable LC-MS/MS instrumentation (Clinical research blog) by Pierre Negri | 0 CommentsThe ability to consistently achieve reproducible results on many complex samples across multiple days is critical to a routine clinical laboratory. Laboratories relying on analytical instrumentation require stability and robustness to perform a variety of screening and confirmatory assays with confidence. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the preferred analytical method in the clinical laboratory to reliably perform clinical testing as it provides best-in-class performance and reliability for the most challenging assays. LC-MS/MS offers the required levels of sensitivity and specificity for the detection and quantitation of molecules from complex biological samples, helping laboratories deliver highly accurate data for a variety of clinically relevant analytes across a wide range of assays.
Methods for electrode cleaning for Echo MS systems by John Gibbons | 0 CommentsDepending on the samples that you are running on the system, it is possible for the Echo MS electrode to become dirty or occluded over time. Below are two different cleaning strategies that will be helpful for you to maintain your system and keep your electrodes running well.
The myth of costly training: debunked. by Andrea Mueller | 0 CommentsAs analytical organizations grow, there is an even greater need to train scientists and operators more consistently to meet tight deadlines, handle increasing samples, and meet data quality expectations. A high rate of employee turnover also affects the productivity of labs worldwide. Consistent training helps today’s labs stay competitive, whether the goal is sample throughput, therapeutic development, or publication.
Tackling mycotoxin testing: Harnessing mass spectrometry for safer foods and healthier futures by SCIEX Community | 0 CommentsProduced by certain moulds, thriving in crops such as grain, nuts and coffee, mycotoxins have contaminated agriculture and food production industries for a long time. To intensify the challenge, mycotoxins are resilient, not easily broken down and ensuring the safety of food supply chains requires comprehensive solutions and we are here to share those solutions with you.
How is EAD transforming from a niche technique into a cornerstone of daily metabolomics and lipidomics research? by Rebekah Sayers | Blogs, Life Science ResearchWith the launch of the ZenoTOF 8600 system, EAD has taken a significant leap forward in becoming a routine tool for metabolomics and lipidomics workflows. Building on the foundation laid by the ZenoTOF 7600 system, the 8600 system introduces enhanced sensitivity, function speed improvements, and multimodal capabilities that make EAD more practical and scalable for daily use. This blog explores how these advancements are transforming EAD from a specialized technique into a robust and accessible solution for high-throughput structural analysis, enabling researchers to unlock deeper insights with greater efficiency.
Q/A: Quantitative and qualitative solutions for large-panel pesticides assays using SCIEX Triple Quad and QTRAP systems by Holly Lee | Blogs, Food / Beverage, QTRAP / Triple QuadIn a recent webinar, which is now available on-demand, Holly Lee powerful strategies to tackle complex residue testing. From boosting throughput to fine-tuning method sensitivity, Holly shared key ways to maximize performance across large pesticide panels.
The economics of PFAS testing: A strategic perspective for laboratory managers by Jessica Steed | Blogs, Environmental / Industrial, Food and Beverage, Industrial, SCIEX OS softwareAs PFAS regulations tighten globally, laboratory managers are navigating a complex economic landscape. Whether operating in a commercial or non- commercial setting, the pressure to deliver accurate, defensible, and timely PFAS data is mounting. At SCIEX we understand that the right technology can turn this regulatory challenge into a strategic opportunity.
Bulletproof your clinical laboratory with rugged and reliable LC-MS/MS instrumentation (Clinical diagnostic blog) by Pierre Negri | Blogs, Clinical, Ion sourcesThe ability to consistently achieve reproducible results on many complex samples across multiple days is critical to a routine clinical laboratory. Laboratories relying on analytical instrumentation require stability and robustness to perform a variety of screening and confirmatory assays with confidence. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the preferred analytical method in the clinical laboratory to reliably perform clinical testing as it provides best-in-class performance and reliability for the most challenging assays. LC-MS/MS offers the required levels of sensitivity and specificity for the detection and quantitation of molecules from complex biological samples, helping laboratories deliver highly accurate data for a variety of clinically relevant analytes across a wide range of assays.
Bulletproof your clinical laboratory with rugged and reliable LC-MS/MS instrumentation (Clinical research blog) by Pierre Negri | Blogs, Clinical, Ion sourcesThe ability to consistently achieve reproducible results on many complex samples across multiple days is critical to a routine clinical laboratory. Laboratories relying on analytical instrumentation require stability and robustness to perform a variety of screening and confirmatory assays with confidence. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the preferred analytical method in the clinical laboratory to reliably perform clinical testing as it provides best-in-class performance and reliability for the most challenging assays. LC-MS/MS offers the required levels of sensitivity and specificity for the detection and quantitation of molecules from complex biological samples, helping laboratories deliver highly accurate data for a variety of clinically relevant analytes across a wide range of assays.
Methods for electrode cleaning for Echo MS systems by John Gibbons | Blogs, Echo® MS+ system, PharmaDepending on the samples that you are running on the system, it is possible for the Echo MS electrode to become dirty or occluded over time. Below are two different cleaning strategies that will be helpful for you to maintain your system and keep your electrodes running well.
The myth of costly training: debunked. by Andrea Mueller | Blogs, Instrument maintenance, Optimizing Performance, Technology, TrainingAs analytical organizations grow, there is an even greater need to train scientists and operators more consistently to meet tight deadlines, handle increasing samples, and meet data quality expectations. A high rate of employee turnover also affects the productivity of labs worldwide. Consistent training helps today’s labs stay competitive, whether the goal is sample throughput, therapeutic development, or publication.
Tackling mycotoxin testing: Harnessing mass spectrometry for safer foods and healthier futures by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Food / Beverage, Food and BeverageProduced by certain moulds, thriving in crops such as grain, nuts and coffee, mycotoxins have contaminated agriculture and food production industries for a long time. To intensify the challenge, mycotoxins are resilient, not easily broken down and ensuring the safety of food supply chains requires comprehensive solutions and we are here to share those solutions with you.
Enhancing omics-based mass spectrometry workflows with Electron-Activated Dissociation (EAD) by Rebekah Sayers | Blogs, Life Science ResearchElectron-Activated Dissociation (EAD) is transforming the fields of metabolomics and lipidomics by providing enhanced fragmentation techniques that offer deeper insights into molecular structures. In September, Technology Networks hosted a webinar, “Enhancing Mass-Based Omics Analysis in Model Organisms,” featuring Dr. Valentina Calabrese from the Institute of Analytical Sciences at the University of Lyon. Valentina shared her insights on improving omics-based mass spectrometry analysis for toxicology studies using model organisms, particularly in metabolomics and lipidomics. This blog explores the additional functionalities EAD offers, its benefits in untargeted workflows, its incorporation into GNPS and molecular networking, and the future role it could play in these scientific domains.
The economics of food testing: A strategic perspective for laboratory managers by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Food / Beverage, Food and BeverageIn today’s rapidly evolving food industry, the role of food testing laboratories has never been more critical. Ensuring the safety, quality, and authenticity of food products is paramount, and this responsibility falls heavily on the shoulders of laboratory managers. The economics of food testing—encompassing everything from high-throughput pesticide screening to advanced research on alternative protein sources—plays a pivotal role in shaping the operational efficiency and financial health of these laboratories.
Pharma perspectives: The influence of LC-MS innovation on drug development outsourcing by Kean Woodmansey | Blogs, Pharma, ZenoTOF 7600 systemIt is no secret that (bio)pharmaceutical research and development is complex, both scientific and regulatory processes. Working for a contract research organization and more recently for SCIEX has provided an interesting perspective on trends the market experiences that affect many of us.
6 Signs it’s time for a new vendor by Michael Wonski | Blogs, Instrument maintenance, Optimizing Performance, TechnologyA lab’s success depends on many factors from instrument quality to efficient operations, including being partnered with the right vendor. A vendor is more than just a supplier. They should provide you with a high-level quality of support in maximizing the lifespan and performance of your systems, reducing downtime, enhancing ROI and more. How do you know if you’re partnered with the right one? Here are six signs it might be time to find someone new.
Nitrosamines: Where are we now? by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Pharma, QTRAP / Triple QuadNitrosamines are a large group of N-nitroso compounds that share a common functional N-N=O group. They are produced by a chemical reaction between a nitrosating agent and a secondary or tertiary amine. Back in 2018, nitrosamines suddenly found themselves in the spotlight when they were unexpectedly detected in medications for high blood pressure. Since then, they have been found in several other prescription medications, including those for heartburn, acid reflux and diabetes, resulting in manufacturers recalling some common medications.
Celebrating customer experience: Insights from SCIEX leaders by Philip Taylor | Biopharma, Blogs, Clinical, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, Forensic, Life Science Research, Pharma, TechnologyIntroduction Customer Experience Day (CX Day) is a special occasion for SCIEX, celebrated every first Tuesday in October. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the incredible value of our customers and the relentless dedication of our associates who strive to make...
PFAS analysis in food: a robustness study in sensitivity and stability by Holly Lee | Blogs, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, QTRAP / Triple QuadThe combination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing, trace-level regulatory requirements and complex MS applications can be intimidating. In a recent webinar, now available on demand, SCIEX PFAS expert Craig Butt demonstrated how the new SCIEX 7500+ system can help make PFAS testing easier.
FDA’s final rule on LDTs: what does it mean for clinical laboratories? by Pierre Negri | Blogs, ClinicalOn April 29, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a final rule regulating laboratory developed tests (LDTs) as in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs) under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). This rule amends FDA’s regulations to state that in vitro diagnostic tests “manufactured” by clinical laboratories fall within the scope of the FDA regulatory oversight and is poised to dramatically shift the way clinical diagnostic laboratories in the United States develop and offer LDTs in the future. Read this blog post for a basic overview of the scope, intent and implications of this final rule, including the regulatory requirements, exceptions and timeline for implementation.
Guide decisions during cell line development with more information at the intact level by Roxana McCloskey | Biopharma, Blogs, Intabio ZT system, ZenoTOF 7600 systemMonitoring product quality attributes (PQAs) throughout monoclonal antibody (mAb) development is vital to ensuring drug safety and efficacy. By adopting orthogonal analytical techniques and integrating new technologies that have the potential to provide more information, it is possible to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency and make more informed decisions.
Unlock the benefits of nominal mass spectrometry for NPS analysis by Pierre Negri | Blogs, Clinical, Forensic, QTRAP / Triple Quad, ToxicologyThe development of analytical methods for the detection and quantitation of drugs and metabolites in a range of biological matrices is a challenging process. Forensic toxicology labs need a reproducible and reliable methodology to ensure the robustness of the data and the quality of the results. They also need robust and sensitive instrumentation that can detect drugs at trace levels with high specificity, especially when it comes to novel psychoactive substances (NPS), which can be difficult to monitor and control.
High mass tuning calibration for ZenoTOF 7600 by Gregg Czerwieniec | Bio Tool Kit, Development, Questions, ZenoTOF 7600 systemHi,
Metabolite identification and peace of mind by Kirsten Craven | Blogs, LC, Pharma, QTRAP / Triple Quad, ZenoTOF 7600 systemManaging metabolite identification (Met ID) studies is challenging, so what is at the top of your priority list as you plan the year ahead? Ensuring you have the data needed to manage product safety, meeting deadlines, staff recruitment and training, maintaining compliance, capital expenses, or something else?
Automation integration for the Echo® MS system by Christie Hunter | Echo® MS+ system, Sample Preparation, SCIEX information, TechnologyThe Echo® MS system is specifically designed to be compatible with a variety of automation options to allow labs the flexibility to personalize their setup to meet their specific needs. To help you make the best decisions for your own lab, here are the answers to some...
The hidden ingredient in anti-fog sprays: PFAS by Craig Butt | Agriculture, Blogs, Environmental / Industrial, IndustrialA recent study led by researchers from Duke University, conducted with colleagues from Wayne State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, found that four of the top-rated anti-fog sprays contained up to 20.7 milligrams of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) per milliliter of solution. This study has received a lot of exposure in popular media, and it should not be overlooked. The researchers used several creative approaches to obtain a comprehensive characterization of the anti-fog sprays, including using total organic fluorine measurements, GC-MS methods and both nominal mass and accurate mass instruments. A unique finding of the study was the detection of fluorotelomer ethoxylates (FTEOs), which are relatively unknown PFAS compounds.
Back to the new basics: Part 1 | Making the leap from GC-MS to LC-MS by Alex Liu | Biopharma, Blogs, Clinical, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, Forensic, Life Science Research, PharmaProducing accurate results quickly in a demanding environment is no easy feat for analytical scientists. What’s more, many of us are constantly questioning ourselves—I certainly am—about whether we are employing the best technique for the analysis at hand. It’s an overwhelming thought, considering the wide range of tools that are available to choose from, each of which offers varying levels of capacity, sensitivity, selectivity, specificity and cost. How do you meet the unique needs of your organization without breaking the bank? I get it, and I’m not here to convince you it’s easy. My aim is to guide you through the process to help you make the right decision for you.
sMRM Pro Builder template tutorial by Mackenzie Pearson | Data processing, Data Visualization, How-to videos, Life Science Research, Lipidomics, Metabolomics, Optimizing Performance, QTRAP / Triple Quad, ResultsThe sMRM Pro Builder template is an Excel-based tool that can help you implement large panels of analytes in your lab. The Excel sheet will take your preliminary experimental results and compute retention times, retention time window widths and dwell time weighting to optimize your targeted assay.
How to share your results with collaborators by Alexandra Antonoplis | Getting Started, Life Science Research, Multi-Omics, OneOmics, SCIEX informationAs multi-omics research is often highly collaborative, tools for rapidly sharing important results files are needed to drive scientific progress. The SCIEX Data Store in the OneOmics suite enables you to not only organize your uploaded multi-omics data files into...
Thailand cannabis legalization by Diana Tran | BlogsThailand has become the first southeast Asian country to legalize cannabis for medical use. Cannabis was originally introduced into Thailand from India, and until it was outlawed in the 1930s, it was historically used as a kitchen condiment, medicine and source of fiber.
Standard front-end cleaning for TripleTOF systems by Christie Hunter | Instrument maintenance, QTOF, SCIEX information, TechnologyGeneral points: Use of laboratory deionized (DI) water is specified at points in the procedure. However, if there are any concerns regarding quality, please utilize a reputable supplier of pure deionized water (>18.2M ohm). 5-10 liters will typically be required...
Standard addition workflow – for quantification and calculating background levels by April Quinn-Paquet | Bioanalysis/PK, Data processing, Pharma, QTOF, QTRAP / Triple Quad, SCIEX information, SCIEX OS software, Technology, ZenoTOF 7600 systemThe method of standard addition is a quantitative analysis approach used in situations where matrix effects from complex samples contributes to the analytical signal. This makes it impossible to compare the analytical signal between sample and standard using a...
How do I define the experimental design (the metadata) for my SWATH acquisition study within the OneOmics suite? What are the requirement for replicates? by Christie Hunter | Data processing, Life Science Research, Metabolomics, OneOmics, Proteomics, QTOF, SCIEX information, ZenoTOF 7600 systemIn quantitative Omics research, the goal is to understand which analytes (protein or metabolite) are perturbed between experimental conditions; therefore we carefully design our studies to explore these questions. The algorithms used within the Assembler application...