Mass Spectrometry Center
University of Washington * School of Pharmacy
Department of Medicinal Chemistry

Instructions for Sample Preparation and Submission

A Brief Discussion about Sample Preparation — DO YOUR HOMEWORK

The power of a mass spectrometer as an analytical tool is its high specificity and high sensitivity. However, the use of different sample inlet and ionization techniques may result ion suppression by material co-eluding with analyte of interest during analysis or a build up of contaminants in the instrument causing mass discrimination. As a result, proper sample preparation is one of the keys to developing and maintaining a successful mass spectrometric assay. All potential users are urged to read the sample preparation guidelines on this site and/or to consult with our staff prior to sample submission (ideally prior to experiment design) in order to maximize the likelihood of a successful experience. This is especially true when working with biological matrices, since many of the reagents and materials commonly used in the isolation and preparation of laboratory these samples have poor compatibility with mass spectrometric ionization and introductory techniques. The informed selection of reagents and/or cleanup procedures may make all the difference between a successful or failed outcome.

Sample Submission Forms

The Center utilizes two Sample Submission Forms:

Small Molecule Sample Submission Form - Requesting the analysis of low molecular weight (< 1000 Da) and/or non-biopolymer materials.

Protein and Peptide Sample Submission Form - Requesting one of the three types of fee for biopolymer analysis services discussed below.

Note: An appropriate shipping container and labeling must be used when mailing or shipping samples. Please contact Center Personnel before submission or shipment of sensitive or potentially hazardous materials requiring special handling on arrival.

The Center will not accept BIOHAZARDOUS or RADIOLABELED samples.

Small Molecule (< 1000 Da) non-biopolymer macromolecular materials:

Samples should be submitted as neat oils or solids in inertly sealed 12 X 30 mm, screw-cap vials when ever possible. In general, if you can see it you have more than a sufficient amount for MS analysis (~1 mg). For more limited sample quantities, V-shaped interior vials (0.1-mL) or Eppendorf centrifuge tubes should be used. It is ESSENTIAL that an estimate of sample concentration and solvent be reported if a solution is submitted for analysis.

Each sample, or sample set, MUST be accompanied by a Sample Submission Form which clearly details: Submitter's name, Contact information, Advisor, and Budget Number or a Purchase Order Number. A listing of sample identification(s) as they appear on the on sample(s) MUST also be supplied.

Biopolymer (> 1000 Da):

A request for biopolymer analytical services may be made using the Protein and Peptide Sample Submission Form. These services corresponding to the Analysis Types VII, VIII and IX found under Services and are performed under the auspice of the Goodlett Bioanalytical Laboratory in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. As a result only those samples having been prepared using Goodlett Laboratory Protocols will be accepted. Please contact Goodlett Laboratory representative, Jocelyn Aker, before the submission and/or preparation of any protein samples.

In addition to professional, Principle Investigator and budget information, it is important that as much information as possible about your sample(s) and/or project(s) be available before submission of you sample(s). Of particular importance are:

a) Isolation method(s)

b) Estimated MW of the protein(s)

c) Degree of possible cross-linking (if any)

d) Taxonomy (species)

e) Concentration (mg/mL)

f) Extrinsic components (salts, buffers, detergents, etc)

g) Protolytic digestion used (or to be used)