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Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane

Mass Spectrometry

Sample preparation

Sample preparation is crucial for obtaining good data with mass spectrometry. Contaminants—including common buffer salts and detergents present in samples—may suppress the ionization of analytes.

If possible, avoid nonvolatile salts (e.g., phosphates, borates, sulfates, or citrates), detergents (especially non-ionic detergents), TFA (>0.10%) and other additives in the samples.

Centrifuge the samples before analysis; undissolved particles/precipitates in a sample can clog and reduce the life of the chromatography column.

The Mass Spectrometry Service Center Staff are happy to answer any questions regarding sample preparation.