CPC G01N 1/38 (2013.01) [G01N 1/2813 (2013.01); G01N 1/4022 (2013.01); G01N 1/44 (2013.01); G01N 35/00722 (2013.01); G01N 35/1016 (2013.01); G01N 2001/4027 (2013.01); G01N 2015/0693 (2013.01); H01J 49/0413 (2013.01); H01J 49/0418 (2013.01); H01J 49/0468 (2013.01); H01J 49/40 (2013.01)] | 10 Claims |
1. An automated system for preparing a biological sample for evaluation by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight mass spectrometry the automated system comprising:
a heater for drying the sample, a processor in communication with an automated apparatus that prepares a biological sample for an evaluation by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight mass spectrometry wherein the processor:
i) provides instructions to the automated apparatus which is adapted to obtain a biological sample from a culture media; and
ii) provides instructions to the automated apparatus that combines a volume of a diluent determined by the processor with the biological sample to provide a diluted sample;
the automated apparatus comprising a nephelometer that measures a concentration of the diluted sample wherein the nephelometer communicates with the processor;
wherein the processor receives the measured concentration of the diluted sample and determines if the measured concentration of the diluted sample is within a predetermined range, and, if the processor determines that the diluted sample is within the predetermined range, the processor provides instructions to the automated apparatus to apply a first predetermined volume of diluted sample to a substrate adapted to deliver a sample to a device configured to perform mass spectrometry;
wherein, if the processor determines that a measured sample concentration of the diluted sample is higher than the predetermined range, the processor provides instructions to the automated apparatus to apply a second predetermined volume of sample to the substrate adapted to deliver the sample to the device configured to perform mass spectrometry;
wherein, if the processor determines that a measured sample concentration of the diluted sample is lower than the predetermined range the processor provides instructions to the automated apparatus to:
i) apply a third predetermined volume of the sample to a substrate adapted to deliver the sample to the device configured to perform mass spectrometry;
ii) dry the sample;
iii) apply a second application of the third predetermined volume of the sample over the dried sample on the substrate; and
iv) dry the sample;
v.) apply a third application of the third predetermined volume of the sample of the dried sample on the substrate;
vi) dry the sample;
vii) apply a fourth application of the third predetermined volume of the dried sample on the substrate;
viii) dry the sample;
wherein the processor then instructs the automated system to apply a matrix over the applied sample, the matrix being adapted for use in the mass spectrometer; and
the automated system further comprising a transport mechanism for placing the prepared sample in a mass spectrometry device for testing.
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