Reduction of scan time in imaging mass spectrometry
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for irradiating tissue samples for mass spectrometric analysis, comprising steps of:
- capturing an image of at least a portion of a tissue sample; and
generating a non-rectangular tissue imaging boundary.
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Abstract
Techniques are disclosed for reducing scan times in mass spectral tissue imaging studies. According to a first technique, a tissue imaging boundary is defined that closely approximates the edges of a tissue sample. According to a second technique, a low-resolution scan is performed to identify one or more areas of interest within the tissue sample, and the identified areas of interest are subsequently scanned at higher resolution.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for irradiating tissue samples for mass spectrometric analysis, comprising steps of:
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capturing an image of at least a portion of a tissue sample; and
generating a non-rectangular tissue imaging boundary. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of operating a mass spectrometer for tissue imaging, comprising steps of:
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loading a sample support plate into the mass spectrometer, the sample support plate having a tissue sample placed on a surface thereof;
capturing an image of at least a portion of a tissue sample;
generating a non-rectangular tissue imaging boundary;
storing data representing the tissue imaging boundary;
removing the sample support plate from the mass spectrometer;
preparing the tissue sample; and
re-loading the sample support plate into the mass spectrometer. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A mass spectrometer system, comprising:
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an imaging device for capturing an image of a tissue sample;
a processing unit, coupled to the imaging device, configured to generate a non-rectangular tissue imaging boundary and select a set of target regions located within the boundary;
a radiation source configured to sequentially irradiate the target locations to produce analyte ions; and
a mass analyzer for measuring the mass-to-charge ratios of the analyte ions or product ions derived therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A processing unit for a mass spectrometer configured to:
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receive an image of an image of a tissue sample;
generate a non-rectangular tissue imaging boundary; and
select a set of target regions lying within the tissue imaging boundary. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification