The Open Access UPLCMS system is a self-service system utilising a Waters H-Class UPLC with detection via a Waters PDA and a Waters SQD2 single quadrupole mass spectrometer.
ALL SAMPLES MUST BE FILTERED DOWN TO 0.2 micron.
SAMPLE VIALS MUST INCLUDE A PRE-SLIT SEPTA.
SAMPLES MUST BE DISSOLED IN 95% Water / 5% ACETONITRILE OR AT LEAST 50% WATER / 50% ACETONITRILE. THIS WILL PREVENT SAMPLES CRASHING OUT OF SOLUTION AND BLOCKING TUBING/COLUMNS.
Sample concentration should be no more than 0.1mg/ml. High concentrations will saturate the UPLC column leading to poor chromatography which will in turn lead to bad results.
How to login a sample
When you first use the system you should see a desktop looking like this:
The OpenLynx window allows you to log your samples in to the system, choose a method and then inform you where to place your sample in the autosampler of the UPLC.
Click on the button labelled “Login Samples…” A new window will appear where you can select your research group. If your group is not listed please contact a member of the mass spec team for assistance.
Having selected your group select “Next” which will allow you to pick the method(s) you want to use.
You will find a brief description of the method in the lower right of the window. Select the method and hit the + icon to move your choice to the right hand side of the window. Selecting more than one method will allow you to run different methods on the same sample vial location e.g. acidic and basic (The methods available will be updated to offer different gradients along with acidic and basic methods). Click "Next" to input some data about yorself and your sample.
Here you can enter a description for your sample, so that you can later identify your spectra, and your name. The mass options are optional and are useful especially if your sample does not absorb in UV.
Click “Next” and the system displays a page telling you where to put your sample which will be either plate 1 or 2 of the Sample Manager.
Put your sample into the correct position in the UPLC Sample Manager and click “Finish” to complete the process.
The tray of the Sample Manager can be pulled out as seen in the picture above, this will aid sample submission and also reveals the plate number which is also visible to the left of the plate. Plate 1 will always be presented when the door is opened, if it is not then please shut the door and wait 15 secondsand try again.
The tubing that overhangs the plate must not be damaged as this is part of the injector.
To access plate 2 press the rocker switch located above the Sample Manager opening.
After successful submission of your sample please replace the plate and shut the Sample Manager door.
The Sample Manager is a delicate piece of scientific instrumentation and must be used properly to avoid unnecessary downtime.
Your results will be printed out within 10 minutes if no other samples are in the queue.
N.B. A planned future upgrade to this system will allow you to have your sample results emailed to you.
Any problems, questions, requests should be directed to massspec@ch.camn.ac.uk