Why You Need a Verification-class Mass Spectrometer, Part 2

By Dr. Scott Peterman, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Life Science Mass Spectrometry, Thermo Fisher Scientific originaly published in AnalyteGure 06.27.2024

Bridging the gap between discovery and clinical validation

Not only does the Stellar MS represent a new class of instrument, it serves as the perfect “companion” product between the upstream HRAM instruments doing discovery and the triple-quad systems performing the downstream validation processes.

After discovery, the Stellar MS becomes invaluable for the verification phase—using quantitative accuracy to narrow the broad list of candidates with the highest potential down to the best set of markers to move into clinical validation. It can process a large list of potential candidates with the added benefits of higher sensitivity and quantitative accuracy.

Transitioning from verification to validation may deliver a narrowed set of biomarker candidates that have the greatest potential for specific and sensitive sample classification.  Based on the Stellar mass spectrometer’s work, researchers now know the sample preparation steps, LC methods, retention times, detection range (LLOD/LLOQ) and method robustness that can be carried over to streamline validation. 

In addition, researchers also have the option to directly transition the LC-MS/MS method to the Thermo Scientific TSQ Altis Plus triple quadrupole mass spectrometer if expanded laboratory capacity is needed. The ESI source, ion source settings, and Thermo Scientific Xcalibur software provide direct overlap to minimize additional method refinement.  The TSQ Altis Plus MS also has the same robustness to ensure maximum uptime to complete studies with higher throughput. 

No longer stuck in discovery: expanded capability across the entire workflow

Many translational researchers have avoided the move to targeted verification methods due to the complexity, as well as the lack of experience operating triple quadrupole systems to create, refine and implement these highly multiplexed methods. The introduction of the Stellar MS workflow streamlines the process while delivering quantitative performance.

Therefore, researchers can expand their laboratory capacity and advance their research work in house, without the need to add people, learn new skills or devote months to this work. Researchers can cover more of the workflow process themselves—all the way to the validation phase—enabling them to maintain better control, reduce costs and increase confidence in the results.    

For more information, explore the Stellar Mass Spectrometer MS web page or reach out to your Thermo Fisher sales representative.

Intrigued to learn more about the Stellar mass spectrometer and how to streamline your verification process? Watch for more blogs in this series soon.

Misssed part 1? Find it here or click here for the original article!

Discover more about the one of its kind Stellar Mass Spectrometer here