Quality Control Methods in Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is becoming widely recognized in the fields of medicine and protein engineering as an accurate analysis tool for metabolites and proteins alike. Medical research and clinical diagnostics rely on the high-quality, efficient results routinely produced by laboratory spectrometry, which involves sampling and separation, analytical chemistry, data analysis and high-performance, quality control mechanisms.

Oligonucleotide Synthesis

• During mass spectrometry, one version of the versatile, spectrometric analytical technique, quality control is achieved by characterizing, without exception, every single oligonucleotide present in the sample. Two instruments are used to create 100-percent quality control: laser light and chemical matrices in MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization, Time-of-Flight) spectrometry and multiple-charge ionization in ESI (Electro-spray Ionization).

Magnetic Resonance

• An automated quality control system will eventually replace panels of expert spectroscopists in brain tumor diagnosis. The protocol works by using a large database of previously created brain tumor (1)H magnetic resonance spectra. Automated pattern-recognition software works alongside decision-support systems to maintain a high level of diagnosis quality control. Mathematical algorithms, based on previous findings and statistical predictions, are used to provide reproducible results without artefact distortion and to reduce misdiagnosis and human error. So far, 87 percent of test spectra match expert opinion, as reported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Infrared Spectroscopy

• Used frequently in the food industry to examine and control the quality of food, and additionally in less well-known applications, such as quality control of African essential oils, this technique uses cross-validation for accurate prediction modelling. The accuracy is impressive, at a rate of between 97.8 and 99.9 percent in at least cinnamon samples, according to one researcher, Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD) Incorporated. Discrimination was also achieved to a high degree of specificity in ravintsara and ravensara essential oils, making infrared spectroscopy valuable in rapid identification, product authentication and adulteration detection of essential oils.

Raman Spectroscopy

• Breaking out of the laboratory, raman spectroscopy is being successfully applied as a process analytical tool because of its portability and ease of use. Improved photon management is the key to its levels of quality control. Applications include characterization and identification of dangerous chemicals in facilities at various plant-based operations.