New AB SCIEX Software Application Improves High-throughput Screening for Contaminants, Compounds and Illicit Drugs

AB SCIEX, a global leader in life science analytical technologies, has announced a new software application enabling faster and more reliable identification of contaminants in food, environmental, clinical research, and forensic toxicology samples.

The new LibraryView™ Software is the first of its kind to enable scientists and lab technicians to screen hundreds of samples for hundreds of potential contaminants and residues, using customized compound libraries uniquely associated with different methods. Coupled with QTRAP® and TripleTOF® technologies, this new software adds a new dimension of speed and reliability to screening workflows. LibraryView Software is now available to view for evaluation from any computer anywhere via AB SCIEX’s cloud computing-based “virtual demo” site.

LibraryView Software takes advantage of the integrated qualitative and quantitative functionality of QTRAP and TripleTOF technologies, enabling acquisition of full scan MS/MS spectra of compounds or contaminants present in a sample at high sensitivity. The full MS/MS spectrum delivers all of the significant fragments of the compound of interest, creating a compound ‘fingerprint.’

It enables more reliable compound identification compared to standard identification with only one or two fragments or MRMs. Library searching against the full MS/MS fingerprint produces more robust library comparisons and more reliable identification of compounds. It helps to minimize potential false positive assignments for sensitive samples.

The new LibraryView Software also enables high-throughput labs to improve their workflows and processes by creating their own custom libraries with retention time information, LC conditions, and associated matrices, which is also fundamental for improved robustness in library searching and compound identification. Combined with the intuitive software interface, the ability to customize library searches, and the capabilities for fast and interactive data review, this feature greatly improves throughput of data analysis – particularly for labs facing high volumes of samples and needing to get answers fast.

Additionally, labs interested in smaller, more targeted compound screens can establish custom libraries for that targeted list. For example, if a food or environmental testing lab is interested in targeting a short list of pesticide compounds, LibraryView Software enables them to easily set-up their custom library and only search the compounds of interest, eliminating the need to go through their entire, comprehensive library. This feature greatly streamlines data analysis, reducing time at the computer for the analyst from hours to minutes. With a few clicks of a button in LibraryView Software, QTRAP or TripleTOF users can unlock more of the benefits of integrated qualitative / quantitative analysis.

“Obtaining fast and reliable answers is at the heart of high-throughput screening,” said Dave Lavorato, Product Manager at AB SCIEX. “LibraryView Software provides a quick way to screen samples and get answers without laborious data processing and data review.”