New Interface with Laboratory Information Systems to Advance Use of LC-MS/MS in Clinical Research

Scientists have been searching for years for a way to connect their high-volume work with mass spectrometry technologies to improve the results they obtain. Addressing this need, AB SCIEX, a global leader in life science analytical technologies, today announced the availability of new software in the Cliquid® Software family to enable scientists to link their laboratory information systems (LIS) - also commonly referred to as laboratory information management systems (LIMS) - to industry-leading AB SCIEX mass spectrometers. This unified solution is expected to result in cost savings, better data quality and faster answers.

The use of tandem mass spectrometry for clinical research purposes has been on the rise in recent years. Improvements in quantifying vitamin D, steroids, immunossupressants or pain panel drugs due to tandem mass spectrometry has been well-documented. However, clinical research laboratories have had to face the challenge of scaling the use of a mass spectrometer from low-volume to high-volume testing, limiting the use of what is known as the workhorse of the life science industry.

By creating an interface to existing LIS and LIMS networks, a new version of Cliquid® Software from AB SCIEX eliminates this limitation. Furthermore, lab analysts are seeking better tracking of samples, minimizing of manual errors and easier importing of batches from laboratory information systems. The new Cliquid® Software application provides enhancements in all of these areas.

Judy Stone, who works for TPMG Kaiser Regional Laboratory, has been using tandem mass spectrometry technologies for years to conduct testing of fewer than 100 samples per day. The lack of an interface to her LIS, along with the labor required for manual sample preparation, prevented her from using this technology for high-throughput testing that surpasses 1,000 sample per day. The availability of the new Cliquid software, however, has allowed her to rethink her use of AB SCIEX mass spectrometry systems to generate faster, more accurate answers on a larger scale. Dr. Stone presented this information at AB SCIEX's Users Meeting earlier this week. Her presentation will be available online starting on June 21 as part of AB SCIEX's video e-conference series.