Thermo Fisher Scientific Introduces QuickQuan 2.0 for Alleviating Bottlenecks in Sample Analysis and Data Review for Drug Discovery and Development

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announces the introduction of QuickQuan™ 2.0 for automating high-throughput LC-MS/MS assays. Recently showcased at PITTCON 2007, Thermo Scientific QuickQuan 2.0 is designed to alleviate the bottleneck of sample analysis in early drug discovery.

QuickQuan delivers rapid LC-MS/MS optimization through an automated on-line infusion mode and valve switching design, allowing precise auto-tuning with high sensitivity and maximizing successful automated quantification of chemically diverse compounds. All analytical information can be stored in Microsoft Access^® or Oracle^® databases, which facilitates rapid data exchange across global networks.

QuickQuan 2.0 incorporates new features which further extend the capabilities of the software to non-GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) laboratories performing medium to high throughput quantitation assays. The unique Autosampler Infusion feature introduced in this version enables automated compound optimization. When coupled with a CTC HTS or HTC PAL^® autosampler, the autosampler can be configured for use as an infusion pump, providing more accurate optimization results than traditional techniques at a rate of approximately 70 seconds per compound. Automated optimization of MS/MS parameters enables users to optimize hundreds of compounds without manual intervention.

In addition QuickQuan 2.0 has the ability to store results for method generation in a Microsoft Access or Oracle database, removing the need for redundant optimization when reanalyzing samples or transferring instrument methods. When networked with any of the Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum™ triple quadrupole mass spectrometers, the system can access this database and perform sample analysis without requiring reoptimization on each individual instrument. In addition, QuickQuan 2.0 is available as a pre-packaged hardware solution that enables column switching without guess work or plumbing. With this solution, users are able to proceed from optimization to sample acquisition without interruptions.

QuickQuan 2.0 includes templates for the automated generation of both instrument and processing methods, thereby eliminating the need to create methods manually when studying a large number of compounds. The software also allows users to automatically generate customizable Excel summaries and Xreports, minimizing time required for data processing and review.