XCALI-97598 Revision A June 2014
© 2014 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.
Aria, Q Exactive, FOCUS, LCquan, ToxID, ExactFinder, Prelude, TSQ 8000, and TriPlus are trademarks, and
Accela, Dionex, Exactive, Thermo Scientific, Trace GC Ultra, TSQ Quantum, TSQ Endura, TSQ Quantiva,
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Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product purchase to use in the product operation. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of the whole or any part of this document is strictly prohibited, except with the written authorization of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. All technical information in this document is for reference purposes only. System configurations and specifications in this document supersede all previous information received by the purchaser.
This document is not part of any sales contract between Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and a purchaser. This document shall in no way govern or modify any Terms and Conditions of Sale, which Terms and Conditions of
Sale shall govern all conflicting information between the two documents.
Release history: Revision A, June 2014
Software version: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional; (Thermo) Foundation 3.0 SP2; Xcalibur 2.2 SP1;
LC Devices 2.5 SP2; GC Devices 2.2
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
C
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Thermo Xcalibur Qual Browser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Converting Method Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
TraceFinder Window Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using the Configuration Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
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Contents
Auto Sampler Tray Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Acquisition Submission Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Using the Common Features of the Method Development Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Working with the Compound Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Compound Database Names Mapped to CSV Column Names. . . . . . . . . . 109
Working with Instrument Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Using the Method Development Mode for Quantitation Methods . . . . . . . . . . .119
Creating a New Method with Method Forge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Importing an Xcalibur Master Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Selecting Compounds from the Compound Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Editing the Compounds Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Editing the Intelligent Sequencing Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Saving a Master Method to a New Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Importing Published Master Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
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Contents
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Using the Method Development Mode for Screening Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . .269
Saving a Master Method to a New Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Importing Published Master Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Opening and Navigating the Acquisition Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Creating and Submitting Batches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Working in Data Review for Quantitation Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Features Common to All Data Review Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Working in Data Review for Target Screening Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 488
Working in the Local Method View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519
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Contents
Isotopic Distribution in Exact Mass Spectra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557
Calculating Mass and Intensity Deviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564
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TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
P
This guide describes how to use the Thermo TraceFinder™ 3.2 application in the Thermo
Scientific™ series of GC/MS and LC/MS analytical software.
Contents
•
•
•
•
The TraceFinder application includes complete documentation. In addition to this guide, you can also access the following documents as PDF files from the data system computer:
•
TraceFinder User Guide
• TraceFinder Administrator Console User Guide
•
TraceFinder Acquisition Quick Reference Guide
•
TraceFinder Analysis Quick Reference Guide
•
TraceFinder Shortcut Menus Quick Reference Guide
To view TraceFinder documents using the Start menu
From the Microsoft™ Windows™ taskbar, choose
Start > All Programs > Thermo
TraceFinder > Manuals
.
Thermo Scientific TraceFinder User Guide
vii
Preface
To open TraceFinder Help and access related documents from the application
1. Open the TraceFinder application and choose
Help > TraceFinder Help.
• To find a particular topic, use the Contents, Index, or Search panes.
• To create your own bookmarks, use the Favorites pane.
2. To view the operator manual, user guide, or one of the quick reference guides, choose
Help > Manuals >
PDF file
.
Figure 1.
PDF files available from the Help menu
The PDF file of the selected document opens in a new window.
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Preface
When you first start the TraceFinder application, a dialog box displays the number of days remaining in your 120-day free trial. If your free trial has expired, the License Activation window opens.
Thermo Scientific
Note
You can open the License Activation window at any time during your trial period by choosing
Help > License Activation
from the TraceFinder menu. If you already have a permanent license, a message tells you that your product is fully licensed.
Two types of licenses are available:
• 120-Day Evaluation Version (free of charge)
• Full Version Single License
The evaluation version is full-featured and automatically expires 120 days after activation.
Any attempt to set back the system date automatically terminates this version. You can purchase and then activate the full version of the TraceFinder application at any time, during or after the free evaluation, without reinstalling the software.
Each activation key is valid only for a single license. Any additional installation generates a different license and requires a different activation key.
TraceFinder User Guide
ix
Preface
To request an activation key
1. In the License Activation window, enter your information in the User Info area.
As you type, the License Text box creates an XML text string with your information.
x
TraceFinder User Guide
2. In the Barcode box, type the barcode printed on the TraceFinder CD.
The form of the barcode number is either
xxxx-xxxx-xxxx
or
xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx
.
Note
The barcode might already be filled in for you.
3. When you finish entering all the information, click
Copy
.
The application copies this XML text to the Clipboard.
If you have not completed all the information, a pop-up box identifies the missing information.
Thermo Scientific
4. Paste this XML text in the body of an email and send the email to
.
Preface
You will receive an email response containing the activation key.
To use your activation key
1. When you receive your activation key, copy it from the email.
2. Choose
Help > License Activation
from the TraceFinder menu.
The License Activation window opens.
3. Click
Paste
.
The application pastes the contents of the Clipboard to the License Text box.
4. Click
Set.
The application is activated according to the type of authorization your license gives you.
Make sure you follow the special notices presented in this guide. Special notices appear in boxes.
This guide uses the following types of special notices.
IMPORTANT
Highlights information necessary to prevent damage to software, loss of data, or invalid test results; or might contain information that is critical for optimal performance of the system.
Note
Highlights information of general interest.
Tip
Highlights helpful information that can make a task easier.
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xi
Preface
Customer Service
(Sales and service)
User Documentation
There are several ways to contact Thermo Fisher Scientific for the information you need.
For Thermo Scientific™ products
Technical Support
Access by phone, fax, email, or website
(U.S.) Phone: 1 (800) 532-4752 Fax: 1 (561) 688-8736
Email: [email protected]
Web—for product support, technical documentation, and knowledge bases: www.thermoscientific.com/support
(U.S.) Phone: 1 (800) 532-4752 Fax: 1 (561) 688-8731
Email: [email protected]
Web—for product information: www.thermoscientific.com/lc-ms
Web—for customizing your service request:
1. From any Products & Services web page, click
Contact Us
.
2. In the Contact Us box, complete the information requested, scroll to the bottom, and click
Send
.
Web—for downloading documents: mssupport.thermo.com
1. On the Terms and Conditions web page, click
I Agree
.
2. In the left pane, click
Customer Manuals
.
3. To locate the document, click
Search
and enter your search criteria. For
Document Type, select
Manual
.
Email—to send feedback directly to Technical Publications: [email protected]
Web—to complete a survey about this Thermo Scientific document: www.surveymonkey.com/s/PQM6P62
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TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
1
This chapter describes general features of the TraceFinder software.
Contents
•
About the TraceFinder Application
•
TraceFinder Summary of Features
•
•
The TraceFinder application targets the clinical research market. It supports a focused quantification workflow for specific nonbioanalytical laboratory use, instrument control, and method development functionality. TraceFinder is the primary application for the TSQ
Quantum™ XLS triple quadrupole mass spectrometers.
The TraceFinder application can export mass data in the Acquisition List to XML format so that other applications, including TSQ 8000, TSQ Quantum™, ISQ, and Q Exactive™, can import the files into their databases.
The TraceFinder application can import the following file types:
• Sample lists in .csv or .xml format
See
“Defining the Sample List” on page 326
.
• Processing (.pmd) and instrument (.meth) method files from the Xcalibur data system
For detailed information about creating quantitative processing methods, see
“Using the Method Development Mode for Quantitation Methods.”
For detailed information about creating target screening processing methods, see
Chapter 6, “Using the Method Development Mode for Screening Methods.”
For detailed information about creating instrument methods, see “Working with
Instrument Methods” on page 113 .
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1
Introduction
About the TraceFinder Application
• Compounds from files that use the database (.xml or .cdb) format
See
“Working with the Compound Database” on page 76
.
• Batches, methods, or templates from the TraceFinder 2.0, 2.1, 3.0, or 3.1 applications.
See
“Converting Legacy Data” on page 18
.
The TraceFinder application checks the accuracy and precision of data against systems that have previously been certified against a standard processing program, such as the Statistical
Analysis System (SAS).
The TraceFinder application supports the following file types:
• Comma-separated values (.csv): A set of file formats used to store tabular data in which numbers and text are stored in plain textual form that can be read in a text editor. Lines in the text file represent rows of a table, and commas in a line separate fields in the tables row.
• Extensible Markup Language (.xml): A generic framework for storing any amount of text or any data whose structure can be represented as a tree. The only indispensable syntactical requirement is that the document has exactly one root element (also called the document element). This means that the text must be enclosed between a root start-tag and a corresponding end-tag.
• Instrument method (.meth): A proprietary file format for the Xcalibur software suite with specific instructions that enable scientific instruments to perform data acquisition.
• Processing method (.pmd): A proprietary file format for the Xcalibur software suite with specific instructions on processing data that was acquired through the instruments attached to the system.
• Raw data (.raw): The file type for acquired samples on the system.
• Compound database (.cdb): The file type for TraceFinder or ExactFinder compound database data.
• Library (.db): A library used for target screening.
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TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
1
Introduction
About the TraceFinder Application
The TraceFinder application creates folders for batches, methods, and templates in the
…\TraceFinderData directory. Within each batch folder, the application creates folders for data, methods, and reports.
You can create batches in the TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder, or you can create subfolders within the Projects folder for your batches. You can create as many subfolders as you want for your batches, but you cannot create a batch within another batch folder.
IMPORTANT
You cannot rename or move the folders created by the TraceFinder application.
Figure 2.
Example batch directory structure
Thermo Scientific TraceFinder User Guide
3
1
Introduction
TraceFinder Summary of Features
4
The TraceFinder system provides a workflow-oriented approach to high-throughput quantitation, using tools that automate and speed up the processes of method creation, loading samples, automatically generating data, manually reviewing and editing results, and finalizing the data review and reporting process.
The TraceFinder software package includes data acquisition, processing, reviewing, and reporting capabilities designed to assist analysts in clinical research applications. The application has a fully automated acquisition mode and a manual data analysis mode. You can use the data acquisition system to create and submit batches and monitor real-time review of results.
The TraceFinder application uses a comprehensive processing method to provide improved handling of ion ratio calculations, reviewing, and reporting. In addition, it can compare the mass spectra and integrate the processes of data review and reporting.
Key features include the following:
• Role-based authorization for Security, LabDirector, ITAdmin, Supervisor, Technician, and QAQC (quality assurance) roles
• Administrator Console for user security, role-based permissions, and data repositories
• Configuration console for report configuration, detection and acquisition defaults, adduct definitions, screening library selection, and customized columns and flags
• Method Development mode for editing instrument methods, setting processing and error flag parameters, and setting reporting options
• Acquisition mode that guides you in creating batches and running samples
• Analysis mode with batch views, data review, local method views, and reporting views
• Database-capable method development
• Quantification workflows, supporting capabilities present in the LCquan™ and ToxLab
Forms applications
• Target screening workflows
• Spreadsheet-based report designer
Features of the common workflow core include the following:
• Acquisition and processing
• Peak detection
• Quantification to include calibration
• Error analysis and flag setting
• Reporting
• Data persistence
• Raw data file handling
TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
1
Introduction
TraceFinder Workflow
The TraceFinder application is structured with a typical laboratory workflow in mind. You create a batch, and the system injects samples into the instrument, runs the samples, analyzes the data, and generates a report. You can set up a master method for specific compound groups or assays that you expect to run in your laboratory. When you are ready to run a particular type of sample, select the appropriate method and begin.
When using the TraceFinder application, follow these basic steps:
1. Create and save a master method in the Method Development mode.
A master method combines the instrument method and processing method that define the following:
• How the raw data is acquired and processed
• How the error checking information evaluates the results
• How the results appear in reports
2. Create and submit a batch using the Acquisition wizard.
A batch lists samples for processing and reporting using a specified method. Each row of a batch represents a unique sample.
3. Monitor the status of the batch in the Real Time Status view.
The real-time display is visible from all the TraceFinder modes. You can begin another batch while you watch the real-time display of the currently acquiring batch.
Note
At any time, you can quickly view the system status by looking in the upper right corner of the TraceFinder window. This area displays a green, yellow, or red status light and a description of any activity in the queues, as in this example:
4. Evaluate the data in the Analysis mode.
The Analysis mode includes views where you can review batches, batch data, reports, and local methods.
5. View and print reports in the Report View of the Analysis mode.
Use the Report View to view or print the reports for the current batch.
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1
Introduction
Reporting Features
The report engine can generate several different types of reports designed to meet the needs of the laboratory, the laboratory's customers, and key regulatory agencies that might review the results. The following types of reports meet the requirements of various methods and worldwide regulatory agencies, helping to track the performance of LC and GC systems and methods.
• Ad Hoc Tune Report
• Batch Report
• Blank Report
• Breakdown Report
• Calibration Report
• Check Standard Report
• Chromatogram Report
• Compound Calibration Report
• Compound Calibration Report - Alternate
• Confirmation Report
• Confirmation Report 2
• High Density Calibration Report
• High Density Internal Standard Report Long
• High Density Report
• High Density Sample Report 1 Long
• Intelligent Sequencing Report
• Internal Standard Summary Report
• Ion Ratio Failure Report
• Manual Integration Report
• Method Report
• MSMSD Report
• Quantitation Report
• Quantitation Report - 2
• Screening Batch Report
• SGS Report
• Solvent Blank Report
• Standard Addition Report
• Surrogate Recovery Report
• Target Screening Hight Density Sample Report
• Target Screening Hight Density Sample Report 2
• Target Screening Summary Report
• TIC Report
• TIC Summary Report
• Tune Report
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TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
2
This chapter includes the procedures for getting started with the TraceFinder application.
Contents
•
Installing the TraceFinder Application
•
Installing the NIST and QED Libraries
•
Launching the NIST Library Browser
•
Launching a Qualitative Explorer
•
•
To initially install the TraceFinder 3.2 application, follow the instructions in the
TraceFinder
Installation Guide
. Later, you might need to reinstall the TraceFinder application or other features on the InstallShield Wizard.
Follow these instructions to reinstall, start, and log in to the TraceFinder application.
To reinstall the TraceFinder application
1. From the Thermo Foundation Instrument Configuration window, remove all instruments.
2. From the Windows™ Control Panel, uninstall the TraceFinder application and then uninstall all Thermo instrument drivers.
3. Insert the TraceFinder CD, and install both the TraceFinder 3.2 application and the
NIST library as follows: a. Open the TraceFinder launcher and click
Next
.
Thermo Scientific TraceFinder User Guide
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2
Getting Started
Installing the TraceFinder Application
The InstallShield Wizard opens.
8
TraceFinder User Guide b. Click
TraceFinder 3.2
, and follow the instructions in the InstallShield Wizard.
c.
The installer verifies that you have the appropriate versions of the Thermo
Foundation™ and Thermo Xcalibur™ applications and updates them if necessary.
At the prompt, click
Yes
to completely remove any previously installed TraceFinder applications.
d. Open the TraceFinder launcher again and click
Next
.
e.
Click
TraceFinder 3.2
, and follow the instructions in the InstallShield Wizard.
IMPORTANT
For the TraceFinder application to properly install, you might be prompted to uninstall Thermo Foundation™. Do the following:
1. Click
Yes
, and then when prompted to restart your computer, click
OK
.
The wizard continues the TraceFinder installation.
2. When prompted to install Thermo Foundation, click
Yes
, and then when prompted to restart your computer, click
OK
.
The wizard continues the installation.
f.
When prompted, choose to install either the
GC
or
LC
version of the software.
g. When the installation is complete, open the TraceFinder launcher again and click
Next
.
h. If you have not previously installed the NIST library, click
NIST Library
and follow the instructions to install the library.
Thermo Scientific
Thermo Scientific
2
Getting Started
Installing the TraceFinder Application i.
(Optional) Click
Example Data
.
The application installs example compound databases, instrument methods, and batch data.
4. Install the appropriate device drivers, and configure the instruments in the Thermo
Foundation Instrument Configuration window.
To start the TraceFinder application
1. Configure your instruments.
You must close the TraceFinder application before you can configure your instruments.
2. Double-click the
TraceFinder
icon on your desktop, or choose
Start > All Programs >
Thermo TraceFinder > TraceFinder Clinical Research
.
By default, user security is not activated and the application does not require a password.
To activate user security, refer to the
TraceFinder Administrator Console User Guide
.
To log in to the TraceFinder application (when user security is activated)
Note
Before you can log in to the TraceFinder application when user security is activated, a system administrator must set up a user account for you.
1. Enter your user name in the TraceFinder login window. See
“TraceFinder login window” on page 11
.
2. Enter your password.
If your user name or password does not match, the system reports this error:
Correct the user name or password, or contact your system administrator.
3. Click
Login
.
The TraceFinder login window opens. See TraceFinder main window .
TraceFinder User Guide
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2
Getting Started
Installing the TraceFinder Application
Figure 3.
TraceFinder main window, showing the Analysis mode
User name available only when user security is activated
Table 1.
TraceFinder main window features (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter Description
Toolbar
See “Toolbar Reference” on page 536
.
Application Configuration See Chapter 3, “Using the Configuration Console.”
Acquisition
See Chapter 7, “Using the Acquisition Mode.”
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2
Getting Started
Installing the TraceFinder Application
Table 1.
TraceFinder main window features (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Analysis
Method Development
Description
See Chapter 8, “Using the Analysis Mode.”
See Chapter 4, “Using the Common Features of the Method Development Mode.”
See Chapter 5, “Using the Method Development Mode for Quantitation Methods.”
See Chapter 6, “Using the Method Development Mode for Screening Methods.”
Figure 4.
TraceFinder login window
Thermo Scientific
Table 2.
Login window parameters
Parameter
Domain
Username
Password
Login
Exit
Description
The authentication method.
The user’s assigned user name.
The assigned password for the user name.
Verifies the user name and password, and opens the TraceFinder application.
Closes the TraceFinder login window.
TraceFinder User Guide
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2
Getting Started
Installing the NIST and QED Libraries
When you are using triple quadrupole instruments, such as the TSQ Quantum XLS, follow these instructions to install the NIST and QED libraries.
To install the NIST library
1. Open the TraceFinder launcher, and click
Next
.
2. Click
NIST Library
.
The NIST 08 MS Search and AMDIS Setup wizard opens.
3. Follow the instructions in the setup wizard.
4. When the wizard prompts you to select a destination folder, select
C:\Program Files\NISTMS
.
5. Continue to follow the instructions in the wizard until the setup is complete.
To install the QED library
1. On your desktop, double-click the
Xcalibur
icon,
The Thermo Xcalibur Roadmap opens.
.
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TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
Thermo Scientific
2
Getting Started
Installing the NIST and QED Libraries
2. Choose
Tools > Library Manager
from the main menu.
The Thermo Library Manager dialog box opens, showing the NIST Libraries list.
3. Click
Add
.
The Add Library dialog box opens.
4. Click
Browse
, and locate your QED library in the C:\Thermo folder.
5. Click
OK
.
The Xcalibur application reports that it has added the library to the NIST application.
6. Click
Dismiss
to close the message box.
The Xcalibur application adds the QED library to the NIST Libraries list in the Library
Manager dialog box.
TraceFinder User Guide
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2
Getting Started
Installing the NIST and QED Libraries
7. Click
Exit
in the Thermo Library Manager dialog box.
8. To confirm the library installation, do the following: a. Start the TraceFinder application.
b. Click
Method Development
in the navigation pane.
c.
Click
Method View
in the Method Development navigation pane.
d. Choose
File > New > Method Template
from the main menu.
The Method Template Editor displays the QED NIST Library in the Use These
Libraries list.
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TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
2
Getting Started
Launching the NIST Library Browser
Use the NIST MS Search tool to search the NIST library.
To open the NIST library browser
Choose
Tools > Launch Library Browser
from the TraceFinder main menu.
The NIST MS Search window opens.
Thermo Scientific
For detailed instructions about using the library browser, refer to the Help in the NIST MS
Search window.
TraceFinder User Guide
15
2
Getting Started
Launching a Qualitative Explorer
Use a qualitative explorer application to display chromatograms and spectra, detect chromatogram peaks, search libraries, simulate spectra, subtract background spectra, apply filters, add text and graphics, create and save layouts, and view instrument parameters as they changed during the acquisition.
Your TraceFinder application is configured to use one of the following applications:
•
•
IMPORTANT
The FreeStyle™ application is available only when you configure it as your
default qualitative explorer in the Configuration Console. See Chapter 3, “Using the
To open the FreeStyle window
Choose
Tools > Launch Qual Explorer
from the TraceFinder main menu.
The Thermo Scientific FreeStyle application opens.
Figure 5.
Freestyle main window
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TraceFinder User Guide
For detailed instructions about using the FreeStyle application, click the
Help
icon, the FreeStyle window.
, in
Thermo Scientific
2
Getting Started
Launching a Qualitative Explorer
IMPORTANT
The Qual Browser application is available only when you configure it as
your default qualitative explorer in the Configuration Console. Chapter 3, “Using the
To open the Qual Browser window
Choose
Tools > Launch Qual Explorer
from the TraceFinder main menu.
The Thermo Xcalibur Qual Browser application opens.
Figure 6.
Qual Browser main window
Thermo Scientific
For detailed instructions about using the Qual Browser application, refer to the Help in the
Qual Browser window.
TraceFinder User Guide
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2
Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
Use the Trace Finder Legacy Data Converter to convert methods, batches, method templates, or batch templates from the source versions to compatible TraceFinder 3.2 target configurations.
• You can convert legacy data from TraceFinder versions 2.0, 2.1, 3.0, or 3.1.
• You can convert data from TraceFinder 3.2 for general quantitation to another installed configuration of TraceFinder 3.2.
*
This table shows which source versions of methods, batches, method templates, or batch templates are compatible with TraceFinder 3.2 target configurations.
Table 3.
Version compatibility
Source
TraceFinder 3.2 General
TraceFinder 3.1 General
TraceFinder 3.1 EFS
TraceFinder 3.1 Clinical Research
TraceFinder 3.1 Forensic Toxicology
TraceFinder 3.0 General
TraceFinder 3.0 EFS
TraceFinder 3.0 Clinical Research
TraceFinder 3.0 Forensic Toxicology
TraceFinder 2.1 General
TraceFinder 2.1 EFS
TraceFinder 2.1 Clinical Research
TraceFinder 2.1 Forensic Toxicology
TraceFinder 2.0 General
TraceFinder 2.0 EFS
TraceFinder 2.0 Clinical Research
* Environmental and Food Safety
TraceFinder 3.2 target
General EFS
*
Clinical
Research
Forensic
Toxicology
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TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
Thermo Scientific
2
Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
This section includes the following topics:
•
•
•
•
To open the TraceFinder Legacy Data Converter
Choose
Tools > Launch Legacy Data Converter
from the TraceFinder main menu.
The TraceFinder Legacy Data Converter window opens.
Note
When you open the TraceFinder application, the system checks for any legacy data and prompts you to open the Legacy Data Converter.
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Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
Use the data converter to convert legacy methods to TraceFinder 3.2 methods.
To convert a method
1. In the Data Type list, select
Method
.
The TraceFinder Legacy Data Converter displays the interface for converting methods.
The following example shows that you can convert methods from the TraceFinder 3.1
General configuration to the current General configuration. For a complete list of version compatibilities, see
“Converting Methods” on page 20 .
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2. In the Source Version list, select the version of the method that you will convert.
Note
When you select Any Legacy, the Legacy Data Converter examines all possible methods in the source folder, regardless of version.
The conversion table displays the methods in the Methods folder for the selected source version. The application verifies that the method file is in the .mmx file format.
3. To convert a method that is not in the default list, do the following: a. Click
Browse
and locate a different source method folder.
You can select a specific method folder or a folder that contains multiple methods. b. Click
OK
in the Browse for Folder dialog box.
The application displays the selected method folder in the conversion table.
When you select a folder that contains multiple method folders, the application displays all the methods.
4. In the Target Version list, select the version that you are converting to.
The list displays only TraceFinder configurations with compatible data. See
Thermo Scientific
2
Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
5. (Optional) In the Target Name column, change the default new name for each method that you want converted.
When you populate the conversion table, the application checks each method to see if a method with this name exists in the target repository.
• If the method name already exists in the target repository, the default new name appends “_1” to the original name.
• If the method name does not exist in the target repository, the application keeps the original method name.
IMPORTANT
The conversion cannot overwrite an existing file name. If the new name is identical to an existing method file, the conversion will not work. When you manually enter a new name, you must verify that the name does not already exist.
6. Select the
Convert
check box for each method that you will convert, and click
.
The application confirms that all methods to be converted use the .mmx file format.
When the conversion process begins, the application displays a status bar and a Cancel button. You can cancel pending conversions, but not the method that is currently converting.
When the Status column reports that a method is successfully converted, the application writes the converted file to the specified target repository.
Note
If a method conversion is unsuccessful, the Status column displays “Conversion failed.” The log file contains details about the failed conversion.
Figure 7.
7. To view a log of the conversion, click
View Log
.
The application opens a cumulative log file for the session in a Microsoft™ Notepad text editor window.
Sample log file for converting a method
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Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
Use the data converter to convert legacy batches to TraceFinder 3.2 batches.
To convert a batch
1. In the Data Type list, select
Batch
.
The following example shows that you can convert batches from the TraceFinder 3.1
General configuration to the current General configuration. For a complete list of version compatibilities, see
“Converting Methods” on page 20 .
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2. In the Source Version list, select the version of the batch that you will convert.
Note
When you select Any Legacy, the Legacy Data Converter examines all possible batches in the source folder, regardless of version.
The conversion table displays all batches in the Projects folder for the selected source version.
3. In the Target Version list, select the version that you are converting to.
The list displays only TraceFinder configurations with compatible data. See
4. In the Target Default Project and Subproject boxes, type the name of a project and subproject, or select the
Replicate Original Project/Subproject
check box.
5. (Optional) In the New Name column, change the default new name for each batch that you want converted.
When you populate the conversion table, the application checks each batch to see if a batch with this name exists in the target repository.
• If the batch name already exists in the target repository, the default new name appends “_1” to the original name.
• If the batch name does not exist in the target repository, the application keeps the original batch name.
Thermo Scientific
2
Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
IMPORTANT
The conversion cannot overwrite an existing file name. If the new name is identical to an existing batch folder, the conversion will not work. When you manually enter a new name, you must verify that the name does not already exist.
6. Select the
Convert
check box for each batch that you will convert, and click
.
The application confirms that all batches to be converted use the .btx file format.
When the conversion process begins, the application displays a status bar and a Cancel button. You can cancel pending conversions, but not the batch that is currently converting.
When the Status column reports that a batch is successfully converted, the application writes the converted batch to the …\TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder and uses either the original project and subproject names or the new names that you entered.
Note
If a batch conversion is unsuccessful, the Status column displays “Conversion failed.” The log file contains details about the failed conversion.
Figure 8.
7. To view a log of the conversion, click
View Log
.
Sample log file for converting a batch
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Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
Use the data converter to convert legacy method templates to TraceFinder 3.2 method templates.
To convert a method template
1. In the Data Type list, select
Method Template
.
The following example shows that you can convert method templates from the
TraceFinder 3.1 General configuration to the current General configuration. For a complete list of version compatibilities, see
“Converting Methods” on page 20 .
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2. In the Source Version list, select the version of the method template that you will convert.
Note
When you select Any Legacy, the Legacy Data Converter examines all possible method templates in the source folder, regardless of version.
The conversion table displays the method templates in the Templates folder for the selected source version. The application verifies that the method template file is in the .pmtx file format.
3. To convert a method template that is not in the default list, do the following: a. Click
Browse
and locate a template folder.
You can select a specific template folder or a folder that contains multiple templates. b. Click
OK
in the Browse for Folder dialog box.
The application displays the selected folder in the conversion table.
When you select a folder that contains multiple method template folders, the application displays all the method templates.
4. In the Target Version list, select the version that you are converting to.
The list displays only TraceFinder configurations with compatible data. See
Thermo Scientific
2
Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
5. (Optional) In the Target Name column, change the default name for each method template that you want converted.
When you populate the conversion table, the application checks each method template to see if a method template with this name exists in the target repository.
• If the method template name already exists in the target repository, the default new name appends “_1” to the original name.
• If the method template name does not exist in the target repository, the application keeps the original method template name.
IMPORTANT
The conversion cannot overwrite an existing file name. If the new name is identical to an existing method template file, the conversion will fail. When you manually enter a new name, you must verify that the name does not already exist.
6. Select the
Convert
check box for each method template that you will convert, and click
.
The application confirms that all method templates to be converted use the .pmtx file format.
When the conversion process begins, the application displays a status bar and a Cancel button. You can cancel pending conversions, but not the template that is currently converting.
When the Status column reports that the template is successfully converted, the application writes the converted template to the specified target repository.
Note
If a template conversion fails, the Status column displays “Conversion failed.”
The log file contains details about the failed conversion.
Figure 9.
7. To view a log of the conversion, click
View Log
.
The application opens a cumulative log file for the session in a Notepad text editor window.
Sample log file for converting a method template
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Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
Use the data converter to convert legacy batch templates to TraceFinder 3.2 batch templates.
To convert a batch template
1. In the Data Type list, select
Batch Template
.
You can choose either LabForms batch templates or TraceFinder batch templates.
The following example shows that you can convert batch templates from the TraceFinder
3.1 General configuration to the current General configuration. For a complete list of version compatibilities, see
“Converting Methods” on page 20
.
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2. In the Source Version list, select the version of the batch template that you will convert.
Note
When you select Any Legacy, the Legacy Data Converter examines all possible batch templates in the source folder, regardless of version.
The conversion table displays the batch templates in the Templates folder for the selected source version.
3. To convert a batch template that is not in the default list, do the following: a. Click
Browse
and locate a template folder.
You can select a specific batch template folder or a folder that contains multiple batch templates. b. Click
OK
in the Browse for Folder dialog box.
The application displays the selected folder in the conversion table.
When you select a folder that contains multiple batch template folders, the application displays all the batch templates.
4. In the Target Version list, select the version that you are converting to.
The list displays only TraceFinder configurations with compatible data. See
Thermo Scientific
2
Getting Started
Converting Legacy Data
5. (Optional) In the New Name column, change the default new name for each batch template that you want converted.
When you populate the conversion table, the application checks each batch template to see if a batch template with this name exists in the target repository.
• If the batch template name already exists in the target repository, the default new name appends “_1” to the original name.
• If the batch template name does not exist in the target repository, the application keeps the original batch template name.
IMPORTANT
The conversion cannot overwrite an existing file name. If the new name is identical to an existing batch template file, the conversion will fail. When you manually enter a new name, you must verify that the name does not already exist.
6. Select the
Convert
check box for each batch template that you will convert, and click
.
The application confirms that all batch templates to be converted use the .btx file format.
When the conversion process begins, the application displays a status bar and a Cancel button. You can cancel pending conversions, but not the template that is currently converting.
When the Status column reports that the template is successfully converted, the application writes the converted template folder to the
…\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\Batches folder.
Note
If a template conversion fails, the Status column displays “Conversion failed.”
The log file contains details about the failed conversion.
7. To view a log of the conversion, click
View Log
.
The application opens a cumulative log file for the session in a Notepad text editor window.
Figure 10.
Sample log file for a failed batch template conversion
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Getting Started
Choosing a Mode or Console
When user security is activated, the navigation pane displays the modes and consoles available to the current user’s assigned roles and permissions. The following table shows the available modes and consoles for each user role.
Table 4.
User roles and default access
User role
Security
LabDirector
ITAdmin
Supervisor
Technician
QAQC
Method
Development
Acquisition Analysis
Configuration
Console
Administrator
Console
Security only
Note
When user security is not activated, all modes and consoles are available to all users.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
To open the Configuration console
•
To open the Administrator Console
•
To display a log of instrument errors
•
•
To watch acquisition and processing in real time
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Choosing a Mode or Console
To choose a mode
In the navigation pane, click the mode where you want to work.
The navigation pane shows only the modes that you have permission to use.
Thermo Scientific
Mode
Acquisition
Analysis
Method
Development
Description
Opens the Acquisition mode where you can create and review batches, batch data, reports, and local methods.
See
Chapter 7, “Using the Acquisition Mode.”
Opens the Analysis mode where you can review batches, batch data, reports, and local methods.
See
Chapter 8, “Using the Analysis Mode.”
Opens the Method Development mode where you can create a master method or an instrument method.
See
Chapter 4, “Using the Common Features of the Method
See
Chapter 5, “Using the Method Development Mode for
See
Chapter 6, “Using the Method Development Mode for
To open the Configuration console
Click the
Application Configuration
icon,
TraceFinder window.
, in the upper right corner of the
When user security is activated, you must have Configuration permissions to access the
Configuration Console. See Chapter 3, “Using the Configuration Console.”
To open the Administrator Console
Choose
Tools > Administrator Console
from the TraceFinder main menu.
When user security is activated, you must have Administrator permissions to access the
Administrator Console. Refer to the
TraceFinder Administrator Console User Guide
.
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Getting Started
Choosing a Mode or Console
To display a log of instrument errors
1. Click the status light in the upper right corner of the TraceFinder window.
The Instrument Log dialog box opens.
Status light
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The Instrument Log displays all instrument errors that have occurred since the
TraceFinder application started or since the last time that you cleared the message log.
2. Do any of the following:
• Click
Refresh
to display errors that occur after you open the Instrument Log dialog box.
• Click
Clear Messages
to remove messages from the Instrument Log display.
The application clears messages only from the Instrument Log display. These messages remain in the following log file:
C:\Thermo\TraceFinder\3.2\Clinical\Logs\TraceFinder.log
• Click
OK
to dismiss the Instrument Log dialog box.
To monitor instrument status
Look at the status light in the upper right corner of the TraceFinder window.
Green indicates that the instrument is ready.
Yellow indicates that the instrument is in standby mode.
Red indicates that the instrument is turned off or no device is configured.
Thermo Scientific
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Getting Started
Choosing a Mode or Console
To watch acquisition and processing in real time
Click
Real Time Status
in the upper right corner of the TraceFinder window.
The application displays the Real Time Status pane at the bottom of the window.
Thermo Scientific
For descriptions of all the features of the Real Time Status pane, see “Real Time Status
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Getting Started
Choosing a Mode or Console
A TraceFinder window with user security for a user in the default LabDirector role has these functions.
Table 5.
TraceFinder window parameters
Parameter
Real Time Status
CurrentUserName
Log Off
Help
Configuration
Console
Description
Opens the Real Time Status pane for the current acquisition. The acquisition progress is displayed within the current mode window.
Displays the name of the current user. This is displayed only when user security is activated.
Logs off the current user and displays the login screen. This function is available only when user security is activated.
Opens the TraceFinder Help.
Opens the Configuration console where you can configure several
options for using the TraceFinder application. See Chapter 3, “Using the Configuration Console.”
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This chapter discusses the features of the Configuration console. When user security is activated, you must have Configuration permissions to access the features in the
Configuration console.
Contents
•
Specifying Application Defaults
•
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
•
•
•
•
•
If you are a member of the local administrator’s group and are launching the TraceFinder application for the first time, by default, you have LabDirector permissions. For information about groups and permissions, refer to the
TraceFinder Administrator Console User Guide
.
Using the features on the Configuration console, you can do any of the following:
• Activate features, such as multiplexing, intelligent sequencing, qualitative browsers, and screening libraries.
• Select the reports that are available to users, the detector types, and the algorithms used for peak detection.
• Customize adduct definitions, additional sample grid columns, and flags.
To access the Configuration console
Click the
Application Configuration
icon, window.
The TraceFinder Configuration console opens.
, in the upper right corner of any
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Table 6.
Navigation pane functions in the Configuration console
Function
Defaults
Peak Detection
Defaults
Adducts
Optional
Features
Custom
Columns
Flag
Customization
Reporting
Description
Use the Defaults view to specify the default laboratory and instrument names, the displayed mass precision, and the intensity scale to use for reporting. See
“Specifying Application Defaults” on page 35
.
Use the Peak Detection Defaults view to specify a peak detection algorithm and its options and to determine the area under a curve.
See
“Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters” on page 37
.
Use the Adducts view to specify the adducts that will be available for
use in method development. See “Specifying Adducts” on page 52
.
Use the Optional Features view to enable features, such as quick acquisition, multiplexing, intelligent sequencing, and screening
libraries. See “Activating Optional Features” on page 55
.
Use the Custom Columns view to add six additional columns to the
samples list in batches. See “Creating Custom Columns” on page 63
.
Use the Flag Customization view to customize error flags and conditions to indicate compound errors in Data Review for
quantitation batches. See “Creating Custom Flags” on page 66 .
Use the Reporting view to configure which reports are available to
users. See “Specifying the Reports” on page 72 .
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Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Application Defaults
Use the Application – Defaults view of the Configuration console to specify the default laboratory and instrument names, the displayed mass precision, and the chromatogram intensity scale to use for reporting. When user security is activated, you must have
Configuration – Defaults permission to access these features.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
To specify a default laboratory name and instrument name
•
To specify default mass precision and the intensity scale
To open the Defaults view
In the navigation pane for the Configuration console, click
Defaults
.
The Application – Defaults view opens.
Thermo Scientific
To specify a default laboratory name and instrument name
1. Type the name of your laboratory in the Lab Name box.
When you create a method, the application uses this default laboratory name for the
Laboratory Name value on the Processing page of the Method View. The application uses this laboratory name in the report headings.
The application does not apply this default laboratory name to previously created methods. By default, the laboratory name is Default Laboratory.
2. Type the name of your instrument in the Instrument Name box.
When you create a batch, the application uses this default instrument name for the
Instrument Name value. The application uses this instrument name in the report headings.
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Specifying Application Defaults
3. To save your changes, click
Apply.
The application does not apply this default instrument name to previously created batches. By default, the instrument name is Thermo Scientific Instrument.
To specify default mass precision and the intensity scale
1. In the Display Mass Precision box, set the decimal value for the mass precision to an integer from
2
to
6
, inclusive.
The default number of digits to display is 2. The TraceFinder application uses this mass precision value to display mass values in the following locations:
• Reports:
– Blank Report
– Confirmation Report (data spectra, library spectra, quantitation ion display, and qualitative ion display)
–
–
–
–
All High Density reports (
m/z
Quantitation Report (QIon)
values)
Ion Ratio Failure Report (quantitation ion and qualitative ion)
Manual Integration Report (
m/z
value)
• All peaks on the Detection pages in the Method Development mode
• The spectrum display in the Analysis mode
• The spectrum display in the Method Forge dialog box
IMPORTANT
When you create a method using a raw data file, the application reads the filter precision value from the raw data file to create scan filters; however, the
TraceFinder application uses the Display Mass Precision value when showing masses that are not embedded within filter strings and masses that are displayed on spectral plots.
2. Select either the
Relative
or
Absolute
option for the Chromatogram Intensity Scale.
This sets the default display type for both quantitation and qualitative chromatograms displayed in data review and reports.
3. To save your changes, click
Apply.
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Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
When user security is activated, you must have Configuration – Peak Detection Defaults permission to access default peak detection parameters for the Genesis, ICIS, or Avalon detection algorithms.
Use the Peak Detection Defaults view to specify a peak detection algorithm and its options and to determine the area under a curve. These parameters are available for quantitation methods only.
This section includes procedures for specifying common peak detection parameters (and the parameters used for each of the following detection algorithms:
•
•
•
To open the Peak Detection Defaults view
In the navigation pane for the Configuration console, click
Peak Detection Defaults
.
The Application – Peak Detection Defaults view opens.
• For parameter information about all detection algorithms, see
Detection Parameters” on page 39 .
• For parameter information about the Genesis detection algorithm, see “Genesis
Detection Method” on page 42 .
• For parameter information about the ICIS detection algorithm, see “ICIS Detection
• For parameter information about the Avalon detection algorithm, see
Detection Method” on page 48 .
To specify common detection parameters
1. In the Detector Type list, select a detector type.
For detailed descriptions of the available detector types, see “Common Peak Detection
.
2. In the Mass Tolerance area, do the following: a. Select the unit of measure that you want to use (
MMU
or
PPM
). b. In the Value box, specify the number of millimass units or parts per million to use as the upper limit.
The application applies this mass tolerance to the extracted chromatograms. The default is 500 MMU.
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Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
3. In the Retention Time area, do the following: a. In the Window box, specify the width of the window (in seconds) to indicate how far around the expected retention time the system will look for a peak apex. b. In the View Width box, specify the viewable size (in minutes) of the ion chromatogram display.
4. In the Ion Ratio Parameters area, do the following: a. In the Window Type list, select
Absolute
or
Relative
as the calculation approach for determining the acceptable ion ratio range. b. In the Window box, select the acceptable ion ratio range. c.
In the Ion Coelution box, select the maximum difference in retention time between a confirming ion peak and the quantification ion peak.
5. In the Peak Detection Parameters area, select one of the detection algorithms:
Genesis
,
ICIS
, or
Avalon
.
6. Specify the parameters for the selected detection algorithm.
For detailed parameter descriptions, see one of the following:
•
•
•
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Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
All of the detection algorithms use the Detector Type, Mass Tolerance, Retention Time, and
Ion Ratio detection parameters.
Figure 11.
Common peak detection areas
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Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
Table 7.
Common peak detection parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Detector Type
Description
MS: Mass spectrometer that ionizes sample molecules and then separates the ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).
PDA: Photodiode array detector providing a linear array of discrete photodiodes on an integrated circuit chip. It is placed at the image plane of a spectrometer so that a range of wavelengths can be simultaneously detected.
Analog: Supplemental detectors (for example, FID, ECD). When you select this detector, any reports that display a QIon value show the value as
Analog
and any reports that display spectra show the spectra as
Not Available
.
A/D card: If your detector is not under data system control, you can capture the analog signal and convert it to digital using an interface box (for example, SS420X) for storage in the raw data file.
UV: A UV spectrophotometer (for variable-wavelength detection) or photometer (for single-wavelength detection) equipped with a low-volume flow cell. This detector detects analytes that readily absorb light at a selected wavelength.
Mass Tolerance
Units
Value
• (Default) MMU (millimass units)
MMU is a static calculation to the extracted mass.
• PPM (parts per million)
PPM is a variable calculation dependent on the actual mass. The smaller the mass, the narrower the tolerance range. The larger the mass, the wider the tolerance range.
Upper limit of MMU or PPM.
Default: 500
Range: 0.1 through 50 000
Retention Time
Window (sec)
View Width (min)
Width of the window (in seconds) to indicate how far around the expected retention time the system will look for a peak apex.
Viewable size (in minutes) of the ion chromatogram display.
Changing the view width does not affect the process of peak detection; the TraceFinder application uses it only for graphical display.
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Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
Table 7.
Common peak detection parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter Description
Ion Ratio
Parameters
Window Type The absolute or relative calculation approach for determining the acceptable ion ratio range.
The acceptable ion ratio range.
Window (+/-%)
Ion Coelution (min) The maximum difference in retention time between a confirming ion peak and the quantification ion peak.
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Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
The TraceFinder application provides the Genesis peak detection algorithm for backward compatibility with Xcalibur 1.0 studies.
Figure 12.
Genesis peak detection
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TraceFinder User Guide
Table 8.
Genesis peak detection parameters (Sheet 1 of 3)
Parameter
Detection Algorithm
Detection Method
Description
Specifies the Genesis peak detection algorithm.
Specifies the detection method used for component identification.
Highest peak: Uses the highest peak in the chromatogram for component identification.
Nearest RT: Uses the peak with the nearest retention time in the chromatogram for component identification.
Thermo Scientific
Thermo Scientific
3
Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
Table 8.
Genesis peak detection parameters (Sheet 2 of 3)
Parameter
Smoothing
S/N threshold
Enable Valley
Detection
Expected Width (sec)
Description
Specifies the degree of data smoothing to be performed on the active component peak prior to peak detection and integration.
The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Default: 1
Range: Any odd integer from 1 through 15 points
Specifies the current signal-to-noise threshold for peak integration.
Peaks with signal-to-noise values less than this value are not integrated. Peaks with signal-to-noise values greater than this value are integrated.
Range: 0.0 to 999.0
Uses the valley detection approximation method to detect unresolved peaks. This method drops a vertical line from the apex of the valley between unresolved peaks to the baseline. The intersection of the vertical line and the baseline defines the end of the first peak and the beginning of the second peak.
Specifies the expected peak width parameter (in seconds). This parameter controls the minimum width that a peak is expected to have if valley detection is enabled.
Constrain Peak Width
Peak Height (%)
With valley detection enabled, any valley points nearer than the
expected width
/2 to the top of the peak are ignored. If a valley point is found outside the expected peak width, the TraceFinder application terminates the peak at that point. The application always terminates a peak when the signal reaches the baseline, independent of the value set for the expected peak width.
Range: 0.0 to 999.0
Constrains the peak width of a component during peak integration of a chromatogram. You can then set values that control when peak integration is turned on and off by specifying a threshold and a tailing factor. Selecting the Constrain Peak Width check box activates the Peak Height (%) and Tailing Factor options.
A signal must be above the baseline percentage of the total peak height (100%) before integration is turned on or off. This text box is active only when you select the Constrain Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.0 to 100.0%
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Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
Table 8.
Genesis peak detection parameters (Sheet 3 of 3)
Parameter
Tailing Factor
Peak S/N Cutoff
Description
Specifies the tailing factor that controls how the TraceFinder application integrates the tail of a peak. This factor is the maximum ratio of the trailing edge to the leading side of a constrained peak. This text box is active only when you select the
Constrain the Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.5 through 9.0
Sets the peak edge to values below this signal-to-noise ratio.
Valley Rise (%)
Valley S/N
# Background Scans
Report Noise As
This test assumes it has found an edge of a peak when the baseline adjusted height of the edge is less than the ratio of the baseline adjusted apex height and the peak S/N cutoff ratio.
When the S/N at the apex is 500 and the peak S/N cutoff value is
200, the TraceFinder application defines the right and left edges of the peak when the S/N reaches a value less than 200.
Range: 50.0 to 10000.0
Specifies that the peak trace can rise above the baseline by this percentage after passing through a minimum (before or after the peak). This criteria is useful for integrating peaks with long tails.
This method drops a vertical line from the apex of the valley between unresolved peaks to the baseline. The intersection of the vertical line and the baseline defines the end of the first peak and the beginning of the second peak.
When the trace exceeds rise percentage, the TraceFinder application applies valley detection peak integration criteria. This test is applied to both the left and right edges of the peak.
Range: 0.1 to 500.0
Specifies a value to evaluate the valley bottom. Using this parameter ensures that the surrounding measurements are higher.
Default: 2.0
Range: 1.0 to 100.0
Specifies the number of background scans performed by the
TraceFinder application.
Determines if the noise used in calculating S/N values is calculated using an RMS calculation or peak-to-peak resolution threshold.
Options are RMS or Peak To Peak.
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Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
The ICIS peak detection algorithm is designed for MS data and has superior peak detection efficiency at low MS signal levels.
Figure 13.
ICIS peak detection
Thermo Scientific
Table 9.
ICIS peak detection parameters (Sheet 1 of 3)
Parameter
Detection Algorithm
Detection Method
Description
Specifies the ICIS peak detection algorithm.
Specifies the detection method used for component identification.
Highest peak: Uses the highest peak in the chromatogram for component identification.
Nearest RT: Uses the peak with the nearest retention time in the chromatogram for component identification.
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Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
Table 9.
ICIS peak detection parameters (Sheet 2 of 3)
Parameter
Smoothing
Area Noise Factor
Peak Noise Factor
Baseline Window
Constrain Peak Width
Peak Height (%)
Tailing Factor
Description
Determines the degree of data smoothing to be performed on the active component peak prior to peak detection and integration.
The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: Any odd integer from 1 through 15 points
Default: 1
Specifies the noise level multiplier used to determine the peak edge after the location of the possible peak. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 1 through 500
Default: 5
Specifies the noise level multiplier used to determine the potential peak signal threshold. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 1 through 1000
Default: 10
Specifies that the TraceFinder application looks for a local minima over this number of scans. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 1 through 500
Default: 40
Constrains the peak width of a component during peak integration of a chromatogram. You can then set values that control when peak integration is turned on and off by specifying a peak height threshold and a tailing factor. Selecting the Constrain
Peak Width check box activates the Peak Height (%) and Tailing
Factor options.
Specifies that the signal must be above the baseline percentage of the total peak height (100%) before integration is turned on or off. This text box is active only when you select the Constrain Peak
Width check box.
Range: 0.0 to 100.0%
Specifies the tailing factor that controls how the TraceFinder application integrates the tail of a peak. This factor is the maximum ratio of the trailing edge to the leading side of a constrained peak. This text box is active only when you select the
Constrain the Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.5 through 9.0
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Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
Table 9.
ICIS peak detection parameters (Sheet 3 of 3)
Parameter
Noise Method
Min Peak Width
Multiplet Resolution
Description
Specifies the noise method as INCOS or Repetitive.
INCOS: Uses a single pass algorithm to determine the noise level.
The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Repetitive: Uses a multiple pass algorithm to determine the noise level. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value. In general, this algorithm is more accurate in analyzing the noise than the INCOS Noise algorithm, but the analysis takes longer.
Specifies the minimum number of scans required in a peak. The
ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 0 to 100 scans
Default: 3
Specifies the minimum separation in scans between the apexes of two potential peaks. This is a criteria to determine if two peaks are resolved. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Area Tail Extension
Area Scan Window
RMS
Range: 1 to 500 scans
Default: 10
Specifies the number of scans past the peak endpoint to use in averaging the intensity. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 0 to 100 scans
Default: 5
Specifies the number of allowable scans on each side of the peak apex. A zero value defines all scans (peak-start to peak-end) to be included in the area integration.
Range: 0 to 100 scans
Default: 0
Specifies that the TraceFinder application calculate noise as RMS.
By default, the application uses Peak To Peak for the noise calculation. RMS is automatically selected if you manually determine the noise region.
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Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
The Avalon peak detection algorithm is designed for UV data. The Avalon peak detection
algorithm also supports negative peaks. You can edit the Event values from the Avalon Event
Figure 14.
Avalon peak detection
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Table 10.
Avalon peak detection parameters
Parameter
Detection Algorithm
Detection Method
Smoothing
Time/Event/Value
Autocalc Initial Events
Edit
Description
Specifies the Avalon peak detection algorithm.
Specifies the detection method used for component identification.
Highest peak: Uses the highest peak in the chromatogram for component identification.
Nearest RT: Uses the peak with the nearest retention time in the chromatogram for component identification.
Determines the degree of data smoothing to be performed on the active component peak prior to peak detection and integration.
The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Default: 1
Range: Any odd integer from 1 through 15 points
Displays the events specified in the Avalon Event List dialog box.
Initially displays only the default events that cannot be edited or deleted.
Automatically calculates the events in the Event list.
Opens the Avalon Event List dialog box where you can edit the
Time/Event/Value parameters. See Avalon Event List .
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Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
The event list includes both user-defined and noneditable default events. The application displays the default events when you choose Avalon sensitivity. You cannot delete these events or change their time or values. For a detailed list of events and value ranges, see
Figure 15.
Avalon Event List dialog box
Thermo Scientific
Table 11.
Avalon Event List dialog box parameters
Parameter
Time (Min)
Event
Value
Add
Delete
Change
Cancel
Apply
Description
Specifies the start time of the event.
Specifies the type of event. For a detailed list of events and value ranges, see
Specifies the value of the event.
Adds a new event to the list with the current Time/Event/Value parameters.
Removes the selected Time/Event/Value parameter from the event list.
Applies the current parameter values.
Closes the dialog box without making any changes. Any additions, deletions, or changes revert to their original state.
Closes the dialog box.
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Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
Figure 16.
Event types
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Table 12.
Event type descriptions (Sheet 1 of 2)
Event type
Start Threshold
End Threshold
Area Threshold
P-P Threshold
Negative Peaks
Bunch Factor
Description
Specifies the threshold at the start of a peak. The Start Threshold is directly related to the RMS noise in the chromatogram.
Range: 0 to 999 999 999
Specifies the threshold at the end of a peak. The End Threshold is directly related to the RMS noise in the chromatogram.
Range: 0 to 999 999 999
Controls the area cutoff. Any peaks with a final area less than the area threshold will not be detected. This control is in units of area for the data.
Range: 0 to 999 999 999
Specifies the peak-to-peak resolution threshold controls how much peak overlap must be present before two or more adjacent peaks create a peak cluster. Peak clusters have a baseline drop instead of valley-to-valley baselines. Specified as a percent of peak height overlap.
Range: 0.1 to 99.99
Permits detection of a negative going peak. Automatically resets after finding a negative peak.
Valid values: On or Off
Specifies the number of points grouped together during peak detection. This event controls the bunching of chromatographic points during integration and does not affect the final area calculation of the peak. A high bunch factor groups peaks into clusters.
Range: 0 to 999
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Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Default Peak Detection Parameters
Table 12.
Event type descriptions (Sheet 2 of 2)
Event type
Tension
Tangent Skim
Shoulders On
Shoulders Off
Force Cluster On
Force Cluster Off
Disable Cluster On
Disable Cluster Off
Description
Controls how closely the baseline should follow the overall shape of the chromatogram. A lower tension traces the baseline to more closely follow changes in the chromatogram. A high baseline tension follows the baseline less closely, over longer time intervals.
Range: 0 to 999.99 minutes
Specifies that you can tangent skim any peak clusters. By default, it chooses the tallest peak in a cluster as the parent. You can also identify which peak in the cluster is the parent. Tangent skim peaks are detected on either side (or both sides) of the parent peak. Tangent skim automatically resets at the end of the peak cluster.
Range: 0 to 1
Allows peak shoulders to be detected (peaks which are separated by an inflection rather than a valley) Sets a threshold for the derivative.
Disables peak shoulder detection.
Range: 0 to 50
Forces the following peaks to be treated as a cluster (single peak).
Ends the forced clustering of peaks.
Prevents any peaks from being clustered.
Permits clusters to occur again.
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Using the Configuration Console
Specifying Adducts
An adduct ion is formed from a precursor ion and contains all of the constituent atoms of that ion and additional atoms or molecules. Adduct ions are often formed in the mass spectrometer ion source. Adducts can be either positive or negative.
Use the Application – Adducts view to specify the adducts that will be available for you to use in method development. When user security is activated, you must have
Configuration – Adducts permission to access these features.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
•
To open the Adducts view
In the navigation pane for the Configuration console, click
Adducts
.
The Application – Adducts view opens, displaying the default positive and negative adducts.
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Specifying Adducts
To add an adduct
1. In the Positive Adducts or Negative Adducts pane, click the
Add New Adduct
icon,
The application adds a new, editable row at the bottom of the Adducts list.
.
Thermo Scientific
2. Type the formula for the new adduct ion.
The formula syntax is alphanumeric and case sensitive. It can include parentheses and brackets.
The formula specifies the difference between the neutral molecule and the charged ion that you expect to see in the results.
For example, a sodium adduct has [M+Na]+ as the expected charged ion (where M is the neutral molecule), so you would type “Na” for the formula. A water adduct has
[M+H+H2O]+ as the expected charged ion, so you would type “H3O” for the formula.
IMPORTANT
When you create an adduct formula, you can type both uppercase and lowercase letters; however, the TraceFinder application interprets all uppercase input as single-letter elements and all lowercase input as two-letter elements.
For example, it interprets the string “inau” as In Au and “COSI” as C O S I.
The application displays a type and neutral mass for the adduct formula you entered.
3. Select the default name (New Adduct) and type a name for the adduct.
You cannot change the type or neutral mass, but the application will correctly calculate these values later.
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Specifying Adducts
4. Press ENTER.
The application adds the adduct to the adducts list and calculates the correct type (Gain or Loss) and the neutral mass.
These adducts are available for you to select in the Compound Database view of the
Method Development mode when you specify parameter values for target peaks.
To remove an adduct
1. In the Positive Adducts or Negative Adducts pane, select the adduct that you want to remove.
2. Press DELETE and confirm that you want to delete the selected adduct.
You can delete only adducts that you added to the adducts list. You cannot delete default adducts defined by the TraceFinder installation.
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Using the Configuration Console
Activating Optional Features
When user security is activated, you must have Configuration – Optional Features permission to access these features.
Use the Application – Optional Features view to activate the following features:
•
•
•
•
Auto Sampler Tray Configuration
•
Acquisition Submission Options
•
•
•
•
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Using the Configuration Console
Activating Optional Features
To open the Optional Features page
In the navigation pane for the Configuration console, click
Optional Features
.
The Application – Optional Features page opens.
The quick acquisition option activates the Quick Acquisition feature in the Acquisition,
Analysis, or Method Development mode.
Note
The Quick Acquisition feature is not available when you activate Multiplexing. See
To activate quick acquisition
1. Select the
Quick Acquisition Allowed
check box.
2. To save your changes, click
Apply
.
The application immediately applies this feature change.
For a description of the Quick Acquisition features, see
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Using the Configuration Console
Activating Optional Features
You can determine when the application calculates the calibration curve, using the Delay
Calibration option. Delaying the recalibration until the application processes the last calibration sample in a batch is faster but less responsive than recalibration after each calibration sample.
To delay calculation of a calibration curve
1. Select the
Delay Calibration
check box.
2. To save your changes, click
Apply
.
The application immediately applies this feature change.
Use the User Peak Detection Settings Allowed option to let users modify the method integration settings for specific compounds in Data Review. For instructions about modifying the peak detection parameters, see
“To modify the peak detection settings” on page 472 .
To allow users to modify peak detection settings
1. Select the
User Peak Detection Settings Allowed
check box.
2. To save your changes, click
Apply
.
The application immediately applies this feature change.
By default, the TraceFinder application lets the autosampler automatically determine the tray configuration. When you are using a Waters™ Acquity™ system, you must make this feature unavailable and explicitly specify the tray configuration when you create a batch.
To disallow automatic tray configuration
1. Select the
Allow Auto Sampler to Automatically Determine …
check box.
2. To save your changes, click
Apply
.
The application immediately applies this feature change.
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Using the Configuration Console
Activating Optional Features
To control acquisitions, you can activate either submission option: full-sequence or single-sample. When you submit batches from the Acquisition mode or Quick Acquisition batches from any mode, they run in first-in-last-out order. The last batch submitted is the first batch to run, unless you submit a batch as a priority batch in Acquisition mode.
• When you use Full Sequence Submission, priority batches always run immediately after the currently acquiring batch is completed.
• When you use Single Sample Submission, priority batches always run immediately after the currently acquiring sample is completed.
To specify acquisition submission features
1. Select either the
Full Sequence Submission
or the
Single Sample Submission
option:
• Full Sequence Submission: Supports look-ahead features of the autosampler. When the instrument method specifies the look-ahead feature, the TraceFinder application functions like a multiplex driver and feeds the autosampler the next vial position.
When you submit a batch, the autosampler begins preparing for all sample injections when the pre-run condition begins. All samples in the batch must be completed before other batches (even higher priority batches) can begin.
Note
The Full Sequence Submission feature is not available when you activate
Intelligent Sequencing.
• Single Sample Submission: Supports intelligent-sequencing features. When you submit a batch, the autosampler begins preparing for one sample injection at a time.
Higher priority batches can interrupt the sample sequence in the currently acquiring batch.
Note
The Single Sample Submission feature is not available when you activate
Multiplexing. See “Multiplexing” on page 61 .
2. To save your changes, click
Apply
.
The application immediately applies this feature change.
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Using the Configuration Console
Activating Optional Features
You can use either the FreeStyle application or Qual Browser to display chromatograms and spectra, detect chromatogram peaks, search libraries, simulate spectra, subtract background spectra, apply filters, add text and graphics, create and save layouts, and view instrument parameters as they changed during the acquisition.
To specify a qualitative explorer
Select either the
Thermo FreeStyle
or the
Xcalibur Qual Browser
option.
Note
You can access the explorer by choosing Tools > Launch Qual Explorer in the main TraceFinder menu. See
“Launching a Qualitative Explorer” on page 16 .
Use the screening libraries specified here for both quantitation methods and target screening methods. For more information about how you can use screening libraries in a quantitation method, see
Screening Libraries in a Quantitation Method
. For more information about how
you can use screening libraries in a target screening method, see Screening Libraries in a
.
When you specify the Library Search Type on the Processing page for a screening method, you
choose either the Library Manager search type or the NIST search type. See “Editing the
Acquisition Page” on page 275 .
• When you choose Library Manager as the Library Search Type for the method, the application uses the Library Manager library file (.db) specified here in the Configuration console. You can search only one spectral library when you process a sample.
• When you choose NIST as the Library Search Type for the method, the application uses the NIST libraries specified here in the Configuration console. You can choose to search multiple NIST libraries when you process a sample.
To specify a Library Manager screening library
Click
Browse
and locate the library that you want to use for screening.
Note
You can use only one search type when you process a sample. When you select
NIST as the Library Search Type in your method, the application does not use the screening library that you specify here.
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Using the Configuration Console
Activating Optional Features
To specify a NIST screening library
1. Click
Select
.
The Select NIST Libraries dialog box opens, listing the libraries you installed for the application.
2. Select the check box for each NIST library that you want to use for screening and click
OK
.
Note
You can use only one search type when you process a sample. When you select
Library Manager as the Library Search Type in your method, the application does not use the NIST libraries that you specify here.
3. To save your changes, click
Apply
.
The application immediately applies this feature change.
The application searches the specified screening library to identify or confirm a sample compound, matches the fragment ion spectrum in the library to the compound’s ion spectrum, and returns the highest score (best match).
The application performs either a forward library search or a reverse library search. A forward search compares the mass spectrum of an unknown compound to a mass spectral library entry, while a reverse search compares a library entry to an unknown compound.
In a quantitation master method, you can enable library matching and set a score threshold to minimize poor matches. See
“Library” on page 205 . To match a compound, the resulting
score from a library search must be higher than the specified threshold value.
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Activating Optional Features
In a target screening master method, you can specify the library search to either identify or
confirm library matches and set a score threshold to minimize poor matches. See “Editing the
Processing Page” on page 279 .
• Identify or Confirm: The application identifies or confirms the sample compound by searching the specified search library and returning the highest score (as a percentage value) for the fragment ion spectrum in that library that matches the compound’s ion spectrum.
• Score Threshold: To identify or confirm the presence of a compound, the resulting score from a library search must be higher than the specified threshold value.
IMPORTANT
To use a library search for identification or confirmation, the application requires meeting these conditions:
• The raw data file must contain higher energy collision-induced dissociation (HCD), source collision-induced dissociation (CID), or all ions fragmentation (AIF) ion spectra.
• The spectra must exist at a time point within the compound’s elution time range.
The application uses multiplexing features in the Acquisition mode when you specify channels for a sample in a batch (see
“Defining the Sample List” on page 326
) or monitor an acquisition (see
).
To specify multiplexing features
1. Select the
Multiplexing
check box.
Note
Multiplexing is not available when you activate Intelligent Sequencing. See
2. Select the check box for each channel that you want to use for acquisition.
3. To save your changes, click
Apply
.
The application immediately applies this feature change.
Note
When you activate multiplexing, the following optional features are not available:
• Quick Acquisition
• Single Sample Submission
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Using the Configuration Console
Activating Optional Features
Use Intelligent Sequencing for single-sample submission. When you submit a batch, the autosampler begins preparing for one sample injection at a time. Higher priority batches can interrupt the sample sequence in the currently acquiring batch.
To activate the intelligent sequencing feature
1. Select the
Intelligent Sequencing
check box.
Note
Intelligent Sequencing is not available when you activate Multiplexing. See
The Acquisition Submission Options default to Single Sample Submission. The Full
Sequence Submission option is not available when you select the Intelligent Sequencing option.
2. To save your changes, click
Apply
.
The application immediately applies this feature change.
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Using the Configuration Console
Creating Custom Columns
Use the Custom Columns page to add six additional columns to the samples list in batches.
The application treats these custom columns the same as other columns when you export data to a Microsoft Excel™ spreadsheet or to a CSV file.
When user security is activated, you must have Configuration – Custom Columns permission to access these features.
You can use the Modify Columns dialog box to display and change the order of these columns in the sample list (see
).
You can use the Field Chooser to display and change the order of these columns in the Data
Review Samples pane (see “Samples Pane” on page 415
).
You can use the information in these columns (for example) for temperature control when you use Aria™ MX for multiplexing or for injector and multiple column module ports when you use the TurboFlow™ method with the Prelude™ or TLX data systems.
Follow these procedures:
•
To open the Custom Columns page
•
To add custom columns to new batches
•
To create new batches without custom columns
•
To control the display of custom columns
To open the Custom Columns page
Click
Custom Columns
in the navigation pane.
The Application – Custom Columns page opens.
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Using the Configuration Console
Creating Custom Columns
The Enable Custom Columns check box controls both the creation of custom columns on new batches and the display of custom columns on the Modify Columns dialog box in the
Batch View and the Field Chooser in the Data Review Samples pane.
To add custom columns to new batches
1. Select the
Enable Custom Columns
check box.
The application adds six additional columns to the samples list in all new batches that you create.
2. For each custom column, select the default column name and type your custom name, as in this example:
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3. Click
Apply
.
The application adds the six custom columns to all new batches that you create.
Note
Only new batches include these custom columns. The application does not add custom columns to previously created batches.
Note
If you return to this page and change the custom column names, the application uses the new names only for future batches.
To create new batches without custom columns
Clear the
Enable Custom Columns
check box and click
Apply
.
When you create new batches, they will not include custom columns, and the application hides the display of the custom columns for any previous batches that you created with custom columns enabled.
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Using the Configuration Console
Creating Custom Columns
To control the display of custom columns
Do one of the following:
• To make custom columns available for all batches, select the
Enable Custom
Columns
check box and click
Apply
.
• To make custom columns not available for batches, clear the
Enable Custom
Columns
check box and click
Apply.
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Using the Configuration Console
Creating Custom Flags
Use the Flag Customization view to customize error flags and conditions that indicate compound errors in Data Review for quantitation batches. You can edit the priority assigned to an error condition (flag rule) and the shape and color of the icon used to indicate the error.
You can also delete an error condition or create a new one. When user security is activated, you must have Configuration – Custom Flags permission to access these features.
To open the Flag Customization view
Click
Flag Customization
in the navigation pane.
The Application – Flag Customization view opens.
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Creating Custom Flags
Follow these procedures:
•
•
To create a new priority group
•
•
•
In the Priority Groups area, you can edit the priority, shape, or color of a flag. You can also delete a flag or create a new one. You cannot change the name of a flag.
To edit priority groups
1. Do any of the following:
• Select the default Priority value and type a new value.
A priority of 1 is the highest priority. The higher the Priority number, the lower the priority.
• Double-click the Shape value and select a new shape from the list.
• Click the Color arrow and select a new color from the color palette.
Thermo Scientific
2. When you have completed all your changes, click
Apply
to save your changes.
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Creating Custom Flags
To create a new priority group
1. In the Priority box, type a value.
You can enter positive or negative numbers. The lower the number, the higher the priority.
2. In the Name box, type a name for the new priority group.
3. Select a flag shape from the Shape list:
Circle
,
Square
, or
Flag
.
4. Click the Color list and select a color from the color palette.
5. (Optional) Click
Advanced
and select a color based on RGB, HSL, or CMYK color palettes. See
“Advanced Dialog Box” on page 70 .
6. Click
Create
.
The application adds the new flag to the Priority Groups list, as in this example:
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Using the Configuration Console
Creating Custom Flags
To edit flag rules
Note
You can edit the description and priority group for a flag rule, and you can delete a rule. You cannot edit the name or flag type for a rule.
1. Do any of the following:
• In the Description column, select the current text and type a new description.
• Double-click the PriorityGroup value and select a new group from the list.
• Click
Delete
.
The application immediately removes the flag rule. To restore the deleted rule, click
Undo
.
2. When you have completed all your changes, click
Apply
to save your changes.
To create a new flag rule
Thermo Scientific
1. In the Name box, type a name for the new rule.
Keep the name short and make it intuitive.
2. In the Description box, type a description for the new flag rule.
This description can be anything you want and use as many characters as you want.
3. From the Flags list, select an error condition.
4. From the PriorityGroup list, select a priority group.
This list includes both the default priority groups and any priority groups that you
created. See “To create a new priority group” on page 68
.
5. Click
Create
.
The application adds your new flag rule to the end of the Flag Rules list.
To remove all customization
Click
Reset to Factory Defaults
.
The application removes all new priority groups, new flag rules, and any edits to the groups or rules.
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Using the Configuration Console
Creating Custom Flags
Use the features on the Advanced dialog box to select custom colors for your flags, using RGB,
HSL, or CMYK color standards.
Figure 17.
Advanced RGB colors
With the Red/Green/Blue (RGB) color palette, you can select a color with a specific RGB value, as displayed on a computer monitor.
Figure 18.
Advanced HSL colors
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With the Hue/Saturation/Lightness (HSL) color palette, you can select a color with a specific
HSL value, as is commonly used in computer graphics.
Thermo Scientific
Figure 19.
Advanced CMYK Colors
3
Using the Configuration Console
Creating Custom Flags
With the Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Key (CMYK) color palette, you can select a color with a specific CMYK value, as you might specify in a color printer. The key (K) color used on printers is always black.
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Specifying the Reports
When user security is activated, you must have Configuration – Reporting permission to configure a list of reports that are available to all users when they generate reports from the
Method Development, Analysis, or Acquisition modes.
Follow these procedures:
•
To open the Application – Reporting view
•
To specify which reports are available
To open the Application – Reporting view
In the Configuration console navigation pane, click
Reporting
.
The Application – Reporting view opens.
To specify which reports are available
Select the check box for each report that you want to make available.
• To return the report selections to their original state (when you first opened this view), click
Undo
.
• To save your changes, click
Apply.
Your report settings are immediately available in the TraceFinder application.
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The application can generate any of the following reports.
Figure 20.
Reports
3
Using the Configuration Console
Specifying the Reports
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4
This chapter includes method development tasks common to both quantitative and screening methods.
Contents
•
Working with the Compound Database
•
Working with Instrument Methods
For information about creating either a quantitation method or a target screening method, see the appropriate chapter:
•
Chapter 5, “Using the Method Development Mode for Quantitation Methods.”
•
Chapter 6, “Using the Method Development Mode for Screening Methods.”
To access the Method Development mode
Click
Method Development
in the navigation pane.
The Method Development navigation pane opens.
Thermo Scientific
For descriptions of all the features in the Method Development navigation pane for a quantitation method, see
“Opening a Master Method” on page 122 (Chapter 5).
For descriptions of all the features in the Method Development navigation pane for a
screening method, see “Opening a Master Method” on page 270 (Chapter 6).
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Using the Common Features of the Method Development Mode
Working with the Compound Database
When user security is activated, you must have Method Development permission to manage compound definitions in the current database from either the
or the
in the Compound Database view. From either of these pages, you can export compounds to a CSV file or mass list, or you can import compounds from an XML, a CSV, or a CDB file.
Follow these procedures:
•
To export compounds to a CSV file
•
To export compounds to a mass list
•
In addition to procedures for importing and exporting compound data, this section also contains the following topics:
•
Compound Database Names Mapped to CSV Column Names
•
Data Columns with Default Values
To export compounds to a CSV file
1. Choose
Compound Database > Export All Compounds to CSV File
from the main menu.
Note
If you have unsaved changes in your current compound database, a message prompts you to save the changes. Click
Yes
to save the changes and continue with the export procedure.
The Export Compounds dialog box opens.
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2. (Optional) Click
Browse
and locate a different folder or file name where you want to write the exported compound database.
Each parameter in the compound database editor is represented by a column of data in the spreadsheet. When you export compound data to a CSV file, each parameter is assigned to a column and each compound is assigned to a row.
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4
Using the Common Features of the Method Development Mode
Working with the Compound Database
3. Select one of these options:
•
Export Only Columns with Data
: Writes only columns that contain nondefault data for at least one compound. This option does not export columns that contain
only default data. See “Data Columns with Default Values” on page 112 .
•
Export All Columns
: Writes all columns to the CSV file, including columns that contain no data for any compound.
4. Click
Export and Overwrite
.
The application stores the database as
…\Thermo\TraceFinder\3.2\Clinical\Databases\
databaseName
.csv
An Excel window opens with the compound data in spreadsheet format.
Figure 21.
Compound data in an Excel spreadsheet
Thermo Scientific
Column names in an exported Excel spreadsheet do not always match the parameter names in
the compound database editor. See “Compound Database Names Mapped to CSV Column
.
You can use the tools in the spreadsheet to edit the data in the compound database and then import the data in the CSV file back into the TraceFinder application. If you delete a column from the spreadsheet and then import the CSV file, the TraceFinder application replaces the
data in that column with default values. For a list of default values, see “Data Columns with
To export compounds to a mass list
1. Select the compounds that you want to export.
You can export any experiment type to any instrument format. The application writes the data to the XML file in a format that is compatible with the specified instrument, regardless of the original experiment type.
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2. Choose
Compound Database > Export Selected Compounds to Mass List
from the main menu.
Note
If you have unsaved changes in your current compound database, a message prompts you to save the changes. Click
Yes
to save the changes and continue with the export procedure.
The application writes the mass data for the selected compounds to the following folder, using a format compatible with your configured instrument:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
Methodname
\
*
.xml
Note
If you have neither a TSQ, an ISQ, a Q Exactive, a TSQ Endura™, nor a TSQ
Quantiva™ instrument configured, a message asks which format you want to export:
Triple Quadrupole, Q Exactive, TSQ Quantiva/Endura SIM, or TSQ
Quantiva/Endura SRM.
For examples of exported mass lists,
“Mass Data Formats” on page 81
.
To import compounds
1. Choose
Compound Database > Import Compounds
from the main menu.
Note
If you have unsaved changes in your current compound database, a message prompts you to save the changes. Click
Yes
to save the changes and continue with the import procedure.
The Select File to Import into the Current Compound Database dialog box opens.
You can import compounds from the following file types:
• ToxID Exactive CSV
• ToxID™ MS2 CSV
• TraceFinder CSV
• TraceFinder Mass List XML
• TraceFinder 3.1 Legacy CDB
• ExactFinder™ 2.0 CDB
• .include-masses
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IMPORTANT
Before you import data from a CSV file, verify that the following required columns have data for each compound. These columns have no default values and must have a value before you can import CSV data into the TraceFinder compound database:
• CompoundName
• ExperimentType
• ProductMass (target peak)
• Confirm Product (confirming peak)
• Fragment
If you delete any of these columns from the spreadsheet and attempt to import the
CSV data into the TraceFinder application, the application warns that it is unable to parse the file and identifies the missing column.
2. Locate the CDB, CSV, or XML compound database file that you want to import and click
Open
.
The Import Compounds to CDB dialog box opens.
Thermo Scientific
Note
If the import file is missing required compound information, the application warns that it is unable to parse the file and identifies the missing columns. For a list of required columns, see
“Compound Detail Page” on page 83 .
3. To select a different compound database, click
Browse,
locate an XML, a CSV, or a CDB compounds file, and click
Open
.
4. To select a different target database, do one of the following: a. Click
Browse.
b. Locate an XML, a CSV, or a CDB compounds file.
c.
Click
Open
.
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–or– a. Click
Create
.
b. Type a name for a new compound database.
c.
Click
OK
.
5. Confirm that the import file and the target database are correct.
The dialog box reports the total number of compounds in the import file, the number of compounds with validation errors, and the number of compounds that already exist in the target database.
6. (Optional) Select one of these options:
•
Skip
: Imports only those compounds that do not already exist in the target database.
•
Overwrite
: Replaces compounds that already exist in the target database with the imported compounds.
7. Click
Import
.
The TraceFinder application imports the compounds from the imported file, adds them to any compounds already in the database, and alphabetically sorts them.
The application reports the number of imported compounds.
8. Click
OK
.
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In the TraceFinder application, you can export the mass data list from the Compound
Database to an XML file that can be read by the TSQ, ISQ, Q Exactive, TSQ Endura, or
TSQ Quantiva applications.
IMPORTANT
You can export only SRM or SIM data types to the Triple Quadrupole format.
The TraceFinder application writes the mass data to the following file:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
Methodname
\
*
.xml
The data in this file matches the TSQ XML data, which you can use in the instrument method editor of a TSQ application.
IMPORTANT
You can export only XIC data types to the Q Exactive format.
The TraceFinder application writes the mass data to the following file:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
Methodname
\
Methodname.
xml.include-masses
The data in this file matches the Exactive XML data, which you can use in the instrument method editor of a Q Exactive application.
IMPORTANT
You can export only SIM data types to the TSQ Quantiva/Endura SIM format.
The TraceFinder application writes the mass data to the following file:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
Methodname
\
Methodname
.xml
The data in this file matches the TSQ Endura, TSQ Quantiva, and Xcalibur XML data, which you can use in the instrument method editors of the associated applications. The
TraceFinder application exports only the following compound parameters to the XML file:
• Compound (as Name in the XML file)
• Product Mass (as Mass in the XML file)
• RT range (as StartTime and StopTime in the XML file)
• Polarity
• Lens (as TubeLens or S-Lens in the XML file)
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Note
You can export only SRM data types to the TSQ Quantiva/Endura SRM format.
The TraceFinder application writes the mass data to the following file:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
Methodname
\
Methodname
.xml
The data in this file matches the TSQ Endura, TSQ Quantiva, and Xcalibur XML data, which you can use in the instrument method editors of the associated applications. The
TraceFinder application exports only the following compound parameters to the XML file:
• Compound (as Name in the XML file)
• Precursor Mass
• Product Mass
• RT range (as StartTime and StopTime in the XML file)
• Polarity
• Lens (as TubeLens or S-Lens in the XML file)
• Collision Energy
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When you open the Compound Database view, the Compound Detail page is the default.
The compound details are different depending on which experiment type the selected compound uses.
•
Compound Detail page for SRM experiments
•
Compound Detail page for SIM experiments
•
Compound Detail page for XIC experiments
This section includes the following topics:
•
Sorting Compounds in the Database
•
Editing Compounds in the Database
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Figure 22.
Compound Detail page for SRM experiments
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Figure 23.
Compound Detail page for SIM experiments
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Figure 24.
Compound Detail page for XIC experiments
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On the Compound Detail page, you can sort the list of compounds that you want to display.
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Follow these procedures:
•
To search for compounds by name
•
To display compounds by experiment type
•
To display truncated compound names
To search for compounds by name
In the Search box, begin typing any part of a compound name.
As you type, the list of displayed compounds narrows to match the typed text.
For example, you can use this feature in combination with the experiment type list to display only SIM compounds that begin with the letter “a”.
To display compounds by experiment type
Select an experiment type from the list.
The list displays experiment types that each use a different structure for the mass filter.
• SRM: Selected Reaction Monitoring
• XIC: Extracted Ion Chromatogram
• SIM: Single Ion Monitoring
For detailed descriptions of each experiment type, see
“Experiment Types” on page 106
.
For example, you can use this feature in combination with the text search to display only
SRM compounds that begin with the letter “f ”.
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To display truncated compound names
Hold your cursor over long, truncated names to display a ToolTip with the entire name.
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In the Compound Detail page of the Compound Database view, you can import compounds into the database, add or remove compounds from the database, add target or confirming peaks to a compound, or remove target or confirming peaks from a compound.
Follow these procedures:
•
To add a compound to the database
•
•
•
To add a target peak to a compound
•
To add a confirming peak to a target peak
•
To copy target peaks from one compound to another
•
To copy window values from one peak to another
•
To add a fragment to a target peak
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To add a compound to the database
1. Click the
Add Compound
icon, .
The application adds a new, empty compound page and highlights the required parameters in red.
2. Click the Compound box, and type the required Compound name.
3. Select the Experiment type:
SRM
,
SIM
, or
XIC
.
The required parameters are different for each experiment type. See
“Experiment Types” on page 106
.
4. In the Target Peaks area, do the following:
• For SRM experiments, enter values for Precursor Mass and Product Mass.
• For SIM or XIC experiments, enter a value for Extracted Mass.
5. In the Confirming Peaks area, do the following:
• For SRM experiments, enter values for Precursor and Product Mass.
• For SIM or XIC experiments, enter a value for Precursor and Extracted Mass.
6. Enter or edit any of the other optional parameters described in the “Compound
7. When you have finished your changes, click the
Complete Edit
icon, .
Tip
You cannot add another new compound or access the menu commands until you complete the edit, , or cancel the edit, .
IMPORTANT
After you complete the edits for the compounds, the header in the
Compound Database page marks the database name with an asterisk, indicating that the database is not saved. To save the database with your compound changes, choose
File > Save Compound Database
from the main menu.
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To remove compounds
1. In the Compound list, select the compounds that you want to delete.
The application supports the following methods to delete multiple compounds:
• CTRL+A to select all compounds
• CTRL+click to select noncontiguous compounds
• SHIFT+click to select contiguous compounds
2. Click the
Delete Selected Compounds
icon, .
3. To confirm that you want to delete the selected compounds, at the prompt click
OK
.
The application removes the selected compounds and all their peak information.
To make a compound editable
1. In the Compound list, select the compound that you want to edit.
2. Click the
Edit Compound
icon, .
The application makes the compound parameters editable and displays the
Add
icon, , so that you can add target peaks, confirming peaks, and fragments to the compound details.
Note
If you are adding a new compound, it is editable by default.
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To add a target peak to a compound
1. In the Target Peaks header, click the
Add Target Peak
icon.
Add Target Peak icon
The application adds a new target peak to the compound. A target peak includes quantitative values for the compound.
Delete Target Peak icon
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2. Enter all required parameters.
The required target peak values differ for each experiment type. See “Experiment Types” on page 106
.
For a list of required and optional parameters, see the list of
“Compound Parameters” on page 101 .
Tip
You cannot add another new target peak or save the compound until you enter all required peak parameters or delete the new target peak.
3. Repeat these steps to add as many as six target peaks to the compound.
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To add a confirming peak to a target peak
1. In the Confirming Peaks header, click the
Add Confirming Peak
icon.
Add Confirming Peak icon
The application adds a new confirming peak to the target peak.
Delete Confirming Peak icon
2. Type the required values for the confirming peak.
The required confirming peak values differ for each experiment type. See
.
For a list of required and optional parameters, see
“Compound Parameters” on page 101 .
3. Repeat these steps to add as many as 10 confirming peaks to the target peak.
Tip
You cannot add another new confirming peak or save the compound until you enter all required peak parameters or delete the new confirming peak.
To copy target peaks from one compound to another
1. In the compounds list, select the compound whose target peak you want to copy.
Source compound
2. When the target peak includes more than one peak, in the Target Peaks area for the selected compound, scroll to the peak you want to copy.
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3. In the compounds list, keep the source compound selected and use the SHIFT or CTRL keys to select the compounds that you want to copy the target peak to.
Source compound
IMPORTANT
Be careful to keep the source compound selected.
4. In the Target Peaks area for the selected compound, right-click the target peak area and choose
Add Peak 1 to
N
Selected Compounds
from the shortcut menu.
Right-click the target peak area.
The application reports that the peak was copied to the specified number of compounds.
The application copies the peak information to the selected compounds, adding this peak to the peaks already defined for the compounds.
5. Click
OK
.
To copy window values from one peak to another
1. In the compounds list, select the compound with the window value that you want to copy.
Source compound
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2. In the Target Peaks area for the selected compound, identify the peak whose window you want to copy.
3. In the compounds list, keep the source compound selected and use the CTRL key to select the compounds that you want to copy the window to.
Source compound
IMPORTANT
Be careful to keep the source compound selected.
4. In the Target Peaks area for the selected compound, right-click the target peak area and choose
Set the Window for All Peaks of
selectedCompounds
to
windowValue
from the shortcut menu.
Thermo Scientific
Right-click the target peak area.
The application reports that the retention time and window were copied to the specified number of compounds, including the source compound when it has multiple peaks.
The application copies the retention time and window information to all peaks in the selected compounds and all additional peaks in the source compound, overwriting the values for these parameters.
5. Click
OK
.
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To add a fragment to a target peak
1. In the Fragments header, click the
Add Fragment
icon.
Add Fragment icon
The application adds a new fragment to the target peak.
Delete Fragment icon
2. Click the Extracted Mass box, and type a value between
10
and
2999.999
.
3. Repeat these steps to add as many fragments as you want.
Tip
You cannot save the compound until you enter all required fragment parameters or delete the new fragment.
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The Grid page of the Compound Database view displays the data in the compound database as a grid similar to a spreadsheet. The data on the Grid page reflects all populated values on the Compound Detail page.
• There must be at least one compound in the compound database to view the Grid page.
• There are no empty columns on the Grid page. There must be at least one value for a parameter in the compound database or that parameter column is not displayed.
Note
If a column of interest is not displayed on the Grid page, return to the
Compound Detail page, edit at least one compound to have a value for that parameter, and then return to the Grid page.
On the Grid page, you can import compounds into the database, add compounds to or remove compounds from the database, add target or confirming peaks to a compound, or remove target or confirming peaks from a compound.
To display the compound database on the Grid page
Click
Grid
in the Compound Database navigation pane.
The current database opens on the Grid page.
Thermo Scientific
The parameters displayed in the compound database depend on which experiment type the selected compound uses. For detailed descriptions of all parameters used in the compound
database, see “Compound Parameters” on page 101
.
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Follow these procedures:
•
•
•
To edit values in the compound database grid
•
To edit Experiment Type values in the compound database
•
To sort the grid on column data
•
To organize compounds by column data
To add a compound
1. Scroll to the bottom of the compound database grid.
There is always one blank row in the grid.
2. In the blank row, type or paste values into the columns.
Note
Some columns have dropdown lists from which you can select values.
3. Press ENTER to add another blank row to the grid.
To remove a compound
1. Click anywhere in a row to select the compound.
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2. Press the DELETE key.
Note
Do not use CTRL+X to delete a compound. CTRL+X deletes only the parameter values in the selected cells.
3. At the prompt to confirm that you want to delete the compound, click
Yes
.
The application removes the compound from the database grid.
To edit values in the compound database grid
Do either of the following:
• Select the current column value and type a new value.
–or–
• Select single cells or entire columns whose values you want to copy, using a copy-and-paste operation.
You can use this method to replicate entire columns. Click the column header to select the entire column, and then use CTRL+C and CTRL+V to replicate the column values.
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When you edit a value in the Formula column, the application calculates the
m/z
for the precursor and product masses.
When you change the charge state, adduct, or polarity for a compound, the application recalculates the
m/z
for the precursor and product masses.
Note
Do not use CTRL+X to delete a compound. CTRL+X deletes only the parameter values in the selected cells.
To edit Experiment Type values in the compound database
1. Select a new experiment type for one compound from the Experiment Type list.
2. Double-click the new type in the cell, and press CTRL+C.
3. Select all Experiment Type cells in all the compounds in the database.
4. Press CTRL+V.
The application pastes the copied experiment to all compounds in the database.
IMPORTANT
If you change one experiment type, you must change the experiment type for all compounds. The Grid page cannot display a database unless all compounds use the same experiment type.
To sort the grid on column data
1. Click the header of a column.
The application sorts the grid by ascending column values (alphabetically or numerically).
Note
Columns with alphanumeric values sort from 1–
n
and then A–Z.
2. Click the header a second time to sort by descending column values.
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To organize compounds by column data
1. In the banner at the top of the column, click the filter icon.
Down arrow
Filter icon
2. Select one of the filtering options, for example,
Starts With
.
The down arrow changes to a list box.
3. Click the down arrow and choose one of the column values in the list, for example,
EI
.
The grid displays only compounds that match the selected filter and data.
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The Compound Detail page and the Grid page occasionally use different names for the same
parameter. The Parameter column in Table 13 indicates if the parameter name is different, for
example, “Compound” for the Compound Detail page and “Compound Name” for the Grid page.
The parameters that are displayed in a compound database on either the Compound Detail page or the Grid page depend on which experiment type the selected compound uses. The
Description column in the table includes the applicable experiment types.
Table 13.
Compound parameters (Sheet 1 of 5)
Parameter Description
(Compound Detail page)
Compound
Alphanumeric name assigned to the compound.
(Grid page)
Compound Name
(Compound Detail page)
Experiment
Experiment type: SRM, XIC, or SIM. For details about the differences, see
.
(Grid page)
Experiment Type
Category
CAS
(Optional) Alphanumeric identifier.
The Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number that the TraceFinder application matched with the compound.
(Compound Detail page)
Formula
Chemical formula for the compound. Used to calculate the neutral mass for the compound.
(Grid page)
Chemical Formula
Ionization
Response Threshold
Neutral Mass
Alphanumeric identifier.
Valid values: None, ESI, APCI, EI, CI, or APPI
Default: None
The threshold used to integrate only peaks with a response greater than this value. The response threshold is a minimum response that must be met to allow peak confirmation.
Used only for target screening methods. Available only for XIC experiments.
Default: 5000
Range: 1000 or greater
Mass calculated from the chemical formula. The neutral mass is the sum of all AMU elements in the compound. This parameter is informational only; it is not used for peak detection.
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Table 13.
Compound parameters (Sheet 2 of 5)
Parameter
Target Peaks
Description
(Compound Detail page)
Precursor Mass
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Precursor Mass
The mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) of a target peak. The location of the center of a target precursor ion peak in mass-to-charge ratio units.
In confirming peaks, the precursor mass is the same as the target peak precursor mass.
Default: 0.0
Range: 10.000 to 2999.999
Available for all SRM experiments and for XIC experiments with the MS Order set to
MS2.
For mass values in XIC experiments when the MS Order is set to MS1, see
.
(Compound Detail page)
Product Mass
(Grid page)
Peak
n
The mass-to-charge ratio of the confirming peak. The location of the center of a target quan ion peak in mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) units.
Default: 0.0
Range: 10.000 to 2999.999
Available for all SRM experiments and for XIC experiments with the MS Order set to
MS2.
(Compound Detail page)
Mass
For mass values in XIC experiments when the MS Order is set to MS1, see
.
The mass-to-charge ratio of the confirming peak. The location of the center of a target quan ion peak in mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) units.
Available only for SIM experiments.
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Mass
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Table 13.
Compound parameters (Sheet 3 of 5)
Parameter Description
(Compound Detail page)
Extracted Mass
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Extracted Mass
The mass-to-charge ratio of the target peak. The location of the center of a target quan ion peak in mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) units.
You can enter a value for the Extracted Mass, but when you change the values for Formula,
Adduct, Polarity, or Charge State, the application recalculates the Extracted Mass value, overwriting the value you entered.
Default: 0.0
Range: 10.000 to 2999.999
Available only for XIC experiments with the MS Order set to MS1.
For mass values in XIC experiments when the MS Order is set to MS2, see
Precursor Mass or Product Mass
.
(Compound Detail page)
Polarity
Positive or Negative
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Polarity
(Compound Detail page)
Adduct
The adducts specified in the configuration file. To add or remove adducts from the default lists, see
“Specifying Adducts” on page 52 .
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Adduct
Adducts affect the calculated amount of the extracted mass by adding to or subtracting from the neutral mass.
Adducts are polarity sensitive. Select the Polarity parameter before selecting the Adduct value.
Default Positive valid values: Neutral, NH4, H, Na, K
Default Negative valid values: Neutral, H, H3C2O2, HCO2
Default: Neutral
(Compound Detail page)
Charge State
The charge state of the ion (the
z
value in
m/z
). For example, a charge state of 2 with a negative polarity means that the compound has 2 more electrons than protons.
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Charge State
MS Order
Valid values: 1 through 10
Default: 1
The confirming peaks come from the same scan (MS1) or are fragments from an adjacent scan (MS2).
Available only for XIC experiments.
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Table 13.
Compound parameters (Sheet 4 of 5)
Parameter
Time Range Peak
Description
The acquisition time specified as either a window around a specified RT value or as a retention time range in minutes.
Window (sec)
This parameter is visible only when you are editing a compound.
The Window value used to determine the start and stop time for the acquisition. Available only when the Time Range Peak option is not selected.
(Compound Detail page)
RT (min)
Range: 0.00 to 499.50
Start time
=
RT
–
(Window/2)
Stop time
=
RT
+
(Window/2)
Start and stop range: 0.00 to 999.00
Retention time. The application uses RT and Window values to determine the start and stop time for the acquisition. When the Time Range Peak option is selected, the RT value is specified as a range.
(Grid page)
Peak
n
RT Range: 0.00 to 999.00
Start time
=
RT
–
(Window/2)
Stop time
=
RT
+
(Window/2)
Start and stop range: 0.00 to 999.00
(Compound Detail page)
Lens
Range: –400 to 400
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Lens
(Compound Detail page)
Collision Energy
The energy used when ions collide with the collision gas.
Available only for SRM experiments.
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Collision Energy
Range: –250.00 to 250.00
(Compound Detail page)
Energy Ramp
Range: 0.00 to 200.00
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Energy Ramp
Confirming Peaks
Confirming peak parameters are used only in quantitative methods.
(Compound Detail page)
Precursor
The mass-to-charge ratio of a precursor ion. The location of the center of a target precursor ion peak in mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) units.
Available only for SRM experiments or XIC experiments with the MS Order set to MS2.
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
Precursor
Default: 0.0
Range: 10.000 to 2999.999
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Table 13.
Compound parameters (Sheet 5 of 5)
Parameter Description
(Compound Detail page)
Product Mass
The mass-to-charge ratio of the quantitation ion. The location of the center of a target quan ion peak in mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) units.
Available only for SRM experiments.
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
Default: 0.0
Range: 10.000 to 2999.999
(Compound Detail page)
Mass
The mass-to-charge ratio of the confirming peak. The location of the center of a target quan ion peak in mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) units.
Available only for SIM experiments.
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
Extracted Mass
(Compound Detail page)
Extracted Mass
The mass-to-charge ratio of the target peak. The location of the center of a target quan ion peak in mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) units.
Available only for XIC experiments.
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
Extracted Mass
Default: 0.0
Range: 10.000 to 2999.999
(Compound Detail page)
Collision Energy
The energy used when ions collide with the collision gas.
Available only for SRM experiments.
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
Collision Energy
Range: –250.00 to 250.00
(Compound Detail page)
MS Order
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
MS
Order
Specifies whether the confirming peaks or fragments come from the same scan (MS1) or an adjacent scan (MS2).
Available only for XIC experiments.
Fragments
Fragment parameters are used for XIC experiment types in target screening methods. The application uses fragments to define masses that are present in an adjacent scan (MS2).
(Compound Detail page)
Extracted Mass
The mass-to-charge ratio of the target peak. The location of the center of a target quan ion peak in mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) units.
Available only for XIC experiments.
Default: 0.0
Range: 10.000 to 2999.999
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Working with the Compound Database
The TraceFinder application uses three experiment types:
,
.
Each of these experiment types uses a different structure for the mass filter. The target peak and confirming peak parameters for each experiment type are defined in the
A compound database can include multiple experiment types for a single compound; however, each compound name and experiment type combination must be unique.
The SRM experiment type supports triple quadrupole LC/MS. The mass filter includes precursor mass and narrow mass ranges to identify product masses. Imported compounds with no experiment type are treated as SRM data.
Confirming peaks include values for precursor mass, product mass, and collision energy.
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Working with the Compound Database
The SIM experiment type supports single quadrupole LC/MS, GC/MS, and Exactive systems. The mass filter includes narrow mass ranges to identify product masses.
Confirming peaks include an extracted mass value.
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Working with the Compound Database
The mass filter is a single, full scan which is post-processed to extract a peak for the ions of interest.
Confirming peaks include an extracted mass value and a choice of mass order:
MS1
or
MS2
.
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Working with the Compound Database
Column names in an Excel spreadsheet do not always match the parameter names in the compound database editor. The following table maps the parameter names for both the
Compound Detail page and the Grid page to the column headings in a CSV spreadsheet.
Table 14.
CSV column names for compound parameters (Sheet 1 of 3)
Compound database parameter
(Compound Detail page)
Compound
CSV column heading
CompoundName
(Grid page)
Compound Name
(Compound Detail page)
Experiment
(Grid page)
Experiment Type
Category
CAS
Formula
Ionization
Response Threshold
ExperimentType
Category
CAS
ChemicalFormula
Ionization
ResponseThreshold
(XIC only)
Target Peaks
(Compound Detail page)
Precursor Mass
PrecursorMass
(SRM only)
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Precursor Mass
(Compound Detail page)
Product Mass
(Grid page)
Peak
n
(Compound Detail page)
Mass
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Mass
(Compound Detail page)
Extracted Mass
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Extracted Mass
ProductMass
(SRM only)
ProductMass
(SIM only)
Extracted Mass
(XIC only)
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Table 14.
CSV column names for compound parameters (Sheet 2 of 3)
Compound database parameter
(Compound Detail page)
Product Mass
Mass
Extracted Mass
(Compound Detail page)
Adduct
CSV column heading
Extracted Mass
(when the Compound Detail page of a compound database contains any combination of SRM, XIC, and
SIM experiments)
Adduct
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Adduct
Polarity
(Compound Detail page)
Charge State
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Charge State
Window
(Compound Detail page)
RT (min)
Polarity
ChargeState
Window
RT
(Grid page)
Peak
n
RT
(Compound Detail page)
Collision Energy
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Collision Energy
(Compound Detail page)
Lens
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Lens
Energy Ramp
Confirming Peaks
(Compound Detail page)
Precursor
CollisionEnergy
(SRM only)
Lens
EnergyRamp
Confirm Precursor
(SRM and XIC only)
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
Precursor
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Working with the Compound Database
Table 14.
CSV column names for compound parameters (Sheet 3 of 3)
Compound database parameter
(Compound Detail page)
Product Mass
CSV column heading
Confirm Product
(SRM only)
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
(Compound Detail page)
Mass
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
Extracted
Mass
(Compound Detail page)
Extracted Mass
Confirm Product
(SIM only)
Confirm Extracted
(XIC only)
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
Extracted
Mass
(Compound Detail page)
Product Mass
Mass
Extracted Mass
(Compound Detail page)
Collision Energy
(Grid page)
Peak
n
Confirming
n
Collision
Energy
Fragments
Extracted Mass
Confirm Extracted
(when the Compound Detail page of a compound database contains any combination of SRM, XIC, and
SIM experiments)
Confirm Energy
(SRM only)
Fragment
(XIC only)
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Working with the Compound Database
When you export compounds to a CSV file with the Export Only Columns with Data option, the application writes only columns that contain nondefault data for at least one compound. This option does not export columns that contain only default data.
When you import compounds from a CSV data file that has missing columns, the application replaces the missing columns and uses default values for all compounds.
Table 15.
Default values for compound parameters
CDB parameter
Compound Detail
Formula
CAS
Category
Ionization
Response Threshold
(XIC only)
Target Peaks
Precursor Mass
Collision Energy
Adduct
Lens
Energy Ramp
Confirming Peaks
Blank
0
Neutral
0
0
Precursor 0
Collision Energy Blank
Default value
Blank
Blank
Blank
None
5000
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Working with Instrument Methods
An instrument method is a set of experiment parameters that define the operating settings for an autosampler, mass spectrometer, and so on. Instrument methods are saved as file type .meth.
IMPORTANT
Do not open the Thermo Foundation Instrument Configuration window while the TraceFinder application is running.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
To create a new instrument method
•
To create a new multiplexing instrument method
•
•
To import an instrument method
To open the Instrument View
1. Click
Method Development
from the navigation pane.
The Method Development navigation pane opens.
2. Click
Instrument View
.
The Instrument View opens.
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Working with Instrument Methods
To create a new instrument method
1. Choose
File > New Instrument Method
from the main menu.
The Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window opens.
Figure 25.
Example instrument setup showing multiple configured instruments
2. Click the icon for the instrument that you want to use for the method.
3. Edit the values on the instrument page.
4. From the main menu in the Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window, choose
File >
Save As
.
The Save As dialog box opens.
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Working with Instrument Methods
5. Select an instrument method name to overwrite, or type a new name for the instrument method, and click
Save
.
The File Summary Information dialog box opens.
6. (Optional) Type a comment about the new instrument method.
7. Click
OK
.
The TraceFinder application saves the new instrument method in the following folder:
…\Xcalibur\methods
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Working with Instrument Methods
To create a new multiplexing instrument method
1. Choose
File > New Instrument Method
from the main menu.
The Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window opens.
Figure 26.
Example instrument setup showing a configured multiplexed instrument
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2. Click the icon for the instrument that you want to use for the method.
3. Edit the values for the instrument method.
For information about specifying multiplexing values, refer to the documentation for your multiplexed instrument.
4. Specify the channels that you want to use for acquisition, as in this example:
5. From the main menu in the Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window, choose
File >
Save As
.
The Save As dialog box opens.
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Working with Instrument Methods
6. Select an instrument method name to overwrite or type a new name for the instrument method, and click
Save
.
The File Summary Information dialog box opens.
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7. (Optional) Type a comment about the new instrument method.
8. Click
OK
.
The TraceFinder application saves the new instrument method in the following folder:
…\Xcalibur\methods
To open an instrument method
1. Click
Open Instrument Method
in the Instrument View navigation pane.
An instrument method browser opens.
2. In the browser, do one of the following:
• Select an instrument method from the list and click
Open
.
• Click
Xcalibur Instrument Method
, select a method from the list of recent methods, and click
Open
.
The selected method opens in the Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window. You can edit this method and save the changes, or you can save this method with another name.
Note
To open Help for any of your configured instruments, click
Help
on the instrument page.
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To import an instrument method
1. From the main menu, choose
Instrument View > Import Published Method
.
The Import Published Method dialog box opens. This dialog box lists the master methods in the Published Master Methods folder. You can import instrument methods that are associated with these published master methods.
2. Select a method that includes the instrument method that you want to import.
For instructions about importing the master methods for a quantitation method, see
“Importing Published Master Methods” on page 267 .
For instructions about importing the master methods for a screening method, see
“Importing Published Master Methods” on page 311 .
3. Click
Import
.
The Save Instrument Method dialog box opens.
4. Do one of the following:
Type a new name for the instrument method and click
OK
.
–or–
Select an instrument method name to overwrite and click
Overwrite
.
The application reports that the method successfully imported.
You can use any of the Open Instrument Method commands to open this method just as you would an instrument method that you created.
5
This chapter includes method development tasks for creating and editing a quantitative method. When user security is activated, you must have Method Development Access permission before accessing these features.
Contents
•
•
•
•
Saving a Master Method to a New Name
•
•
Importing Published Master Methods
•
The TraceFinder application uses a master method to specify the nature and types of acquisition, processing, and reporting that occur with a batch of samples. When you are testing for compounds in an assay, you can create a method designed specifically for your application.
A quantitation master method contains a list of compounds and settings for detecting, processing, and reporting those compounds.
When you create a master method, the TraceFinder application uses the method to determine how the software works with a set of samples to provide a set of meaningful results. The application uses an instrument method to define how raw data is acquired. The rest of the master method defines how the raw data is processed, how the flags information displays the results, and how the reporting functionality defines the output for your data and results.
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The TraceFinder application applies your master method to a batch, which is a list of one or more samples to be processed and reported. Together, the master method and batch provide a workflow-oriented approach to the data processing and information reporting for batches of samples.
To speed up the creation of master methods, you can create a method template. Using a method template helps you to develop methods faster because the TraceFinder application saves all of your commonly used method settings in a template, such as the number of confirming ions or the use of data-dependent scans.
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Figure 27.
Method Development navigation pane
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Available only when you activate the Intelligent Sequencing option in the Configuration console.
Table 16.
Method Development navigation pane commands
Command
Method View
Acquisition
Description
Displays the Method View for the master method.
Displays the Acquisition page of the Method View. See “Editing the Acquisition Page” on page 146 .
Quantitation
Processing
Compounds
QAQC
Groups
Intel Seq
Reports
Compound
Database
Instrument View
Displays the Processing page of the Method View. See “Editing the Processing Page” on page 151 .
Displays the Compounds page of the Method View. See
“Editing the Compounds Page” on page 155 .
Displays the QAQC page of the Method View. See
“Editing the QAQC Page” on page 230
.
Displays the Groups page of the Method View. See
“Editing the Groups Page” on page 241
.
Displays the Intelligent Sequencing page of the Method View. See
Sequencing Page” on page 244 . Available only when you activate the Intelligent Sequencing
option in the Configuration console.
Displays the Reports page of the Method View. See
“Editing the Reports Page” on page 249
.
See
“Working with the Compound Database” on page 76 .
See
“Working with Instrument Methods” on page 113 .
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Opening a Master Method
Use the TraceFinder application to open a master method that was created and saved in the current TraceFinder application or converted from previous versions of TraceFinder. To convert legacy methods, see
“Converting Legacy Data” on page 18 .
To open a quantitation method in the Method Development mode
1. Click
Method Development
in the navigation pane.
The Method Development navigation pane opens.
For descriptions of all the features in the Method Development navigation pane, see
“Starting a New Master Method” on page 124
.
2. Choose
File > Open > Master Method
from the main menu.
Tip
You can also open one of your most recently used master method files. Choose
Files > Recent Files >
Method
.
The Open Master Method dialog box opens, displaying all available methods.
Figure 28.
Open Master Method dialog box
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Opening a Master Method
Table 17.
Open Master Method dialog box parameters
Parameter
Method
Type
Date Changed
Size
Domain
Type
Path
Description
Name of the methods for the selected type.
Type of method: Quan or Screening.
Date the method was last updated.
Size in megabytes.
TraceFinder domain for which the method was created.
Type of method to display: Quan, Screening, or Any.
Path to the selected method in the
TraceFinderData\32\Methods folder.
3. Select
Quan
in the Type list.
The method list displays all quantitation methods.
4. Select a quantitation master method and click
Open
.
The Acquisition page for the selected method opens. For detailed descriptions of all the
features on the Acquisition page, see “Acquisition Page for a Quantitation Method” on page 149 .
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Starting a New Master Method
To create or start a specific method, select as applicable from one of the four different quantitation method procedures (or techniques) in the Create Master Method dialog box:
•
Creating a New Method with Method Forge
•
Importing an Xcalibur Master Method
•
•
Selecting Compounds from the Compound Database
Then, use the features of the Method View to complete and save the master method.
To open the Create Master Method dialog box, choose
File > New > Master Method
from the main menu.
Figure 29.
Create Master Method dialog box
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Starting a New Master Method
With Method Forge, you can create a new master method by manually selecting peaks, selecting multiple compounds, renaming peaks, or comparing mass spectra from the library searches. You can also choose to let the TraceFinder application automatically create a master method for you. For detailed descriptions of all the Method Forge parameters, see
.
When the TraceFinder application automatically creates a master method for you, it performs the following functions:
• Reviews your raw data file and identifies compounds that are present in your sample.
• Uses your mass spectral reference libraries to assign compound names and CAS numbers.
• Uses mass spectral information to select potential quantification and confirming ions and a reference mass spectrum for the compound.
Note
When the identified peak is from an analog trace, the application does not perform a library search and does not identify any confirming ions.
Follow these procedures:
•
To automatically select compounds to create a new method
•
To manually select compounds to create a new method
To automatically select compounds to create a new method
1. From the File menu, choose
New > Master Method
.
The Create Master Method dialog box opens. To view all available ways to create a master
method, see “Create Master Method dialog box” on page 124
.
2. Select the
Use Method Forge
option and click
OK
.
The Method Forge dialog box opens. For detailed descriptions of all the features in the
Method Forge dialog box, see
“Method Forge Dialog Box” on page 133
.
Use Method Forge to create a master method from an existing raw data file or to create a new raw data file to use for the master method.
Each method requires a processing method template. The application displays all saved method templates in the template list.
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Starting a New Master Method
3. To select a processing method template, do one of the following:
• Click
Open Method Template Editor
to create and save a new method template.
See
“Creating a Method Template” on page 257 .
• Select a method template from the template list, and click
Open Method Template
Editor
to edit and save the method template.
• Select a method template from the template list.
The selected template is now selected by default each time you open the Method Forge dialog box until you restart the TraceFinder application. To view the parameters for each available method template, hold your cursor over the template name, as in this example:
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4. Select the
Name the Master Method
check box and type a name for your master method.
You can enter a new method name, or you can enter an existing method name to overwrite when you create the method. If you do not select this option, the method is named for the raw data file used to create the method.
Note
When the Name the Master Method check box is selected, you must enter a method name. To let the application name the method with the raw data file name, clear the Name the Master Method check box.
5. Select the
Automatically Create the Master Method
check box.
6. Specify a raw data file by doing one of the following: a. In the Raw File Selection area, select the
Use an Existing Raw Data File
option.
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Starting a New Master Method b. Click the browse button and locate a raw data file to use for the method.
c.
.
–or– a. In the Raw File Selection area, select the
Acquire a New Raw Data File
option.
b. From the Instrument method list, select a method (.meth) file to use for acquiring the data.
c.
In the Raw Filename box, type the name of the file where the TraceFinder application will write the raw data file.
d. In the Path box, type a path or click the browse button and locate a folder where the application will save the raw data file.
e.
(Optional) Type a comment about the acquired sample or the data file.
7. To acquire a new raw data file, do one of the following:
Select the
Manual Injection
option.
–or–
Specify the autosampler settings: a. Select the
Use Autosampler
option.
b. In the Vial Position box, type a vial position.
c.
In the Injection Volume box, type an injection volume.
Range: 0.1 to 2000 μL
8. To automatically create the master method, click
OK
(or
Overwrite
).
As the Method Forge creates the method, it displays the following status bars:
Thermo Scientific
• For analog peaks, the Method Forge displays the detected peak as
[email protected](RT)Analog
.
The Method Forge does not perform a library search for peaks found in analog traces.
• For mass spectral peaks, the Method Forge process searches the associated libraries and displays the identified compound names instead of the peak times.
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When the acquisition is completed, Method Forge performs peak detection, library searching (except for analog peaks), and identification of characteristic ion and reference spectra. Method Forge then loads this information into a new master method. This process occurs immediately if you selected a previously acquired raw data file.
9. From the Instrument Method list, select an instrument method.
10. From the Qualitative Peak Processing Template list, select a method template for performing peak detection on quantitative samples following target compound analysis.
11. (Optional) From the Background Subtraction Range Option list, select how you want the background subtraction range determined from one of these options:
•
Before Peak
: Averages and subtracts a specified number of scans before the apex of the peak.
•
After Peak
: Subtracts a specified number of scans following the apex of the peak.
•
Both Sides of Peak
: Subtracts a specified number of scans from each side of the apex of the peak.
When you create a reference spectrum with background subtraction, the application uses the selected method to conduct background subtraction of peak spectra during quantitative processing and reports the background-subtracted reference spectrum
(indicated with BS in the scan heading) as the last scan for each compound in the
Quantitation Report - 2 report. The application does not use background subtraction with qualitative processing.
12. In the Stepoff Value box, enter a number.
The TraceFinder application uses this offset value to average and subtract scans that are not adjacent to the apex of the peak. For example:
If you entered 3 in the Number of Scans To Subtract box and the stepoff value is 5, the
TraceFinder application ignores the first 5 scans to the left of the peak and applies the averaging and subtraction to the 6th, 7th, and 8th scans to the left of the peak.
13. To save the new method, choose
File > Save
from the main menu.
For a detailed description of how to modify all the parameters in a master method, see
“Editing a Master Method” on page 144
.
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Starting a New Master Method
To manually select compounds to create a new method
1. From the File menu, choose
New > Master Method
.
The Create Master Method dialog box opens. See
“Create Master Method dialog box” on page 124 .
2. Select the
Use Method Forge
option and click
OK
.
The Method Forge dialog box opens. For detailed descriptions of all the features in the
Method Forge dialog box, see
“Importing an Xcalibur Master Method” on page 135
.
Each method requires a qualitative peak processing template. The application displays all saved method templates in the template list.
3. To select a qualitative peak processing template, do one of the following:
• Click
Open Method Template Editor
to create and save a new method template.
See
“Creating a Method Template” on page 257 .
• Select a method template from the template list, and click
Open Method Template
Editor
to edit and save the method template. The application saves the methods to the following folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\Methods\Clinical folder
• Select a method template from the template list.
The selected template is now selected by default each time you open the Method Forge dialog box until you restart the TraceFinder application.
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Starting a New Master Method
To view the parameters for each available method template, hold your cursor over the template name, as in this example:
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4. Select the
Name the Master Method
check box and type a name for your master method.
You can enter a new method name, or you can enter an existing method name and overwrite it when you create the method. If you do not select this option, the method is named for the raw data file used to create the method.
IMPORTANT
When the Name the Master Method check box is selected, you must enter a method name. To let the application name the method with the raw data file name, clear the Name the Master Method check box.
5. Ensure that the
Automatically Create the Master Method
check box is cleared.
6. To select a raw data file, browse to the file location.
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Starting a New Master Method
7. To manually create the master method, click
OK
(or
Overwrite
).
The method forge results view opens, listing all peaks found in the raw data file.
For each peak listed in the RT column, the application displays a list of possible matches in the Libraries pane. The TraceFinder application selects the best match, displays the name in the Compound Name list, and displays the peak spectrum for that compound in the first Libraries pane.
Figure 30.
Method forge results view
Best match compound spectra
Peaks found in raw data file
Best match compound name
Possible matches
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Starting a New Master Method
8. (Optional) To use a library compound other than the compound chosen by the
TraceFinder application, do the following: a. Select the peak in the RT column.
b. In the Libraries pane, scroll to the spectrum for the compound that you want to use.
c.
Select the check box in the header of the spectrum pane.
Selected compound
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9. In the Compound Name list, use the CTRL or SHIFT keys to select each compound that you want to include in the method compound.
Note
When you select multiple compounds, the method forge results view does not display any spectrum panes.
10. (Optional) To exit the method forge results view without creating a method, click
Cancel
.
The method forge results view closes and the application returns to the Method View without creating a method.
Note
To return to the method forge results view to create a method from the same results, choose
Method View > View Method Forge Results
from the main menu.
11. Click
Create
.
The TraceFinder application uses all selected compounds to create the method and displays the Acquisition page of the Method View. For detailed descriptions of all the
features on the Acquisition page, see “Acquisition Page for a Quantitation Method” on page 149 .
12. From the Instrument Method list, select an instrument method.
13. To save the new method, choose
File > Save
from the main menu.
For a detailed description of how to modify a master method, see
.
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Starting a New Master Method
Use the Method Forge dialog box to create a new master method.
Figure 31.
Method Forge dialog box
Table 18.
Method Forge dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Method template selection
Description
Open Method
Template Editor
Template
Name the Master
Method
Automatically Create the Master Method
Opens the Method Template Editor, where you can edit the currently selected method template. See
“Creating a Method Template” on page 257
.
Specifies the method template to use to create this master method. All methods require a method template. To view the parameters of each template, hold your cursor over the method name. See the Method Template Parameters example in
“To automatically select compounds to create a new method” on page 125
.
Specifies the name for the new master method. If you do not specify a method name, the application uses the raw data file name for the method.
Specifies that when acquisition is completed, Method Forge performs peak detection, library searching, and identification of characteristic ion and reference spectra. This information is loaded into a new master method. This process occurs immediately when you specify an existing raw data file.
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Table 18.
Method Forge dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Raw file selection
Use an Existing Raw
Data File
Acquire a New Raw
Data File
Instrument
Method
Raw Filename
Path
Sample Comment
Manual Injection
Use Autosampler
Vial Position
Injection Amount
Check Instruments
Description
Activates the Raw Filename box where you can select a raw data file used in creating the master method.
Activates functions to acquire data to create a raw data file used in creating the master method.
Specifies the saved method (.meth) file used for acquiring the data.
Specifies the file name where the TraceFinder application writes the raw data.
Specifies the location where the TraceFinder application saves the raw data file.
(Optional) Specifies a comment about the acquired sample or the data file.
Performs a manual acquisition.
Performs an autosampler acquisition.
Specifies the tray vial number used for the autosampler acquisition.
Specifies the volume (in milliliters) injected by the autosampler acquisition.
Opens the Submit to Acquisition dialog box that prompts you to prepare the instrument before you acquire the sample used to create a method. Available only when you select the
Acquire a New Raw Data File option.
Function button
Overwrite
OK
Cancel
Overwrites the specified master method name. This function is activated only when the specified master method name already exists.
Creates a master method using the data and parameters that you specified.
Closes Method Forge and does not create a master method.
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You can create a new master method from an existing Xcalibur processing method.
To import an Xcalibur master method
1. Choose
File > New > Master Method
from the main menu.
The Create Master Method dialog box opens. To view all available ways to create a master
method, see “Create Master Method dialog box” on page 124
.
2. Select the
Import Xcalibur Processing Method
option and click
OK
.
The Import an Xcalibur Method dialog box opens.
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3. For the Xcalibur Method to Import box, browse to the location of the Xcalibur processing method file, and open the file.
The TraceFinder application imports the compound information from the Xcalibur method file.
4. (Optional) For the Raw Data File to Associate box, browse to the location of a raw data file to associate with the method (or select from the list of previously associated raw data files), and open the file.
To assure that this raw data file is always available to the method (for example, if you move the method to another system), the application saves the raw data file in the
Methods folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
Methodname
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5. (Optional) Change the number of decimal places in the Filter Precision box.
You can set the number of filter precision decimal places to any integer between 2 and 5, inclusive.
Note
When you select a raw data file to associate, the application reads the filter precision from the file and this feature is not available.
6. (Optional) Change the number of decimal places in the Mass Precision box.
You can set the number of mass precision decimal places to any integer between 2 and 6, inclusive.
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Note
When you associate a raw data file, the application reads the filter precision from the associated file so that you cannot change the Filter Precision value.
7. Click
OK
.
The TraceFinder application adds all compounds found in the imported Xcalibur method and displays the Acquisition page of the Method View. For detailed descriptions of the
features on the Acquisition page, see “Acquisition Page for a Quantitation Method” on page 149 .
8. From the Instrument Method list, select an instrument method.
9. To save the new method, choose
File > Save
from the main menu.
For a detailed description of how to modify a master method, see
.
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You can use the compounds in a previously acquired raw data file to create a new blank master method.
To create a blank method
1. From the File menu, choose
New > Master Method
.
The Create Master Method dialog box opens. To view all available ways to create a master
method, see “Create Master Method dialog box” on page 124
.
2. Select the
Create Blank Quantitation Method
option and click
OK
.
The Method View for a new, unnamed method opens. This method has no associated data. You can use the compounds in a previously acquired raw data file to create a new master method.
3. From the Method View menu, choose
Associate a Raw Data File
.
The Associate a Raw Data File dialog box opens.
Browse to a data file.
Select a previously associated data file.
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4. Browse to a raw data file to associate with the method (or select from the list of previously associated raw data files) and open the file.
To assure that this raw data file is always available to the method (for example, if you move the method to another system), the application saves the raw data file in the
Methods folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
Methodname
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5. Select the update options to use for creating your method:
•
Update Instrument/Trace Selections
: Reads the Detector and Trace options from the associated raw data file. On the Detection page, only detector types and traces that are defined in the raw data file are available. For detailed descriptions of the
available Detector and Trace values, see “Signal” on page 176 .
•
Update Target Ion Ratio Values
: Reads the ion ratio values from the associated raw data file.
•
Update Scan Filters for All Peaks
:
–
Yes, All Peaks
updates all peaks to use the scan filters from the associated raw data file.
–
Yes, Only Peaks Without Filters
updates only peaks without scan filters to use the scan filters from the associated raw data file; it does not override any existing scan filter.
•
Automatically Set Reference Spectrum
: Reads a reference spectrum from the associated raw data file.
When you select Yes, with Background Subtraction, the application uses the background-subtracted reference spectrum during quantitative processing and reports the background-subtracted reference spectrum (indicated with BS in the scan heading) as the last scan for each compound in the Quantitation Report - 2 report.
Note
The background subtraction option is available only when you select a background subtraction method on the Acquisition page in the master method.
See “Editing the Acquisition Page” on page 146
.
Options that are set to No use the standard values in the method.
6. Click
OK
.
The TraceFinder application displays the Acquisition page of the Method View.
7. Click
Compounds
in the navigation pane.
The method must include at least one compound.
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8. Click the
Detection
tab.
The Detection page shows an empty Compound list and displays the chromatographic data for the compounds in the raw data file.
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9. Select a filter from the Filter list.
10. Select the peak in the chromatogram that represents the compound that you want to add to the method.
11. Right-click and choose
Add This Peak as New Compound
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application performs a library search for the selected compound. The application uses the first match it finds as the compound name, the base peak of the mass spectrum as the quantitative peak, and the second and third largest ions as the confirming ion peaks.
Note
When the peak is from an analog trace, the application does not perform a library search and does not identify any confirming ions.
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If the name of the first match is already in the library, the Add New Compound dialog box opens.
12. (Optional) Do the following: a. To use a compound other than the compound already in the library, scroll to the spectrum for that compound and select the compound name in the title bar of the spectrum pane.
Selected compound
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c.
Click
OK
.
13. Repeat this procedure for each compound that you want to add to the method.
For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Detection page, see “Editing the
.
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14. Click
Acquisition
in the navigation pane.
The Acquisition page for the method opens. For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Acquisition page, see
“Acquisition Page for a Quantitation Method” on page 149
.
15. From the Instrument Method list, select an instrument method.
16. To save the new method, choose
File > Save
from the main menu and name the method.
For a detailed description of how to modify the parameters in a master method, see
“Editing a Master Method” on page 144
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You can select compounds from the compound database to create a new master method.
To select compounds from the compound database
1. Choose
File > New > Master Method
from the main menu.
The Create Master Method dialog box opens. To view all available ways to create a master
method, see “Create Master Method dialog box” on page 124
.
2. Select the
Select Compounds from CDB
option and click
OK
.
The Select Compounds from Database dialog box opens, listing all the compounds defined in the compound database.
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3. Select the check box for each of the compounds that you want to add to the method.
4. To select all compounds in the database, select the
Compound
check box at the top of the list.
5. Click
Apply
.
The TraceFinder application adds the selected compounds to the method.
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6. Click
Acquisition
in the navigation pane.
The Acquisition page for the method opens. For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Acquisition page, see
“Acquisition Page for a Quantitation Method” on page 149
.
7. From the Instrument Method list, select an instrument method.
8. To save the new method, choose
File > Save
from the main menu and name the method.
For a detailed description of how to modify a master method, see
.
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You can open a master method to view or edit the compounds, method instructions, and reporting options.
This section includes instructions for the following tasks:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Editing the Intelligent Sequencing Page
•
Use the Adjust Retention Times dialog box from any page in the Method View or Local
Method view.
To modify retention times in a method
1. Do one of the following:
• Choose
Method View > Adjust Retention Times
from the main menu of the
Method View in the Method Development mode.
• Choose
Local Method > Adjust Retention Times
from the main menu of the Local
Method view in the Analysis mode.
The Adjust Retention Times dialog box opens.
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2. Do one of the following: a. Select the
Absolute
option.
b. Specify a positive or negative value to increase or decrease the expected retention times. c.
Valid values: –100.00 through 100.00
Click
OK
.
The application increases or decreases the expected retention times for all compounds in the method by the specified number of minutes.
–or– a. Select the
Relative
option.
b. Specify a positive or negative value to increase or decrease the expected retention times.
c.
Valid values: –100.00 through 100.00
Click
OK
.
The application increases or decreases the expected retention times for all compounds in the method by the specified percentage.
–or– a. Select the
By File
option.
Note
This option is available only from the Local Method view after you have processed the samples in a batch.
b. Click
Select
.
The Adjust Retention Time by File dialog box opens, displaying all processed samples.
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Select the sample whose retention times you want to use in the method.
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Select
.
e.
Click
OK
.
For each detected peak in the selected, processed sample, the application overwrites the retention times for the matching compounds in the method. If the method contains compounds not detected in the selected sample, the retention times for those compounds are not affected.
The Acquisition page defines basic information about the master method. For detailed descriptions of all the features, see
“Acquisition Page for a Quantitation Method” on page 149 .
Follow these procedures:
•
•
To specify Acquisition information for a master method
•
To open the Acquisition page
Click
Acquisition
in the Method View navigation pane.
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Available only when you activate the
Intelligent Sequencing option in the Configuration console.
To specify Acquisition information for a master method
1. In the Lab Name box, type the name to be displayed on the top of each printed, saved, or exported report.
The default name is Default Laboratory.
2. In the Assay Type box, type the assay type to be targeted by the method.
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3. From the Injection Volume box, select an injection volume (between
0.1
and
2000
μL) to be used for sample injection.
Use the up/down arrows to change the volume in increments/decrements of 1 μL, or use the keyboard to enter non-integer injection volumes.
IMPORTANT
The TraceFinder application uses this injection volume in the master method, not the injection volume from the instrument method.
4. From the Mass Precision box, select a precision value (between
2
and
6
inclusive) as the number of decimal places to be used in reports and in peak and spectrum displays.
5. From the Ion Range Calc Method list, select a method for calculating the ion ratio range windows.
When you select Level, the TraceFinder application displays a Use Level list where you can choose a calibration level. To define the available calibration levels on the
Compounds page, see “Editing the Compounds Page” on page 155
.
To edit an instrument method
1. From the Instrument Method list on the Acquisition page, select an instrument method.
2. To edit the selected instrument method, click
Edit
.
The Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup dialog box opens. This example of an instrument setup shows multiple configured instruments.
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Figure 32.
Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window
3. Edit the values on the instrument page for your instrument.
4. From the main menu in the Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup dialog box, choose
File > Save
and then choose
File > Exit
.
5. To update any changes that were made to the instrument method after you created this master method, click
Update
.
The Update Instrument Method? dialog box opens.
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6. Choose one of the following options:
•
Send to System Methods
: Overwrites the instrument method in the
C:\TraceFinderData\32\Methods folder with the current instrument method.
•
Get from System Method
: Overwrites the current instrument method with the instrument method in the C:\TraceFinderData\32\Methods folder.
•
Cancel
: Makes no changes to the instrument method in the current master method.
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Use the features on the Acquisition page to define basic information about the master method.
Figure 33.
Acquisition page for a quantitation method
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Table 19.
Acquisition page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Lab Name
Assay Type
Injection Volume
Mass Precision
Description
Specifies the laboratory name to be displayed on the top of each printed, saved, or exported report.
Default: Default Laboratory
To specify this default laboratory name, see
.
Specifies the name for the analysis type to be targeted by the method. The assay type associates the method with the analysis of a compound or specific class of compounds (for example, you might use an assay type of PAH for the analysis of Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons).
Specifies the system uses the injection volume (in μL) for sample injection. For a more detailed explanation, refer to the documentation for the autosampler.
The injection volume in the master method overrides the injection volume in the instrument method. The injection volume in the batch overrides the injection volume in the master method.
Range: 0.1 to 2000 μL
Specifies the number of decimal places used in reports and in peak and spectrum displays.
Valid values: Integers from 2 to 6, inclusive.
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Table 19.
Acquisition page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Ion Range Calc
Method
Instrument Method
Edit
Update
Description
Specifies the selected ion range calc method used to calculate the ion ratio range windows: Manual (default), Average, Level, or Weighted average. When you select Level, an additional list is displayed where you can select a calibration level amount. To define these calibration levels on the Compounds page, see
“Editing the Compounds Page” on page 155 .
Specifies the instrument method used for acquiring samples.
Opens the Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup dialog box where you can edit the instrument method.
Specifies one of the following:
Send to System Methods
: Overwrites the system method in the
C:\TraceFinderData\32\Methods folder with the current instrument method.
Get from System Methods
: Overwrites the current instrument method with the system method in the
C:\TraceFinderData\32\Methods folder.
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The Quantitation – Processing page defines basic information about the master method. For detailed descriptions of all the features, see
“Processing Page for a Quantitation Method” on page 154 .
Follow these procedures:
•
To select a qualitative peak processing template
•
To set automated background subtraction options
•
•
To include data-dependent filters
•
To specify a threshold override
To open the Processing page
Click
Processing
in the Method View navigation pane.
Thermo Scientific
Available only when you activate the
Intelligent Sequencing option in the Configuration console.
To select a qualitative peak processing template
In the Qualitative Peak Processing Template list, select the template that you want to use to perform peak detection on quantitative samples after compound analysis is complete.
The application uses the libraries in this template to identify compounds for the method.
If there is no library selected in the method template, the application identifies found peaks as [email protected]
RT
on the Compounds page
.
To specify the libraries that are including in a qualitative peak processing template, open the template in the Method Template Editor, and then follow the instructions
“To identify the peaks” on page 259 .
The application lists all method templates (.pmtx file extensions) in the following folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\Methods\Clinical
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To set automated background subtraction options
1. In the Background Subtraction Range Option list, select how you want the subtraction range determined from the following options:
•
Before Peak
: Averages and subtracts a specified number of scans before the apex of the peak.
•
After Peak
: Subtracts a specified number of scans after the apex of the peak.
•
Both Sides of Peak
: Subtracts a specified number of scans from each side of the apex of the peak.
When you create a reference spectrum with background subtraction, the TraceFinder application uses the selected method to conduct background subtraction of peak spectra during quantitative processing. The application then reports the background-subtracted reference spectrum (indicated with BS in the scan heading) as the last scan for each compound in the Quantitation Report - 2 report. It does not use background subtraction with qualitative processing.
2. In the Number of Scans to Subtract box, enter a number.
The TraceFinder application subtracts this number of scans from the background after averaging. When you select the Both Sides of Peak option, the application subtracts this number of scans from
each
side of the peak.
3. In the Stepoff Value box, enter a number.
The TraceFinder application uses this offset value to average and subtract scans that are not adjacent to the apex of the peak, as in this example:
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Before Peak example:
When the Number of Scans to Subtract equals 3 and the Stepoff Value equals 5, the
TraceFinder application ignores the first 5 scans to the left of the peak and applies the averaging and subtraction to the 6th, 7th, and 8th scans to the left of the peak.
After Peak example:
When the Number of Scans to Subtract equals 3 and the Stepoff Value equals 5, the
TraceFinder application ignores the first 5 scans to the right of the peak and applies the averaging and subtraction to the 6th, 7th, and 8th scans to the right of the peak.
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Both Sides of Peak example:
When the Number of Scans to Subtract equals 3 and the Stepoff Value equals 5, the
TraceFinder application ignores the first 5 scans to the left of the peak and the first 5 scans to the right of the peak. Then it applies the averaging and subtraction to both the 6th,
7th, and 8th scans to the left of the peak and the 6th, 7th, and 8th scans to the right of the peak.
To specify mass tolerance
1. Select the units of measure that you want to use.
2. Specify the number of millimass units or parts per million to use as the
m/z ±
tolerance value.
The application applies this mass tolerance to the extracted chromatograms.
To include data-dependent filters
Select the
Include Data Dependent Filters
option.
The application includes data-dependent filters when you specify filters in the method.
See
Data-dependent filters are indicated with a “d”.
Data-dependent filter
When you process a sample using a data-dependent filter, the application uses the TIC trace to find all data-dependent full scans, lists them, and performs a library search against the data-dependent MS/MS or MS n
scan.
To specify a threshold override
1. Select the
Threshold Override
check box.
2. In the box, type a value for creating a threshold guide to overlay on compounds in the
Comparative View in the Data Review mode.
This threshold value overrides the Threshold value specified on the QAQC – Threshold
page. See “Threshold” on page 237 .
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Use the features on the Processing page to define basic information about the master method.
Figure 34.
Processing page for a quantitation method
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Table 20.
Processing page parameters
Parameter
Qualitative Peak
Processing Template
Background Subtraction
Range Option
Number of Scans To
Subtract
Stepoff Value
Mass Tolerance
Include Data Dependent
Filters
Threshold Override
Description
Specifies the template used to perform peak detection on quantitative samples following compound analysis.
Specifies the range used for background subtraction.
Valid values: None, Before Peak, After Peak, Both Sides of Peak
Default: None
Valid values: Even numbered integers
Default: 0
Offset from the selected peak to the first subtracted peak.
Specifies the upper limit of MMU or PPM.
Default: 500
Range: 0.1 through 50 000
• (Default) MMU (millimass units): MMU is a static calculation to the extracted mass.
• PPM (parts per million): PPM is a variable calculation dependent on the actual mass. The smaller the mass, the narrower the tolerance range. The larger the mass, the wider the tolerance range.
Specifies that the method includes data-dependent filters.
Available only for quantitation methods.
Overrides the Threshold value specified on the QAQC –
Threshold page.
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Use the Compounds page to set all parameters for identifying, detecting, and quantifying the target compound list.
To open the Compounds page
Click
Compounds
in the Method View navigation pane.
Thermo Scientific
Available only when you activate the
Intelligent Sequencing option in the Configuration console.
From the Compounds page of the Method View, you can access the following pages:
.
See also Identification page parameters .
.
See also Calibration page parameters
.
See also Calibration Levels page parameters .
See also QC Check Levels page parameters .
See also Real Time Viewer page parameters .
Each page on the Compounds page (except the Acquisition List and Real Time Viewer pages) uses a right-click shortcut menu. See
“Using the Shortcut Menu Commands” on page 225
.
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The Acquisition List page displays all compounds defined for the current method in a display similar to the Compound Database view. From the Acquisition List page, you can add additional compounds from the Compound Database or delete compounds from the method.
To remove a compound from the method
1. Select the compound in the Compound list.
2. Click the
Remove Compound
icon, .
3. To confirm that you want to delete the selected compound, at the prompt, click
OK
.
The application removes the selected compound and all its peak information.
4. To remove multiple compounds, use the CTRL or SHIFT keys.
The application confirms that you want to remove the selected compounds.
To add a compound to the method
1. Click the
Add Compound from Compound Database
icon, .
The Select Compounds from Database dialog box opens, listing all the compounds defined in the compound database. This dialog box is identical to the Compound
Database with the exception that you cannot edit the compound data from here; you can only choose which compounds you want to include in your method.
2. Select the compounds to add to the method.
You can use the SHIFT or CTRL keys to select multiple compounds.
3. Click
Add Selected Compounds to Method
.
The TraceFinder application adds the selected compounds to the acquisition list for the method.
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Figure 35.
Acquisition List page
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The Identification page lists the compounds that are targeted for analysis, reporting, and other compound-specific values. For descriptions of all values on the Identification page, see
To filter the displayed compounds
From the Show list, select the type of compounds that you want to display in the compounds list.
Compound type
Quan Compounds
Figure 36.
Identification page
Target Compounds
Internal Standards
Description
Displays only quantitation compounds, such as target compounds and internal standards.
Displays only target compounds.
Displays only internal standard compounds.
Table 21.
Identification page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
RT
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
Compound
The TraceFinder application uses the RT and Window values to determine the start and stop time for the acquisition.
Range: 0.00 to 999.00
Start time = RT – (Window/2)
Stop time = RT + (Window/2)
Start and stop range: 0.00 to 999.00
A list of identified compounds. To customize the compound names, click the cell and type a new name. To display a filtered list of compounds, use the Show list.
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Table 21.
Identification page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Compound Type
Active
CAS No
LIMS ID
Use as RT Reference
Reference Compound
Shortcut menu
Description
Compound types are Target Compound and Internal Standard. The TraceFinder application uses target compounds and internal standards in quantitative analysis.
Identifies each compound to be included in data review and reporting. By default, all added compounds are set to active. This active or inactive setting populates the Batch View and
Data Review view in the Analysis mode.
The Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number that the TraceFinder application matched with each compound. To change or add a number, click the CAS No cell and enter a new number.
Laboratory Information Management System identification number.
When performing peak detection with retention time standards, the TraceFinder application first identifies those compounds identified as retention time standards and then uses their observed retention times to adjust any associated target compound.
To be used for retention time adjustment for a compound. This list includes all compounds that are selected in the Use as RT Reference column.
The Identification page uses a right-click shortcut menu. See
.
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Use the Detection page to customize peak detection and integration for any ions that define peaks and compounds.
From the Detection page, you can access the following pages:
See also Times page parameters
See also Signal page parameters .
.
See also Detect page parameters for Genesis .
See also Detect page parameters for ICIS .
See also Detect page parameters for Avalon
.
See also System Suitability dialog box parameters
.
See also Spectrum page shortcut menu commands
.
See also Library page parameters .
See also Isotopes page parameters
.
See also Fragments page parameters
.
See also Ratios page parameters
.
On the Detection page (see “Detection page” on page 172
), you can configure how characteristic ions for targeted compounds are detected and integrated. You can also edit the list of characteristic ions for a specific compound. Refining these parameters in the master method for each compound and its ions can reduce the degree of manual integration that would otherwise be required.
You can change the parameters used to identify a quantitative peak, mass range, or confirming ion peak. The TraceFinder application automatically uses the first match it finds as the compound name, the base peak of the mass spectrum as the quantitative peak, and the second and third largest ions as the confirming ion peaks.
Follow these procedures:
•
To filter the displayed compounds
•
To change the displayed information for detected peaks
•
To add compounds to the method
•
To change the compound reference spectrum
•
To replace a quantitation mass
•
To add a mass to the existing quantitation mass ranges
•
•
To add a spectral peak as a new compound
•
To replace a quantitative peak with a confirming ion peak
•
To set a confirming ion peak as an additional quantitative peak
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•
To add a trace to the Real Time Status pane
•
To replace a confirming ion peak
•
To add a mass as a new confirming ion peak
•
To use the cut-and-paste feature on confirming ion peaks
•
To filter the displayed compounds
From the Show list, select the type of compounds that you want to display in the compounds list.
Compound type
Quan Compounds
Target Compounds
Internal Standards
Description
Displays only quantitation compounds, such as target compounds, internal standards, and surrogates.
Displays only target compounds.
Displays only internal standard compounds.
To change the displayed information for detected peaks
1. Right-click the chromatogram plot for any of the quan or confirming peaks and hold the cursor over
Peak Labels
.
2. Choose to display labels for the peak area, peak retention time, peak height, or signal-to-noise.
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3. To remove a label, select the label type again and clear it.
The application globally applies these label settings to all quantitative peaks, confirming peaks, and internal standard peaks in the method.
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To add compounds to the method
Tip
You can add compounds from the current raw data file (begin at step 7 ), or you
can associate another raw data file and add compounds from that file (begin at step 1).
1. From the main menu, choose
Method View > Associate a Raw Data File
.
The Associate a Raw Data File dialog box opens.
Browse to a data file.
Select a previously associated data file.
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2. Browse to a raw data file to associate with the method (or click the arrow and select from the list of previously associated raw data files) and open the file.
To assure that this raw data file is always available to the method (for example, if you move the method to another system), the application saves the file in the Methods folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
Methodname
3. To update the target ion ratio values when you associate this raw data file, select the
Yes
option.
4. To update the scan filters when you associate this raw data file, select the
Yes
option.
5. To set a reference spectrum, do one of the following:
Select the
Yes
option.
–or–
Select the
Yes, with Background Subtraction
option.
The application uses the background-subtracted reference spectrum during quantitative processing and reports the background-subtracted reference spectrum (indicated with BS in the scan heading) as the last scan for each compound in the Quantitation Report - 2 report.
Note
This option is available only when you select a background subtraction method on the Acquisition page in the master method. See
“Editing the Acquisition Page” on page 146 .
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6. Click
OK
.
The TraceFinder application displays the chromatographic and spectrum data for the compounds in the associated raw data file.
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IMPORTANT
While the spectra pane displays the associated raw data file, you cannot display peak information for an original compound in the Compound list. You can display peak information only for compounds in the associated raw data file. To return the display functionality for all compounds in the method, save the method.
7. Select a filter from the Filter list.
8. Click to select the peak in the chromatogram that represents the compound that you want to add to the method.
9. Right-click and choose
Add This Peak as New Compound
from the shortcut menu.
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The TraceFinder application performs a library search for the selected compound. The application uses the first match it finds as the compound name, the base peak of the mass spectrum as the quantitative peak, and the second and third largest ions as the confirming ion peaks.
• When the name of the first match does not exist in the method, the application adds this compound to the method and displays the name in the Compound list. You can now view and edit the parameters for this compound.
• When the name of the first match is already in the method, the Add New Compound dialog box opens. You cannot overwrite a compound name in the method. If the selected peak already exists in the method, you must give it a new name to add it to the method. Or, you can select a different compound to add to the method, following
Figure 37.
Add New Compound dialog box
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10. Do one of the following:
• Type a new name for the first matched compound.
The application displays a red warning when the selected compound name already exists in the method. You cannot overwrite the compound name, and you cannot create a duplicate name in the method. You must type a unique name.
–or–
• To use a compound other than the first matched compound, scroll to the spectrum for that compound and select its corresponding check box in the title bar of the spectrum pane.
Selected compound
11. In the Type of Compound To Add list, select a compound type.
12. Click
OK
.
To change the compound reference spectrum
1. In the chromatogram pane, click a peak.
The TraceFinder application displays the spectrum for the selected peak in the spectrum pane.
2. In the spectrum pane, right-click and choose
Use This Spectrum for Compound
Reference Spectrum
from the shortcut menu.
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To replace a quantitation mass
1. Click the data pane for the quantitation mass that you want to replace.
2. In the spectrum pane, hold the cursor over a peak.
The red box indicates the selected peak.
3. Right-click and choose
Set This Spectral Peak as Quan Value
from the shortcut menu.
4. Choose either
Don’t Update Ion Ratios
or
Update Ion Ratios Using This Spectrum
.
You can see the updated ion ratios on the Ratios page for the confirming ion peaks. See
.
To add a mass to the existing quantitation mass ranges
1. In the spectrum pane, hold the cursor over a peak.
The red box indicates the selected peak.
2. Right-click and choose
Add This Spectral Peak to Existing Quan Ranges
from the shortcut menu.
3. Choose either
Don’t Update Ion Ratios
or
Update Ion Ratios Using This Spectrum
.
The TraceFinder application adds the selected mass to the existing quantitation mass ranges to increase the signal.
If you chose to update the ion ratios, you can see the updated ion ratios on the Ratios page for the confirming ion peaks. See
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To add a quantitative peak
1. In the spectrum pane, hold the cursor over a peak.
The red box indicates the selected peak.
2. Right-click and choose
Add This Spectral Peak as New Quan Peak
from the shortcut menu.
The application adds a new quantitative peak to the compound.
You can use the shortcut menu in the spectrum pane for this new quantitative peak to perform any of the tasks that you would perform on the original quantitative peak.
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To add a spectral peak as a new compound
1. In the raw data file spectrum pane, hold the cursor over a peak.
The red box indicates the selected peak.
2. Right-click and choose
Add This Spectral Peak as New Compound
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application performs a library search for the selected compound. The application uses the first match it finds as the compound name, the base peak of the mass spectrum as the quantitative peak, and the second and third largest ions as the confirming ion peaks.
When there are multiple matches, the Add New Compound dialog box opens. If the name of the first match is already in the library, the dialog box opens with the matching compound selected.
Figure 38.
Add New Compound dialog box
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3. (Optional) Make any of the following changes:
• Change the name for the compound in the Name of New Compound box.
• Use a compound other than the compound chosen by the TraceFinder application by scrolling to the spectrum for that compound and selecting the compound name in the title bar of the spectrum pane.
Selected compound
• In the Type of Compound To Add list, select a compound type.
4. Click
OK
.
To replace a quantitative peak with a confirming ion peak
1. When you have multiple quantitative peaks, select the quantitative peak that you want to replace.
2. Right-click the header bar for the confirming ion peak that you want to use as the quantitative peak, and choose
Swap with Quan Peak
from the shortcut menu.
The application swaps the quantitative peak and the confirming ion peak. The application replaces all information for the quantitative peak with information for the confirming ion. This includes the expected retention time that the confirming ion inherited from the original quantitative peak. The original quantitative peak replaces the confirming ion peak. The application recalculates the ratios for all confirming ion peaks.
To set a confirming ion peak as an additional quantitative peak
Right-click the header bar for the confirming ion peak and choose
Promote to Separate
Quan Peak
from the shortcut menu.
The application creates a new quantitative peak, using information from the confirming ion peak. This includes the expected retention time that the confirming ion peak inherited from the original quantitative peak. The application removes all references to the confirming ion peak from the method.
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To add a trace to the Real Time Status pane
Right-click the header bar for the quantitative peak or confirming ion peak that you want to add to the Real Time Status pane and choose
Display in Real Time Viewer
from the shortcut menu.
The application moves the peak to the Traces To Display in Real Time Viewer pane on the Real Time Viewer page. See
“Real Time Viewer” on page 223
.
Trace
m/z
311.09 added to Real Time Viewer
When you acquire samples with this method, the application displays the
m/z
311.09 trace in addition to the TIC in the Real Time Status pane.
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Trace
m/z
311.09 added to
Real Time Status display
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To replace a confirming ion peak
1. Click the pane for the confirming ion peak that you want to replace.
2. In the raw data file spectrum pane, hold the cursor over a peak.
The red box indicates the selected peak.
3. Right-click and choose
Set This Spectral Peak as Confirming
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application replaces the confirming ion peak with the selected mass.
To add a mass as a new confirming ion peak
1. In the spectrum pane, hold the cursor over a peak.
The red box indicates the selected peak.
2. Right-click and choose
Add This Spectral Peak as New Confirming
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application adds the confirming ion peak to the quantitative peak.
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You can use the shortcut menu in the spectrum pane for this new confirming ion peak to perform any of the tasks that you would perform on the original confirming ion peaks.
To use the cut-and-paste feature on confirming ion peaks
1. Right-click the header bar for the confirming ion peak that you want to remove and choose
Cut Confirming Peak
from the shortcut menu.
2. Right-click the header bar for the confirming ion peak that you want to replace and choose
Paste Confirming Peak
from the shortcut menu.
The application pastes the confirming ion peak that you removed. You can paste a deleted peak back to the quantitative peak from which it was removed, or you can paste the confirming ion peak that was deleted to another quantitative peak for this compound.
To save the new method
1. Choose
File > Save
.
The Save Master Method dialog box opens.
2. Type a new name for the master method and click
OK
, or select a method name to overwrite and click
Overwrite
.
The TraceFinder application saves the new method data in the following folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods
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Use the features on the Detection page to customize peak detection and integration for any ions that define peaks and compounds.
Figure 39.
Detection page
Selected compound data
Selected compound
Chromatogram pane
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Spectrum pane
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Table 22.
Detection page panes
Pane
Compound
QuanPeak
Trace
n
Description
Lists all compounds in the master method. The Compound list uses a right-click shortcut menu. See
“Using the Shortcut Menu Commands” on page 225 .
Displays a chromatogram for the quantitative peak and its confirming ion peaks. The quantitative peak and confirming peak panes include additional pages for retention time, signal, detection, spectrum, and ratio parameters for the selected compound.
Displays a combination of the Detector and Trace values used for the raw data file.
Filter
Reference
Chromatogram and
Spectra
Do not confuse this Trace parameter with the Trace parameter on the Signal page. This
Trace parameter combines both the Detector and Trace values specified on the Signal page.
See “Signal page for a mass spectrometer detector” on page 181 .
Note
When you select a detector option other than MS or PDA, the spectrum pane reports “Not Available.”
Displays the filter used for the raw data file. Available only when you set the Trace parameter to MS.
Displays a reference chromatogram and spectra for the raw data file.
When you view an analog trace, there is no spectra display. To close the spectra pane and use the full width to display the chromatogram, click
.
Additional pages
Times
Signal
Detect
Spectrum
Ratios
Defines the retention time and window for a quantitative peak.
Defines the detector and detection parameters used to display each chromatogram trace. See
Defines the peak detection algorithm and its options.
See
.
Defines a reference mass spectrum for a quantitative peak or compound. See
Defines the criteria for evaluating, confirming, or qualifying ions. See
.
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Figure 40.
Times page
Use the Times page to define the expected retention time or a retention time range for a quantitative peak.
Parameters for single
RT detection types
Parameters for RT range detection types
Table 23.
Times page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Detection Type
Expected RT (min)
Window (sec)
Description
Single - Detected
: (Default) Specified as a centered retention time window. The application integrates a distinct peak. In reports, the application displays the expected retention time and actual retention time values as Method RT and Detected RT, respectively.
Range - Detected
: Specified as a retention time start/end range.
Range - Integrated
: Specified as a retention time start/end range. The application integrates all peaks within the specified time range.
Expected retention time for a single peak. Available only for the Single - Detected detection type.
Width of the window (in seconds) to indicate how far around the expected retention time the system looks for a peak apex. Available only for the Single - Detected detection type.
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Table 23.
Times page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Start/End RT (min)
Description
Beginning and ending retention time window that can encompass multiple peaks. Available only for the Range - Detected and the Range - Integrated detection types. When you change from a Single - Detected detection type, these values default to the previous beginning and ending time calculated from the Expected RT and Window values.
View Width (min) Viewable size of the ion chromatogram display. Changing the view width does not affect the peak detection process; the TraceFinder application uses it only for graphical display. When you select either Range - Detected or Range - Integrated as the detection type, you cannot select a View Width value less than the retention time range (
end time
minus
start time
).
Shortcut menu
Set Peak Windows
Settings to All Peaks in
Compound
Copies the View Width and Window values to all quantitative peaks for the compound and updates the compound.
Set Peak Windows
Settings to All Peaks in
Method
Available only when a compound has multiple quantitative peaks.
Copies the View Width and Window values to all quantitative peaks for the method and updates the method.
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Use the Signal page to define the detector and filters as you display each chromatogram trace.
For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Signal page, see
The TraceFinder application can use both analog detectors and mass spectrometer detectors.
See
“Signal page for a mass spectrometer detector” on page 181 or
“Signal page for an analog detector” on page 182 .
Follow these procedures:
•
To specify ranges of ions for detection and integration
•
•
To specify ranges of ions for detection and integration
1. Select
MS
from the Detector list.
2. Select
Mass Range
from the Trace list.
3. In the Ranges area, click
Edit
.
Note
The parameters in the Ranges area are available only when you set the Detector parameter to MS and the Trace parameter to Mass Range.
The Edit Mass Ranges dialog box opens where you can define mass ranges using a center of mass value or start and end values.
Figure 41.
Edit Mass Ranges dialog box
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4. Enter a value in the Center Mass box and click
Add
.
A new row with this value opens under Ranges. Center mass values are listed in the Start
m/z
column. The application uses a range of one amu that is centered on this value.
5. Enter values in the Start
m/z
and End
m/z
columns and click
Add
.
The application adds a row with these start and end values.
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6. Add as many ranges as you want.
When you process a batch with this method, the application sums the multiple ions specified by these ranges.
7. Click
Apply
.
The application applies the parameters to the list of ranges.
To specify an XIC filter
1. Select
MS
from the Detector list.
2. Select
Mass Range
from the Trace list.
3. Select the
XIC
option.
Note
The XIC option is available only when you set the Detector parameter to MS and the Trace parameter to Mass Range.
4. Click the Filter browse button.
The XIC Filter dialog box opens. See
5. Specify your filter options.
6. Click
OK
.
The application updates the chromatogram data using the specified XIC filter options.
The Filter box indicates the parameters of the specified XIC filter, as in this example:
MassAnalyzerFTMS analyzer
Positive polarity
MS order
Full-scan mode
Data-dependent filter
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Figure 42.
XIC Filter dialog box
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Table 24.
XIC Filter dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter Description
Mass Analyzer
Type
Any: Allows any mass analyzer.
FTMS: Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometer
ITMS: Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer
Sector: Static electric or magnetic sectors, or a combination of the two
SQMS: Single Quad Mass Spectrometer
TOFMS: Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
TQMS: Triple Quad Mass Spectrometer
MSX
Data
Dependent
MS Order
Polarity
Any: Allows both MSX and non-MSX scans.
On: Allows only MSX scans.
Off: Allows only non-MSX scans.
Any: Allows both data-dependent and non-data-dependent filters.
On: Allows only data-dependent filters.
Off: Allows only non-data-dependent filters.
Any: Allows any MS order.
MS: Single mass spec stage
MS2-MS3: Multiple mass spec stages
Any: Allows both positive and negative.
Positive
Negative
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Table 24.
XIC Filter dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Scan Mode
Description
Any: Allows any scan mode.
Full: Full-scan mode
SIM: Selective ion monitoring
SRM: Selective reaction monitoring
CRM: Consecutive reaction monitoring
Q1MS: MS using quadrupole 1
Q3MS: MS using quadrupole 3
Activations Any: Allows any activation method.
CID: Collision-induced dissociation
MPD: Multiple photodissociation
ECD: Electron capture dissociation
PQD: Pulsed dissociation
ETD: Electron transfer dissociation
HCD: Higher energy collision-induced dissociation
This parameter is available only when the MS Order is set to MS2 or MS3.
First Precursor This parameter is available only when the MS Order is set to MS2 or MS3.
Second
Precursor
This parameter is available only when the MS Order is set to MS3.
To specify an MS filter
1. Select the
Filter
option.
2. Select
MS
from the Detector list.
3. Select a trace type from the Trace list.
4. Select a filter from the Filter list.
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Filter types can be any of the following:
• MS
• MS2
• MS2 CID
• MS2 HCD
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5. To update the new filter selection, click outside the Signal pane.
As long as the filter is highlighted blue, the new selection is not yet applied.
6. (Optional for quantitative peaks) To apply this same quantitative peak filter to other peaks, right-click and choose one of the following from the shortcut menu:
•
Set Filter Options on All Peaks in This Compound
: Applies this filter to all other peaks in the compound.
•
Set Filter Options on All Compounds
: Applies this filter to all peaks for all compounds in the method.
•
Set Quan Peak Filter Options on All Compounds
: Applies the filter specified for the quantitative peak to all quantitative peaks for all compounds in the method.
7. (Optional for confirming peaks) To apply this same confirming peak filter to other peaks, right-click and choose one of the following from the shortcut menu:
•
Set Filter Options on All Peaks in This Compound
: Applies this filter to all other peaks in the compound.
•
Set Filter Options on All Compounds
: Applies this filter to all peaks for all compounds in the method.
•
Set Confirm Peak Filter Options on All Compounds
: Applies the filter specified for the confirming peak to all confirming peaks for all compounds in the method.
•
Set Confirm Peak 1 Filter Options on All Compounds
: Applies the filter specified for confirming peak 1 to the first confirming peak for all compounds in the method.
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Use the features on the Signal page to define the detector and filters as you display each chromatogram trace for either analog detectors or mass spectrometer detectors. For detailed descriptions of all the parameters on the Signal page, see
“Signal page parameters” on page 182 .
•
Signal page for a mass spectrometer detector
•
Signal page for an analog detector
Figure 43.
Signal page for a mass spectrometer detector
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Figure 44.
Signal page for an analog detector
Table 25.
Signal page parameters (Sheet 1 of 3)
Parameter
XIC
Filter
Description
Specifies an Extracted Ion Chromatogram experiment type that uses a single, full-scan mass filter that is post-processed to extract a peak for the ions of interest.
Select from the list of mass filters to use for processing the compound.
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Table 25.
Signal page parameters (Sheet 2 of 3)
Parameter
Detector
Description
The detection options that are used to create the method determine the available detector options.
The method can use the standard options (all the listed options) or only the detection options used
to acquire an associated raw data file. To specify the available detector options, see “Specifying
Default Peak Detection Parameters” on page 37 .
MS: Mass spectrometer that ionizes sample molecules and then separates the ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
).
PDA: Photodiode array detector providing a linear array of discrete photodiodes on an integrated circuit chip. It is placed at the image plane of a spectrometer to allow a range of wavelengths to be simultaneously detected.
Analog: Supplemental detectors (for example, FID, ECD). When you select this detector, any reports that display a QIon value show the value as
Analog
and any reports that display spectra show the spectra as
Not Available
.
Trace
Filter
A/D card: If you have a detector not under data system control, you can capture the analog signal and convert it to digital using an interface box (for example, SS420X) for storage in the raw data file.
UV: A UV spectrophotometer (for variable-wavelength detection) or photometer (for single-wavelength detection) equipped with a low-volume flow cell. This detector detects analytes that readily absorb light at a selected wavelength.
Represents a specific range of the data. The TraceFinder application uses the trace to identify the characteristic ions for a compound.
MS detector options: Mass Range, TIC, or Base Peak. When you select Mass Range, you are prompted to enter the start and end
m/z
values for the ranges.
PDA detector options: Spectrum Maximum, Wavelength Range, or Total Scan.
Analog detector options: Analog 1, Analog 2, Analog 3, or Analog 4. You can configure these channel names in your instrument configuration.
A/D Card detector options: AD Card ch1, AD Card ch2, AD Card ch3, or AD Card ch4. You can configure these channel names in your instrument configuration.
UV detector options: Channel A, Channel B, Channel C, or Channel D. You can configure these channel names in your instrument configuration.
Available only when you select the MS detector. Represents a particular data acquisition channel.
For example, the filter option
+ c Full ms [35.00-500.00]
represents a positive ion centroid signal acquired in single-stage, full-scan mode from
m/z
35 to 500.
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Table 25.
Signal page parameters (Sheet 3 of 3)
Parameter
Ranges
Edit
Start
End
m/z m/z
Description
Available only when you select the Mass Range trace for an MS detector.
Opens the Edit Mass Ranges dialog box where you can specify a range of ions for detection and
integration. See “To specify ranges of ions for detection and integration” on page 176
.
Specifies ranges of ions for detection and integration. The application sums the multiple ions specified by these ranges.
Ranges specified by a center mass value are listed as a single value in the Start
m/z
column. The application uses a range of one amu centered on this value.
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Use the Detect page to define the peak detection algorithm (sensitivity) and its options and to
determine the area under a curve. There are three sensitivity modes: Genesis ,
. Use the Genesis and Avalon sensitivity modes for mass spectrometry detection. You use the ICIS sensitivity mode primarily for analog detection.
On this page, you can specify how you want each mode to run. See the following for detailed descriptions of all the features on the Detect page:
• For Genesis sensitivity, see
“Detect page parameters for Genesis” on page 187
.
• For ICIS sensitivity, see
“Detect page parameters for ICIS” on page 191 .
• For Avalon sensitivity, see “Detect page parameters for Avalon” on page 193
.
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Figure 45.
Detect page for Genesis
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Table 26.
Detect page parameters for Genesis (Sheet 1 of 3)
Parameter
Sensitivity
Detection Method
Description
Specifies the Genesis peak detection algorithm.
Highest peak: Uses the highest peak in the chromatogram for component identification.
Smoothing
S/N Threshold
Enable Valley
Detection
Expected Width (sec)
Nearest RT: Uses the peak with the nearest retention time in the chromatogram for component identification.
Determines the degree of data smoothing to be performed on the active component peak prior to peak detection and integration.
Default: 1
Range: Any odd integer from 1 through 15 points
Current signal-to-noise threshold for peak integration. Peaks with signal-to-noise values less than this value are not integrated. Peaks with signal-to-noise values greater than this value are integrated.
Range: 0.0 to 999.0
Uses the valley detection approximation method to detect unresolved peaks. This method drops a vertical line from the apex of the valley between unresolved peaks to the baseline.
The intersection of the vertical line and the baseline defines the end of the first peak and the beginning of the second peak.
The expected peak width parameter (in seconds). This parameter controls the minimum width that a peak is expected to have if valley detection is enabled.
Constrain Peak Width
Peak Height (%)
Tailing Factor
With valley detection enabled, any valley points nearer than the
expected width
/2 to the top of the peak are ignored. If a valley point is found outside the expected peak width, the
TraceFinder application terminates the peak at that point. The application always terminates a peak when the signal reaches the baseline, independent of the value set for the expected peak width.
Range: 0.0 to 999.0
Constrains the peak width of a component during peak integration of a chromatogram. You can then set values that control when peak integration is turned on and off by specifying a peak height threshold and a tailing factor. Selecting the Constrain Peak Width check box activates the Peak Height (%) and Tailing Factor options.
A signal must be above the baseline percentage of the total peak height (100%) before integration is turned on or off. This text box is active only when you select the Constrain
Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.0 to 100.0%
A factor that controls how the TraceFinder application integrates the tail of a peak. This factor is the maximum ratio of the trailing edge to the leading side of a constrained peak.
This text box is active only when you select the Constrain the Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.5 through 9.0
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Table 26.
Detect page parameters for Genesis (Sheet 2 of 3)
Parameter Description
Min Peak Height (S/N) For the valley detection approximation method to use the Nearest RT Peak Identification criteria, this peak signal-to-noise value must be equaled or exceeded. For component identification purposes, the TraceFinder application ignores all chromatogram peaks that have signal-to-noise values that are less than the S/N Threshold value.
Range: 0.0 (all peaks) through 999.0
Peak S/N Cutoff The peak edge is set to values below this signal-to-noise ratio.
This test identifies an edge of a peak when the baseline adjusted height of the edge is less than the ratio of the baseline adjusted apex height and the peak S/N cutoff ratio.
When the S/N at the apex is 500 and the peak S/N cutoff value is 200, the TraceFinder application defines the right and left edges of the peak when the S/N reaches a value less than 200.
Valley Rise (%)
Range: 50.0 to 10000.0
The peak trace can rise above the baseline by this percentage after passing through a minimum (before or after the peak).
Valley S/N
# Background Scans
Report Noise As
This method drops a vertical line from the apex of the valley between unresolved peaks to the baseline. The intersection of the vertical line and the baseline defines the end of the first peak and the beginning of the second peak.
When the trace exceeds rise percentage, the TraceFinder application applies valley detection peak integration criteria.
The TraceFinder application applies this test to both the left and right edges of the peak.
The rise percentage criteria is useful for integrating peaks with long tails.
Range: 0.1 to 500.0
Specifies a value to evaluate the valley bottom. Using this parameter ensures that the surrounding measurements are higher.
Default: 2.0
Range: 1.0 to 100.0
Number of background scans performed by the TraceFinder application.
Determines if the noise used in calculating S/N values is calculated using an RMS calculation or a peak-to-peak resolution threshold. Options are RMS or Peak to Peak.
Shortcut menu
Apply to All Peaks in
Method
Updates all compounds in the method with the current settings on the Detect page. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks.
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Table 26.
Detect page parameters for Genesis (Sheet 3 of 3)
Parameter Description
Apply to All Peaks with
Like Sensitivity Setting
Uses the current settings on the Detect page to update all compounds in the method that use the Genesis sensitivity mode. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks that use the Genesis sensitivity mode.
Apply to All Peaks in
Compound
Updates all peaks in the current compound with the current settings on the Detect page.
These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks.
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Figure 46.
Detect page for ICIS
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Table 27.
Detect page parameters for ICIS (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Sensitivity
Detection Method
Description
Specifies the ICIS peak detection algorithm, used primarily with analog detectors.
Highest peak: Uses the highest peak in the chromatogram for component identification.
Smoothing
Area Noise Factor
Peak Noise Factor
Baseline Window
Nearest RT: Uses the peak with the nearest retention time in the chromatogram for component identification.
Determines the degree of data smoothing to be performed on the active component peak prior to peak detection and integration.
Default: 1
Range: Any odd integer from 1 through 15 points
The noise level multiplier used to determine the peak edge after the location of the possible peak.
Default: 5
Range: 1 through 500
The noise level multiplier used to determine the potential peak signal threshold.
Default: 10
Range: 1 through 1000
The TraceFinder application looks for a local minima over this number of scans.
Default: 40
Range: 1 through 500
Constrain Peak Width
Peak Height (%)
Constrains the peak width of a component during peak integration of a chromatogram. You can then set values that control when peak integration is turned on and off by specifying a peak height threshold and a tailing factor. Selecting the Constrain Peak Width check box activates the Peak Height (%) and Tailing Factor options.
A signal must be above the baseline percentage of the total peak height (100%) before integration is turned on or off. This text box is active only when you select the Constrain
Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.0 to 100.0%
Tailing Factor A factor that controls how the TraceFinder application integrates the tail of a peak. This factor is the maximum ratio of the trailing edge to the leading side of a constrained peak.
This text box is active only when you select the Constrain the Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.5 through 9.0
Min Peak Height (S/N) For the valley detection approximation method to use the Nearest RT Peak Identification criteria, this peak signal-to-noise value must be equaled or exceeded. For component identification purposes, the TraceFinder application ignores all chromatogram peaks that have signal-to-noise values that are less than the S/N Threshold value.
Range: 0.0 (all peaks) through 999.0
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Table 27.
Detect page parameters for ICIS (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Noise Method
Description
The options are INCOS or Repetitive.
INCOS: Uses a single pass algorithm to determine the noise level.
Min Peak Width
Multiplet Resolution
Area Tail Extension
Area Scan Window
RMS
Repetitive: Uses a multiple pass algorithm to determine the noise level. In general, this algorithm is more accurate in analyzing the noise than the INCOS Noise algorithm, but the analysis takes longer.
The minimum number of scans required in a peak.
Default: 3
Range: 0 to 100 scans
The minimum separation in scans between the apexes of two potential peaks. This is a filter to determine if two peaks are resolved.
Default: 10
Range: 1 to 500 scans
The number of scans past the peak endpoint to use in averaging the intensity.
Default: 5
Range: 0 to 100 scans
The number of allowable scans on each side of the peak apex. A zero value defines all scans
(peak-start to peak-end) to be included in the area integration.
Default: 0
Range: 0 to 100 scans
Specifies that the TraceFinder application calculate noise as RMS. By default, the application uses Peak To Peak for the noise calculation. RMS is automatically selected if you manually determine the noise region.
Shortcut menu
Apply to All Peaks in
Compound
Apply to All Peaks in
Method
Updates all peaks in the current compound with the current settings on the Detect page.
These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks.
Updates all compounds in the method with the current settings on the Detect page. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks.
Apply to All Peaks with
Like Sensitivity Setting
Uses the current settings on the Detect page to update all compounds in the method that use the ICIS sensitivity mode. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks that use the ICIS sensitivity mode.
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Figure 47.
Detect page for Avalon
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Table 28.
Detect page parameters for Avalon (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Sensitivity
Detection Method
Description
Specifies the Avalon peak detection algorithm.
Highest Peak: Uses the highest peak in the chromatogram for component identification.
Nearest RT: Uses the peak with the nearest retention time in the chromatogram for component identification.
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Table 28.
Detect page parameters for Avalon (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Smoothing
Description
Determines the degree of data smoothing to be performed on the active component peak prior to peak detection and integration.
Default: 1
Range: Any odd integer from 1 through 15 points
Automatically calculates the events in the Event list.
Opens the Avalon Event List dialog box. See “Avalon Event List” on page 49
.
Autocalc Initial Events
Edit
Shortcut menu
Apply to All Peaks in
Compound
Apply to All Peaks in
Method
Updates all peaks in the current compound with the current settings on the Detect page.
These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks.
Updates all compounds in the method with the current settings on the Detect page. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks.
Apply to All Peaks with
Like Sensitivity Setting
Uses the current settings on the Detect page to update all compounds in the method that use the Avalon sensitivity mode. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks that use the Avalon sensitivity mode.
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Use the Suitability page to determine if the column is degrading and to identify suspicious peaks eluting at the same time as the target compound. Suspicious peaks caused by highly retained compounds from a previous injection tend to have a broader than expected peak profile. Tailing peaks frequently indicate a degrading column.
The Suitability page displays the parameter values to check the suitability of chromatographic peaks during processing. You can edit these parameters in the System Suitability dialog box.
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To set system suitability parameters
1. Click
Edit
.
The System Suitability dialog box opens. See
“System Suitability dialog box” on page 197 .
2. To perform symmetry testing, do the following: a. Select the
Symmetry Parameters
check box. b. Type a peak height for symmetry testing in the Peak Height box.
c.
Type a threshold for symmetry testing in the Symmetry Threshold box.
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3. To carry out classification tests, do the following: a. Select the
Peak Classification Parameters
check box.
b. To adjust Xcalibur peak width testing thresholds, type parameters in the Detect Peak
Width area as follows:
• To enter a peak height for the test, type a value in the Peak Height box.
• To enter a minimum peak width threshold, type a value in the Min Peak Width box.
c. To adjust the Xcalibur peak tailing test, type parameters in the Detect Tailing area:
• To enter a peak height for the test, type a value in the Peak Height box.
• To enter a threshold limit for peak tailing, type a value in the Failure Threshold box.
d. To adjust the Xcalibur column overload test, type parameters in the Detect Column
Overload area:
• To enter a peak height for the test, type a value in the Peak Height box.
e.
• To enter a threshold limit for peak tailing, type a value in the Failure Threshold box.
To adjust the Xcalibur baseline clipping test, type parameters in the Detect Baseline
Clipping area:
To define the test window, type a value in the Number of Peak Widths for Noise
Detection box.
4. To save your settings, click
OK
.
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Figure 48.
System Suitability dialog box
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Table 29.
System Suitability dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Symmetry Parameters
Peak Height
Description
Determines the symmetry of the left and right sides of the detected peak.
The percentage of the peak height at which to compare the symmetry of the left and right peak widths.
Symmetry Threshold
Left and right widths measured at 30% and 50% of the peak height
The minimum percentage difference to be considered symmetrical and pass the suitability test.
Peak Classification Parameters
Detect Peak Width
Peak Height
Determines the minimum width of each side of the peak measured at the specified percentage of the peak height.
The percentage of the peak height at which to measure the full peak width.
Min Peak Width
Full width measured at 30% and 50% of the peak height
Minimum peak width (measured at the specified percentage of the peak height) required to pass the suitability test.
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Table 29.
System Suitability dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Max Peak Width
Detect Tailing
Peak Height
Description
Maximum allowed peak width (measured at the specified percentage of the peak height) to pass the suitability test.
The width of the right side of the peak divided by the width of the left side of the peak at the specified percentage of the peak height.
The percentage of the peak height at which to measure the left and right sides of the peak.
Left and right widths measured at 10% and 30% of the peak height
Failure Threshold Minimum Detect Tailing value (RHS/LHS) required to pass the suitability test.
Detect Column Overload The width of the left side of the peak divided by the width of the right side of the peak at the specified percentage of the peak height.
Peak Height The percentage of the peak height at which to measure the left and right sides of the peak.
Failure Threshold
Left and right widths measured at 30% and 50% of the peak height
Minimum Detect Column Overload value (LHS/RHS) required to pass the suitability test.
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Use the Spectrum page to store a reference mass spectrum for a quantitative peak or compound.
For detailed descriptions of all the shortcut menu commands on the Spectrum page, see
Follow these procedures:
•
To create a reference spectrum
•
To update confirming ion ratios
•
To change the quantitation mass used for a quantitative peak
•
To add ions together to get an accumulated signal
•
To add a quantitative peak to an existing compound
•
To add one or more confirming ions to an existing compound
•
To zoom in on the chromatogram or spectrum displays
To create a reference spectrum
1. Click a peak in the quantitative peak chromatogram pane.
The mass spectrum for the peak is displayed in the Spectrum pane.
2. Right-click the Spectrum pane and choose
Apply Background Subtraction to Peak and
Set as Reference Spectrum
from the shortcut menu.
The application uses the background-subtracted reference spectrum during quantitative processing and reports the background-subtracted reference spectrum (indicated with BS in the scan heading) as the last scan for each compound in the Quantitation Report - 2 report.
Note
This command is available only when you select a background subtraction method on the Acquisition page in the master method. See
To update confirming ion ratios
1. Click a peak in the quantitative peak chromatogram pane.
The mass spectrum for the peak is displayed in the Spectrum pane.
2. Right-click the Spectrum pane and choose
Update Confirming Ion Ratios with This
Spectrum
from the shortcut menu.
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To change the quantitation mass used for a quantitative peak
1. Click a peak in the chromatogram pane.
The mass spectrum for the peak is displayed in the Spectrum pane.
2. In the Spectrum pane, hold the cursor over the mass-to-charge value for an ion.
A red box around the ion’s
m/z
value indicates that the ion is selected.
3. Right-click and choose one of the following commands from the shortcut menu:
• Set This Mass as Quan Mass > Don’t Update Ion Ratios
• Set This Mass as Quan Mass > Update Ion Ratios Using This Reference Spectrum
The following examples show an original quantitative peak and a quantitative peak with an updated quantitation mass.
Figure 49.
Original quantitative peak mass example
Original quantitative peak mass
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The TraceFinder application replaces the original quantitation mass with the selected mass.
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Figure 50.
Updated quantitative peak mass example
New quantitative peak mass
To add ions together to get an accumulated signal
1. Hold the cursor over the
m/z
value for an ion in the Spectrum pane.
A red box around the ion’s
m/z
value indicates that the ion is selected.
2. Right-click and choose
Add This Mass to Existing Quan Mass Range
from the shortcut menu.
You can now update the ion ratios to adjust the confirming ion comparisons to the new summed quantitative peak signal.
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To add a quantitative peak to an existing compound
1. Click the peak in the Quan Peak chromatogram pane.
The mass spectrum for the peak is displayed in the Spectrum pane.
2. In the Spectrum pane, hold the cursor over the
m/z
value for an ion.
A red box around the ion’s
m/z
value indicates that the ion is selected.
3. Right-click and choose
Set This Mass as New Quan Peak
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application adds this ion as a new quantitative peak.
New quantitative peak mass
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To add one or more confirming ions to an existing compound
1. Click the quantitative peak in the chromatogram pane.
The mass spectrum for the peak is displayed in the Spectrum pane.
2. In the Spectrum pane, hold the cursor over the
m/z
value for an ion.
A red box around the ion’s
m/z
value indicates that the ion is selected.
3. Right-click and choose to
Add This Mass as New Confirming Ion
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application adds the selected mass as a confirming peak for this quantitative peak.
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To zoom in on the chromatogram or spectrum displays
1. Drag the cursor to delineate a rectangle.
The display zooms in on the specified rectangle.
2. To return to the original display, right-click and choose
Reset Scaling
from the shortcut menu.
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Use the shortcut menu commands on the Spectrum page to store a reference mass spectrum for a quantitative peak or compound.
Figure 51.
Spectrum page
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Table 30.
Spectrum page shortcut menu commands
Command
Update Confirming Ion
Ratios With This Spectrum
Set This Mass as Quan
Mass
Add This Mass to Existing
Quan Mass Range
Description
Updates the confirming ion ratios using the selected peak.
Adds the quantitation mass of the selected ion to the quantitation mass used for the quantitative peak. You can choose to update the ion ratios or not update the ion ratios using this reference spectrum.
Adds the selected mass to your existing quantitation mass range. You can choose to update the ion ratios to adjust the confirming ion comparisons to the new summed quantitative peak signal.
Adds a new quantitative peak to an existing compound.
Set This Mass as New
Quan Peak
Add This Mass as New
Confirming Ion
Reset Scaling
Copy to Clipboard
Adds one or more confirming ion peaks to an existing compound.
Returns the chromatogram or spectrum display to its original size.
Copies the graphic display to the Clipboard.
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Use the Library page to define the criteria for library matching. For detailed descriptions of all
the features on the Library page, see Library page
.
To activate library matching
1. Select the
Enable
check box.
2. From the Library Search Type list, select the type of library to use for matching.
•
NIST
: Uses the NIST library that you installed with the TraceFinder application. See
“Installing the NIST and QED Libraries” on page 12
.
Note
Because the NIST library is large, using this library can slow sample processing.
•
Library Manager
: Uses the library that you specified in the Configuration console.
See
“Screening Libraries” on page 59
.
The application searches the library, matches the fragment ion spectrum in the library to the compound’s ion spectrum, and returns the highest score (best match).
3. Type a threshold value in the Score Threshold box.
To match a compound, the resulting score percentage from a library search match must be higher than your entered threshold value.
4. (Optional) Select the
Use Reverse Library Searching Only
check box.
A reverse search compares a library entry to an unknown compound (a forward search compares the mass spectrum of an unknown compound to a mass spectral library entry).
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Figure 52.
Library page
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Table 31.
Library page parameters
Command
Library Search Type
Score Threshold (%)
Use Reverse Library
Searching Only
Description
Specifies the type of library to use for matching.
•
NIST
: Uses the NIST library that you installed with the
•
TraceFinder application.
Library Manager
: Uses the library that you specified in the
Configuration console.
Specifies the minimum score for library matching. To match a compound, the resulting score percentage from a library search match must be higher than this threshold value.
A reverse search compares a library entry to an unknown compound (a forward search compares the mass spectrum of an unknown compound to a mass spectral library entry).
Shortcut menu
Set Peak Library Settings to All Peaks in
Compound
Set Peak Library Settings to All Peaks in Method
Updates all peaks in the current compound with the current settings on the Library page. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks. The application reprocesses all peaks in the compound and performs a new library search.
Updates all compounds in the method with the current settings on the Library page. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks. When you use this command in the local method for a processed batch, the application prompts you to reprocess the batch to update the library settings.
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Use the Isotopes page to define the criteria for identifying an isotope peak. To identify an isotopic pattern, the application must detect the compound for at least one of its defined adduct ions. The application identifies the elemental composition to match using the formula that is associated with the most intense adduct peak. The application then generates an isotopic pattern score (as a percentage value) for the match between the measured and expected isotopic patterns of the calculated elemental composition.
For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Isotopes page, see
.
To specify isotope criteria
1. Select the
Enable
check box to activate the isotopes features.
2. In the Fit Threshold box, type the fit threshold percentage.
The resulting score percentage from isotopic pattern matching must be higher than the specified fit threshold percentage.
3. In the Allowed Mass Deviation box, type the parts per million to use as the minimum deviation from the expected
m/z
.
The isotopic pattern algorithm considers an isotope peak as found if its measured
m/z
is less than this amount away from its expected
m/z
. For best results, set this value to a number that causes up to 98 percent of all mass deviations to be smaller than the allowed mass deviation value.
4. In the Allowed Intensity Deviation box, type a value to specify the allowed intensity deviation of the mass spectrometer relative to the monoisotopic ion, as a percentage of the base peak height.
The isotopic pattern algorithm considers an isotope peak as not found if its intensity, relative to the monoisotopic ion’s intensity, is more than the deviation percentage from the theoretical relative intensity of the isotope ion. For best results, set this value to a number that causes up to 98 percent of all intensity deviations to be smaller than the allowed intensity deviation value.
5. To specify that isotopic pattern calculations use internal mass calibration instead of external mass calibration, select the
Use Internal Mass Calibration
check box.
With this check box selected, the application applies a requirement that an isotope’s
m/z
must be closer to its theoretical value to avoid a score penalty.
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Figure 53.
Isotopes page
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Table 32.
Isotopes page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Fit Threshold %
Allowed Mass Deviation
(ppm)
Description
To identify a compound, the resulting score percentage from isotopic pattern matching must be higher than the specified fit threshold percentage.
Default: 90%
Specifies the allowed mass deviation in the spectrum data.
Allowed Intensity
Deviation (%)
The TraceFinder isotopic pattern algorithm considers an isotope peak as found if its measured
m/z
is less than this amount away from its expected
m/z
. For best results, set this value to a number that causes up to 98 percent of all mass deviations to be smaller than the allowed mass deviation value.
Range: 3 to 100 ppm
Default: 3 ppm
Specifies the allowed intensity deviation of the mass spectrometer, relative to the monoisotopic ion, as a percentage of the base peak height.
The TraceFinder isotopic pattern algorithm considers an isotope peak as not found if its intensity relative to the monoisotopic ion’s intensity is more than this deviation percentage from the theoretical relative intensity of the isotope ion. For best results, set this value to a number that causes up to 98% of all intensity deviations to be smaller than the allowed intensity deviation value.
Use Internal Mass
Calibration
Default: 10%
Specifies that the application require an isotope’s
m/z
to be closer to its theoretical value to avoid a score penalty.
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Table 32.
Isotopes page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Shortcut menu
Set Peak Isotope Settings to All Peaks in
Compound
Set Peak Isotope Settings to All Peaks in Method
Description
Updates all peaks in the current compound with the current settings on the Isotopes page. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks. The application reprocesses all peaks in the compound and performs a new library search.
Updates all compounds in the method with the current settings on the Isotopes page. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks. When you use this command in the local method for a processed batch, the application prompts you to reprocess the batch to update the library settings.
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Use the Fragments page to define the criteria for identifying a fragment ion.
To use fragment ions, the application requires the following conditions:
• The selected compound databases contain the charged mass for each defined fragment ion of interest for the compounds in the target list.
• The HCD (higher energy collision-induced dissociation), source CID (source collision-induced dissociation), or AIF (all ions fragmentation) ion spectra exist at a time point within the compound’s elution time range.
For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Fragments page, see Fragments page
.
To specify fragment ion options
1. Select the
Enable
check box.
2. To ignore the Fragment Ions options when no fragment is defined in the compound database, select the
Ignore If Not Defined
check box.
When the compound database does not define fragments for a compound, the application does not include the results for fragment ions in the results.
• When the Ignore If Not Defined option is selected, the application does not perform filtering for the Fragment Ions and, in the Data Review view, the FI column is blank.
• When the Ignore If Not Defined option is not selected, the application considers that this target compound is not identified. The Fragment Ions filter fails.
3. In the Min. # of Fragments box, type the minimum number of fragments required to identify a compound.
The application uses the number of fragment masses defined in the compound database when it processes a sample for fragment ions. The value you specify for Min. # of
Fragments cannot be greater than the number of fragments defined in the compound database.
4. In the Intensity Threshold box, type the intensity threshold value.
The intensity of a fragment must be above this threshold for the application to identify it.
5. In the Mass Tolerance box, type a mass tolerance value and then select
ppm
or
mmu
for the mass tolerance units.
This mass tolerance value indicates the number of millimass units or parts per million to use as the
m/z ±
tolerance value for the fragment ions. It is separate from the mass tolerance value specified for the parent peak.
Note
When using ion trap data, the application uses 300 mmu regardless of the value you enter here.
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Figure 54.
Fragments page
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Table 33.
Fragments page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Ignore If Not Defined
Min. # of Fragments
Intensity Threshold
Mass Tolerance
Description
Ignores the values you specify when no fragment is defined in the compound database, and does not include the results for fragment ions in the Data Review results.
Specifies the minimum number of fragments required to find the compound.
Range: 1 to 5
Default: 1
Specifies the minimum height of a fragment ion peak. The peak of a fragment ion must be above this intensity threshold for the application to find it.
Range: 1 to 1e9
Default: 10 000
Specifies the number of millimass units or parts per million to use as the
m/z ±
tolerance value for the fragment ions and is separate from the mass tolerance specified for the parent (see
Acquisition Page” on page 146 ).
Range: 0 to 500
Default: 5 ppm
Unit: mmu or ppm
Note
When using ion trap data, the application uses 300 mmu regardless of the value you enter here.
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Table 33.
Fragments page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Shortcut menu
Set Fragment Settings to All Peaks in
Compound
Set Fragment Settings to All Peaks in Method
Description
Updates all peaks in the current compound with the current settings on the Fragments page. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks. The application reprocesses all peaks in the compound and performs a new library search.
Updates all compounds in the method with the current settings on the Fragments page. These updates apply to both quantitative and confirming ion peaks. When you use this command in the local method for a processed batch, the application prompts you to reprocess the batch to update the library settings.
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Use the Ratios page to define the criteria for evaluating the confirming or qualifying ions. The
TraceFinder application detects compounds that have confirming ion values outside their acceptable window and flags them in the Acquisition mode and in reports.
For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Ratios page, see
.
To specify ion ratio criteria
1. Select the
Enable
check box to activate the confirming ion.
2. In the Target Ratio box, select the theoretical ratio of the confirming ion’s response to the quantification ion’s response.
3. In the Window Type list, select
Absolute
or
Relative
as the calculation approach for determining the acceptable ion ratio range.
4. In the Window (+/-%) box, select the acceptable ion ratio range.
5. In the Ion Coelution box, select the maximum difference in retention time between a confirming ion peak and the quantification ion peak.
In the following example, the target ratio is expected to be 61.02% and the window is
Absolute 20%, so the acceptable window for this confirming ion peak is 41.02–81.02%.
However, if the window type is Relative, the plus or minus value is 20% of 61.02% (or
12.20%), so the acceptable window for this confirming ion peak is 48.82–73.22%.
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Figure 55.
Ratios page
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Table 34.
Ratios page parameters
Parameter
Enable
Target Ratio (%)
Window Type
Description
Makes the ion ratio criteria available.
The theoretical ratio of the confirming ion’s response to the quantification ion’s response.
The absolute or relative calculation approach for determining the acceptable ion ratio range.
Window (+/-%)
Ion Coelution (min)
The acceptable ion ratio range.
The maximum difference in retention time between a confirming ion peak and the quantification ion peak.
Shortcut menu commands
Set Ion Ratio to All
Confirming Peaks in
Compound
Set Ion Ratio to All
Confirming Peaks in
Method
Copies the Window Type, Window, and Ion Coelution values to all confirming ion peaks for the compound and updates the compound.
Available only when a compound has multiple confirming ion peaks.
Copies the Window Type, Window, and Ion Coelution values to all quantitative peaks for the method and updates the method.
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Use the Calibration page to set or edit the mathematical model used for preparing the initial calibration evaluation for one or more calibration standards.
Each target compound can have its own initial calibration settings, independent of the other compounds. You can modify the calibration approach on this page or in Acquisition mode when you view the results of an actual calibration batch.
Typically, general quantitation uses a measured response (area or height) to determine the amount of a compound contained in a sample. The application compares the response of an unknown, target compound to the response of a calibration sample that contains a known amount of the compound by building a calibration curve to interpolate the amount in the target compound.
To use a semi-quantitative process, you specify the compound’s standard type as Estimated and then identify another compound as the linked compound. Instead of using the target compound to create a calibration curve, the application uses a calibration curve from the linked compound to calculate the amount in the target compound.
To use a real sample for the calibration procedure, you specify the compound’s standard type as Std Addition. The autosampler divides the sample into multiple portions (one unspiked portion and at least two spiked portions). To maintain consistent conditions across all samples, the autosampler adds selected amounts of standard into the vials and adds a volume of a solvent calculated to maintain constancy in the total volume of liquid in each vial.
Follow these procedures:
•
To specify an internal standard type for a compound
•
To specify an estimated standard type for a compound
•
To specify a standard addition standard type for a compound
To specify an internal standard type for a compound
1. On the Identification page, specify at least one compound in the method as an internal
standard compound type. See “Identification” on page 158 .
2. On the Calibration page, do the following: a. In the Standard Type column, select
Internal
.
b. In the ISTD column, select the compound that you want to use as the internal standard for this compound.
The application lists only compounds specified as internal standards on the
Identification page.
To view the internal standard peak in the Analysis mode, see “Compound Details” on page 468 .
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To specify an estimated standard type for a compound
1. In the Standard Type column, select
Estimated
.
2. In the Linked Compound column, select any other compound in the method that you want to link to this compound.
The Estimation Method value defaults to Ext Curve and is read-only.
The Compound Results in Data Review display the Calculated Amt value as N/F (not found) highlighted in green.
To specify a standard addition standard type for a compound
In the Standard Type column, select
Std Addition
.
• The Curve Type column value defaults to Linear and is read-only.
• The Origin column value defaults to Ignore and is read-only.
• The Weighting column value defaults to Equal and is read-only.
When you process this sample, the application divides the sample into multiple portions: one portion is not spiked and at least two portions are spiked. The application calculates the analyte concentration as
intercept/slope
, where
intercept
is the
y
-intercept of the regression line and
slope
is the slope of the regression line.
When you use the Std Addition calibration, the
y
-intercept on the calibration curve might not be at 0, as shown in the following figure:
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The Compound Results in Data Review display the following:
• The Calculated Amt value is the spiked amount from the calibration curve.
• The Theoretical Amt value is the level defined in the method.
• The Sample Amt value is the actual amount in the standard spike plus the spiked amount in each standard.
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Use the features on the Calibration page to define the mathematical model used for preparing the initial calibration evaluation for one or more calibration standards.
Figure 56.
Calibration page
Table 35.
Calibration page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
RT
Compound
Compound Type
Standard Type
Response Via
Curve Type
Origin
Weighting
Units
ISTD
Amount
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
Displays the compound type as a Target Compound or an Internal Standard.
Specifies Internal, External, Estimated, or Std Addition standards.
The use of area or height. When you set the standard type to Estimated, this column is inactive.
Specifies Linear, Quadratic, or AverageRF curve types. When you set the standard type to
Estimated, this column is inactive. When you set the standard type to Std Addition, this column value defaults to Linear and is read-only.
The origin treatment is Ignore, Include, or Force. The Origin and Weighting columns are available only when you use Linear or Quadratic curve types. When you set the standard type to Estimated, this column is inactive. When you set the standard type to Std Addition, this column value defaults to Ignore and is read-only.
Specifies the weighting as Equal, 1/X, 1/X^2, 1/Y, or 1/Y^2. When you set the standard type to Estimated, this column is inactive. When you set the standard type to Std Addition, this column value defaults to Equal and is read-only.
The units to be displayed with the calculated values.
The internal standard (ISTD) for a target compound or surrogate. The list displays all compounds with the compound type of Internal Standard. This column is available only when you set the standard type to Internal.
The amount of the internal standard for ISTD compounds. When you set the standard type to Estimated, this column is inactive.
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Table 35.
Calibration page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Linked Compound
Estimation Method
Shortcut menu
Description
This column is available only when the standard type is set to Estimated. The list of available compounds to be linked does not include any compounds whose standard type is set to Estimated.
This column is unavailable for editing when the standard type is set to Estimated.
• When the compound type for the associated linked compound is Target Compound, the estimation method is automatically set to Ext Curve.
• When the compound type for the associated linked compound is Internal Standard, the estimation method is automatically set to Ratio.
The Calibration page uses a right-click shortcut menu. See “Using the Shortcut Menu
.
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On the Calibration Levels page for a master method, you can define the standards for calibration. You can edit calibration levels and concentrations for master methods only. The contents of this page are read-only when you are editing a local method.
For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Calibration Levels page, see Calibration
You can use the copy-and-paste functions in the shortcut menu to copy calibration levels from one column to another or from one master method to another. For detailed instructions, see
“Copying and Pasting Column Values” on page 226 .
To specify calibration levels and concentrations
1. Select the compound whose calibration levels and concentrations you want to define.
2. In the Manage Calibration Levels area, type a value for the first calibration level.
The application adds a new, empty calibration level row beneath the edited row.
3. Continue adding calibration levels.
When you finish adding calibration levels, you can specify the concentrations for each compound at each level.
4. To enter the concentrations in the table, do the following: a. Select the first calibration level table cell.
b. Click the cell again to make it editable.
c.
Type a concentration value.
5. Repeat Step 4 for all calibration levels associated with the first compound.
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6. To specify the same concentration values for all compounds, select the value that you want to copy, right-click, and choose
Copy Down
from the shortcut menu.
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Figure 57.
Calibration Levels page
Table 36.
Calibration Levels page parameters
Parameter
RT
Compound
CalLevel_1–CalLevel_n
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
User-defined calibration levels for the compound. The names you enter here become the column headers for the calibration levels.
Manage Calibration Levels Defines values for each of the calibration level values for the selected compound.
Shortcut menu
The Calibration Levels page uses a right-click shortcut menu.
See “Using the Shortcut Menu Commands” on page 225
.
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Use the QC Check Levels page for a master method to define the standards for QC Check levels. You can edit QC Check levels for master methods only. The contents of this page are read-only when you are editing a local method. For detailed descriptions of all the features on
the QC Check Levels page, see “QC Check Levels page” on page 222
.
You can use the copy-and-paste functions in the shortcut menu to copy QC Check levels from one column to another or from one master method to another. For detailed instructions, see
“Copying and Pasting Column Values” on page 226 .
To specify QC Check levels and concentrations
1. Select the compound whose QC Check levels, percentage test values, and concentrations you want to define.
2. In the Manage QC Check Levels area, type a name for the first QC Check level.
The TraceFinder application adds a new, empty QC Check level row beneath the edited row.
3. Type a value for the % Test.
The % Test is the acceptable difference (as a percentage) between the known amount and the calculated (measured) amount of each QC Check level.
4. Continue adding QC Check levels and values for the percentage test.
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When you finish adding QC Check levels, you can specify the concentrations for each level for each compound.
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5. To enter the concentration values in the table, do the following: a. Select the first QC Check level table cell.
b. Click the cell again to make it editable.
c.
Type a concentration value.
6. Repeat
for all QC Check levels associated with the first compound.
7. To specify the same concentration values for all compounds, select the value that you want to copy, right-click, and choose
Copy Down
from the shortcut menu.
Figure 58.
QC Check Levels page
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Use the Real Time Viewer page to specify which traces display in the Real Time Status pane
when you perform acquisition in the Acquisition mode. See “Real Time Status Pane” on page 350 .
Figure 59.
Real Time Viewer page
Table 37.
Real Time Viewer page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Show Quan Peaks
Only
Description
Displays only quantitative peaks in the compounds list. Quantitative peaks are indicated with a black dot in the Quan Peak column.
Displayable Traces
Quan Peak
Compound Name
Trace
Dots indicate quantitative peak traces. Unmarked traces indicate confirming ion peaks.
Names of all compounds in the method.
Lists the simple mass or precursor mass for all traces—both quantitative peak and confirming ion peak—for each compound.
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Table 37.
Real Time Viewer page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter Description
Moves the selected trace to the Traces to Display in Real Time Viewer pane.
Moves the selected trace to the Displayable Traces pane.
Moves all traces to the Displayable Traces pane.
To move multiple traces to the Traces to Display... pane, hold down the SHIFT key, select multiple traces, and then click .
Traces to Display in
Real Time Viewer (
n
/25)
Move to Top
Move Up
Move Down
Move to Bottom
List the traces to be displayed and the display order used in the real-time display in the
Acquisition mode. See “Real-Time Trace Display” on page 365
.
Maximum number of traces is 25.
Moves the selected trace to the top of the Traces to Display... list and the second position in the real-time display. The TIC is always the first position in the real-time display in the
Acquisition mode.
Moves the selected trace up one position in the list.
Moves the selected trace down one position in the list.
Moves the selected trace to the bottom of the list.
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Each page on the Compounds page (except the Acquisition List and Real Time Viewer pages) uses right-click shortcut menu commands to display or hide the retention column, remove compounds from the method, copy and paste data, or save the compound list to a CSV file.
Thermo Scientific
Table 38.
Compounds page shortcut menu commands (Sheet 1 of 2)
Command Description
Copy Down Copies the value in the selected row to all rows below it. This command is available only when you have selected a value that can be copied down. See
Appendix C, “Using Copy Down and
Display Retention Time
Column
Displays or hides the RT column in the compound list.
Delete Compound From
Method
Removes the selected compound from the current master method.
Copy Copies the data in the selected rows or columns to the Clipboard.
Use this command to copy compound information to a text editor or spreadsheet application. You cannot paste this data back into the method development compound list.
Copy With Headers
Paste
Undo Last Paste
Copies the data in the selected rows or columns and the associated column headers to the Clipboard. Use this command to copy sample information to a text editor or spreadsheet application. You cannot paste this data back into the method development compound list.
Pastes a single column of copied data from a text editor or spreadsheet application into the selected column. The pasted data must be valid data for the selected column.
Removes the last pasted item in the method development compound list.
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Table 38.
Compounds page shortcut menu commands (Sheet 2 of 2)
Command
Export to CSV File
Description
Opens the Save As dialog box where you can save the current compound list to a CSV file.
Sorts the compounds alphabetically from A to Z.
Sort by Compound
Name
Sort by Retention Time Sorts the compounds from shortest retention time to longest retention time.
Table 39.
QC Check Levels page parameters
Parameter
RT
Compound
Level_1–Level_n
Manage QC Check
Levels
Level
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
User-defined quality control levels for the compound.
% Test
Shortcut menu
User-defined quality control level names. The names you enter here become the column headers for the QC Check levels.
A value for the acceptable difference (as a percentage) between the known amount and calculated (measured) amount of each QC
Check level.
The QC Check Levels page uses a right-click shortcut menu. See
“Using the Shortcut Menu Commands” on page 225 .
You can use the copy-and-paste functions in the shortcut menu to copy column values within a master method or from one master method to another. You can use these copy-and-paste techniques on any pages with grids of data in the Compounds and QAQC views.
After you copy grid values to the Clipboard, you can paste them into a text application such as
Notepad, an email, a spreadsheet, other grid cells in the same master method, or into another master method.
Tip
When copying data into an application other than a TraceFinder master method grid, use the Copy with Headers command instead of the Copy command in the shortcut menu to preserve the column headers.
Following these procedures:
•
To copy a value from one cell to another cell
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•
To copy all values in a column to another column
•
•
To copy an entire grid to another master method
To copy a value from one cell to another cell
1. Select a cell value to copy to the Clipboard.
You can select either an entire table cell or just a cell value.
Cell is selected.
Cell value is selected.
2. Right-click and choose
Copy
from the shortcut menu.
The application copies either the selected cell value or the selected cell to the Clipboard.
3. In this or another master method, select the cell value or table cell that you want to overwrite.
• If you copied a cell value, you can select the cell value or simply click in the cell.
• If you copied an entire cell, you must select a table cell to overwrite.
4. Right-click and choose
Paste
from the shortcut menu.
The application replaces the selected value with the value copied to the Clipboard.
To copy all values in a column to another column
1. Use the SHIFT key to select the column to copy.
2. Right-click and choose
Copy
from the shortcut menu.
3. In this or another master method, use the SHIFT key to select the column to overwrite.
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4. Right-click and choose
Paste
from the shortcut menu.
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The application overwrites the selected cells with the cells that you copied to the
Clipboard.
To copy multiple columns
1. Use the SHIFT key to select the columns to copy.
2. Right-click and choose
Copy
from the shortcut menu.
3. In this or another master method, use the SHIFT key to select the columns to overwrite.
4. Right-click and choose
Paste
from the shortcut menu.
The application overwrites the selected cells with the cells that you copied to the
Clipboard.
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To copy an entire grid to another master method
1. Use the SHIFT key to select all the columns in the grid.
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2. Right-click and choose
Copy
from the shortcut menu.
3. In another master method, use the SHIFT key to select the columns to overwrite.
4. Right-click and choose
Paste
from the shortcut menu.
The application overwrites the selected cells with the cells that you copied to the
Clipboard.
Note
When the Clipboard contains more cells of data than there are selected target cells for the paste operation, the application overwrites the selected cells and reports that the Clipboard contents were truncated to fit the grid.
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Use the QAQC page to set limits and ranges so that the TraceFinder application can review the data and results as an aid to final approval.
On most QAQC pages, you can use the copy-and-paste functions in the shortcut menu to copy grid values from one column to another or from one master method to another. For detailed instructions, see
“Copying and Pasting Column Values” on page 226 .
To open the QAQC page
Click
QAQC
in the Method View navigation pane.
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Available only when you activate the
Intelligent Sequencing option in the Configuration console.
From the QAQC page of the Method View, you can access these additional pages:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Figure 60.
Limits page
Use the Limits page to define levels of review for quantified results. Quantified results appear in printed and electronic reports. You can also define when a quantified value is reported instead of reporting less than a particular limit.
Table 40.
Limits page parameters
Parameter
RT
Compound
LOD
(Detection Limit)
LOQ
(Quantitation Limit)
Cutoff
ULOL
(Linearity Limit)
Carryover Limit
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
Limit of detection. The lowest amount that can be detected. Usually derived from a method detection limit (mdl) study.
Limit of quantitation. The lowest amount that can be confidently and accurately quantitated. This is usually the lowest calibration amount.
Also called limit of reporting (LOR) in some industries. This is the lowest amount that can be reported, as determined by each laboratory’s standard operating practices.
Upper limit of linearity. This is usually the highest calibrator amount.
The highest amount of a substance that does not leave a residual amount in the instrument.
If a substance has a carryover limit of 5, amounts higher than 5 usually dirty the instrument and leave residue behind, tainting the following sample. A carryover limit of less than 5 does not leave any residual amounts of the substance.
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Use the Calibration page to define acceptable criteria for initial calibration. The TraceFinder application compares the initial calibration results for each compound found in the sample to the values defined on this page.
In the Calibration report, the application flags the calculated values for internal standard compounds that exceed these limits.
Figure 61.
Calibration page
Table 41.
Calibration page parameters
Parameter
RT
Compound
R^2 Threshold
Max RSD (%)
Min RF
Max Amt Diff (%)
CV Test (%)
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
The minimum correlation coefficient (r
2
) for an acceptable calibration (when in linear or quadratic mode).
The maximum relative standard deviation (RSD) for an acceptable calibration (when in average RF mode).
Note
This RSD value is not the same value used in Data Review or the Compound
Calibration Report. The application uses this RSD value when you select AverageRF as
the curve type for the method. See “Calibration Page” on page 217
.
The minimum average response factor (RF) for an acceptable calibration (when in average
RF mode).
The maximum deviation between the calculated and theoretical concentrations of the calibration curve data points (when in linear or quadratic mode).
Coefficient of Variance test. The coefficient of variance percentage is the standard deviation of the multiple samples of one level, multiplied by 100, and then divided by the average of the multiple samples of that level. This calculation is based on the areas of the peaks.
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Use the QC Check page to review the calibration on an ongoing basis. The TraceFinder application compares the quality check standard results for each compound in the sample to the initial calibration using values defined on this page.
In the Quality Control report, the TraceFinder application flags the calculated values for internal standard compounds that exceed these limits.
For linear and quadratic modes, the maximum difference for the calculated concentration in the QC sample versus the theoretical value is set on the QC Levels page of the Compounds page.
Figure 62.
QC Check page
Table 42.
QC Check page parameters
Parameter
RT
Compound
Max RF Diff (%)
Min RF
CV Test (%)
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
The maximum deviation between the response factor (RF) of the
QC sample and the average response factor from the calibration
(when in average RF mode).
The minimum response factor for the QC sample (when in average RF mode).
Coefficient of Variance test. The coefficient of variance percentage is the standard deviation of the multiple samples of one level, multiplied by 100, and then divided by the average of the multiple samples of that level. This calculation is based on the areas of the peaks.
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Use the Negative page to define acceptable levels of target compounds in blank samples. The
TraceFinder application compares the calculated concentration for each compound in the sample to the maximum concentration defined on this page. You can enter the maximum concentration as a percentage of a flag value or as a specified value.
For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Negative page, see Negative page parameters
.
In the Negative report, the application flags the calculated values for target compounds that exceed these limits.
To specify the maximum concentration as a percentage
1. From the Method column list, select one of the following methods:
• % of LOD
• % of LOQ
• % of LOR
2. In the Percentage column, type a percentage value.
Figure 63.
Negative page
To specify the maximum concentration
1. From the Method column list, select
Concentration
.
2. In the Max Conc column, type an absolute value.
Table 43.
Negative page parameters
Parameter
RT
Compound
Method
Percentage
Max Conc
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
The evaluation process used for comparing the calculated concentration. You can specify no maximum, a specific concentration, or a percentage of the LOR, LOD, or LOQ.
The percentage of the LOR, LOD, or LOQ if you are using the percentage approach.
The maximum concentration if you are using an absolute value.
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Figure 64.
ISTD page
Use the ISTD page to review the response and retention time of internal standards (when available). The TraceFinder application compares the area and retention time results for each internal standard compound in the sample to a specified range.
If all of your target compounds are set to external calibration mode or if you have not identified any compounds as internal standards, this page does not show any values.
Table 44.
ISTD page parameters
Parameter
RT
Compound
Min Recovery (%)
Max Recovery (%)
Min RT (–min)
Max RT (+min)
CV Test (%)
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
The minimum and maximum percent recoveries for the internal standards to define an acceptable range. For check standards, the TraceFinder application compares the response of each internal standard in each sample to a range around the average of the responses of that compound in all of the calibration standards. For all other samples, the application calculates the comparison range around the check standard responses if a check standard is available in the batch. If no check standard is available, the application tests against the initial calibration.
The minimum and maximum drift (in minutes) for the internal standards to define an acceptable range. For check standards, the TraceFinder application compares the retention time of each internal standard in each sample to a range around the average of the retention times of that compound in all of the calibration standards. For all other samples, the application calculates the comparison range around the check standard retention times if a check standard is available in the batch. If no check standard is available, the application tests against the initial calibration.
Coefficient of Variance test. The coefficient of variance percentage is the standard deviation of the multiple samples of one level, multiplied by 100, and then divided by the average of the multiple samples of that level. This calculation is based on the areas of the peaks.
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Use the Solvent Blank page to view or edit QC values for solvent reporting. The application compares the calculated response for each compound in the sample to the maximum response defined on this page.
In the Solvent Blank report, the TraceFinder application flags the calculated values for target compounds that exceed these limits.
Figure 65.
Solvent Blank page
Table 45.
Solvent Blank page parameters
Parameter
RT
Compound
Method
Upper Limit
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
The evaluation process to use as a response for the quantitation ion only (Quan Ion RT) or as a summed response for the quantitation ion and any confirming ions (All Ion RT). To deactivate the solvent blank test for a specific compound, select
None
.
Specifies an upper limit for each compound in the sample when you select an evaluation process. These values are not concentrations; they are raw response values.
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Use the Threshold page (see “Threshold page” on page 238 ) to specify how to create a
threshold guide to overlay on compounds in the Comparative View in the Data Review mode.
For each compound, you can specify an absolute value or you can specify a percentage of the peak height. The application uses the selected threshold method and the specified amount to
create a threshold guide in the Comparative View chromatograms. See “Comparative View” on page 436
.
When you create a batch, you can group samples and then specify a sample in the group as the threshold sample to use in the Comparative View. For instructions about specifying a
threshold sample, see “Threshold Samples Page” on page 412 .
In the following figures, the threshold for the dibutyl phthalate compound is 50 percent of the peak height in the threshold sample, the samples Benzo26473, Benzo25557, and
Benzo26154 are members of groupB, and the threshold sample for the group is Benzo26473.
In the Comparative Data view, you can easily see that the peak height of dibutyl phthalate in the other samples in the group is less than 50 percent of the peak height in the threshold sample.
Figure 66.
QAQC page in Method View
Thermo Scientific
Figure 67.
Samples page in Batch View
Threshold method
Threshold at 50% of the peak height in the threshold sample
Samples belong to the same group
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Figure 68.
Threshold Samples page in Batch View
Benzo26473 selected as the threshold sample for groupb
Figure 69.
Comparative View in Data Review
Threshold sample
Threshold percentage - 50%
Figure 70.
Threshold page
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Table 46.
Threshold page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
RT
Compound
Method
Description
Retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
Specifies the threshold method as a specific peak height value
(Threshold) or as a percentage of the peak height in the threshold sample (% of Threshold Sample).
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Table 46.
Threshold page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Threshold
Description
Specifies the absolute peak height value to use when you select the
Threshold method. This value represents the default threshold value to use when you do not specify a Threshold Sample for a group of samples.
Percentage
Default: 1.000
Specifies the percentage of the peak height value to use when you select the % of Threshold Sample method. This value represents a percentage of the actual peak height in the Threshold Sample you select for a group of samples. For instructions about specifying a
Threshold Sample, see “Threshold Samples Page” on page 412 .
Default: 0.1
Range: 0.1 to 100.1
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Use the Hydrolysis page to specify the hydrolysis checks for compounds.
Figure 71.
Hydrolysis page
Table 47.
Hydrolysis page parameters
Parameter
RT
Compound
Method
Threshold/Lower
Limit
Description
Retention time. The time after injection at which the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
The compound name.
The evaluation process to use, specified as either a lower threshold or a range. To deactivate the hydrolysis test for a specific compound, select
None
.
For compounds using the Threshold method, this specifies the threshold value for the hydrolysis test. Values below this threshold are flagged in the Hydrolysis report.
For compounds using the Range method, this specifies the lower limit of the range.
For compounds using the Range method, this parameter specifies the upper limit of the range. Upper Limit
Shortcut menu
Copy Down Copies the selected column value to all rows in that column. For detailed instructions about using the Copy Down command, see
Appendix C, “Using Copy Down and Fill Down.”
Displays or hides the RT column in the compound list.
Display Retention
Time Column
Delete Compound
From Method
Copy
Removes the selected compound from the current master method.
Copy With Headers
Paste
Undo Last Paste
Export to CSV File
Copies the data in the selected rows or columns to the Clipboard. Use this command to copy compound information to another application, such as an Excel spreadsheet. You cannot paste this data back into the method development compound list.
Copies the data in the selected rows or columns and the associated column headers to the
Clipboard. Use this command to copy compound information to another application, such as an Excel spreadsheet.
Pastes a single column of copied data from another application, such as an Excel spreadsheet, into the selected column. The pasted data must be valid data for the selected column.
Removes the last pasted item in the method development compound list.
Opens the Save As dialog box where you can save the current compound list to a CSV file.
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Use the Groups page of the Method View to organize compounds into functional or logical groups. You can use these groups for creating a subset of target compounds. For detailed descriptions of all the features on the Groups page, see
For quantitative processing, the TraceFinder application processes all compounds in the method and stores the complete result set, but only those in the selected group are visible in the Acquisition mode. Limiting the displayed compounds to those in the selected group can be useful when working with a master method containing a large list of compounds, only some of which are required for analysis in certain samples. In that case, the application requires only a single method and can reduce the results. To display only those compounds to be used in quantitative processing, select
Quan Compounds
from the Show list.
You can create multiple groups and include the same compound in more than one group.
To open the Groups page
Click
Groups
in the Method View navigation pane.
Thermo Scientific
Available only when you activate the
Intelligent Sequencing option in the Configuration console.
To create a group
1. At the bottom of the Groups area, click
Add Group
.
The Add a New Group dialog box opens.
2. Type a name for the new group and click
OK
.
The new group appears in the Groups area.
3. Drag a compound from the Compounds area onto a group name (as if you were moving files into a folder).
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4. To remove all the compounds from a group, rename the group, or delete it, right-click the group name and choose from the shortcut menu.
5. To remove a single compound, right-click the compound name in the group and choose
Remove from Group
from the shortcut menu.
Use the features on the Groups page to organize compounds into functional or logical groups.
Figure 72.
Groups page
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Table 48.
Groups page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Compounds
Groups
Add Group
Description
Lists all available compounds.
Lists all available groups.
Opens the Add a New Group dialog box where you can create a new group.
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Editing a Master Method
Table 48.
Groups page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Shortcut menu
Empty Group
Rename Group
Delete Group
Remove From Group
Description
Removes all compounds from the selected group.
Changes the name of the selected group.
Removes the selected group and all the compounds in it.
Removes the selected compound from its group.
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Use the Intelligent Sequencing page to specify the actions you want the application to take when there are acquisition failures with each sample type. The Intelligent Sequencing page is available only when you activate the Intelligent Sequencing option in the Configuration
console. See “Intelligent Sequencing” on page 62 .
To open the Intelligent Sequencing page
Click
Intel Seq
in the Method View navigation pane.
The Intelligent Sequencing page opens.
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To specify actions for sample acquisition failures
1. In the Sample Types list, select a sample type.
2. For each failure flag, select a failure action.
The failure action choices are the same for each failure flag except flags for Solvent or
Negative sample types. The Solvent and Negative sample types do not have Auto Sample or Auto Sample and Reinject failure actions.
Thermo Scientific
Each Failure Action requires one or more of the following values:
• Sample Type
• Priority
• Max Action Count
• Failure Continuation
For a detailed description of each of these parameters, see
.
3. Select a sample type to use for the failure action.
This value is available only for Auto Sample and Auto Sample and Reinject failure actions. When you create your samples list on the Auto Samples page, you must include at least one sample with this sample type for the autosampler to use when it encounters
this error condition. See “Auto Samples Page” on page 409 .
4. In the Priority column, type a priority value for this action.
The priority value can be any positive or negative integer.
• The application performs the failure action for the highest priority failure it encounters and ignores all others.
• When you assign the same priority to two or more failures, the application performs the failure action for the first failure it encounters and ignores all others.
5. In the Max Action Count column, type a value for the maximum number of times the application should repeat a sample.
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6. In the Failure Continuation column, do one of the following:
• Select the check box to skip this sample and continue to the next sample when this sample exceeds the Max Action Count value.
• Clear the check box to stop the batch when this sample exceeds the Max Action
Count value.
The following example shows the actions that the TraceFinder application uses when the acquisition for a sample fails.
1. The acquisition encounters an Ion Ratio Failure error on a sample.
2. The application runs a Solvent sample.
3. The application reinjects the original sample.
4. This action is priority 0 in the Acquisition queue.
5. The application repeats this autosample and reinject process two times.
6. After repeating the failure action two times, the application skips the sample and continues to the next sample.
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Use the Actions pane to specify what action the application takes when it encounters a submission failure for the type of failure flag associated with each sample type.
Table 49.
Actions parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Flag
Failure Action
Sample Type
Priority
Description
Flag (error) types specific to each sample type. See Sample-Specific
. Each flag type has a set of user-specified actions that the application follows when it encounters this error.
In the event of a failed sample, the application does one of the following:
•
Continue
: Continues to the next sample in the batch.
•
•
•
Stop
: Stops the batch.
Auto Sample
: Injects the sample type specified for the Auto
Sample Type parameter and continues to the next sample.
Reinject
: Reinjects the current sample by inserting a “reinject”
• sample in the batch.
Auto Sample and Reinject
: Injects the sample type specified for the Auto Sample Type parameter and then reinjects the failed sample.
Specifies either a Solvent or Negative sample type to use for the auto sample injection.
Default: Solvent
The priority value can be any positive or negative integer.
When two or more failures have the same priority, the application performs the failure action for the first failure it encounters and ignores all others.
The application performs the failure action for the highest priority failure and ignores all others.
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Table 49.
Actions parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Max Action Count
Failure Continuation
Description
Specifies the maximum number of times the application should repeat a sample before it continues to the next sample or stops the sequence, as determined by the value in the Failure Continuation parameter.
Default: 1
When this check box is selected, samples that exceed the value specified for the Max Action Count parameter cause the application to skip the sample and continue to the next sample.
Default: Selected
When this check box is cleared, samples that exceed the value specified for the Max Action Count parameter cause the application to stop the batch.
Each sample type has a specific set of failure flags.
Sample Type
Negative
Calibrator
QC
Hydrolysis
Solvent
Unextracted
Specimen
Flag
• Negative
• Cal Out of Range
• Ion Ratio Failure
• Carryover
• Ion Ratio Failure
• Out of Range
• Ion Ratio Failure
• Hydrolysis
• Solvent Flag
• Ion Ratio Failure
• Ion Ratio Failure
• Carryover
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Use the Reports page to specify how you want to save or print your reports. For detailed
descriptions of the features on the Reports page, see Reports Page
.
For the quantitation report types, you can modify quantitation limits flags, user interface options, and quantitation flag options on the Quan Report Settings page.
This section includes instructions for the following tasks:
•
•
Specifying Quan Report Settings
For each report type, you can create a hard-copy printout, a PDF file, or an XML file.
To open the Reports page
Click
Reports
in the Method View navigation pane.
Thermo Scientific
Available only when you activate the
Intelligent Sequencing option in the Configuration console.
The Reports page opens with a list of all configured reports.
To configure which reports are available when you create a master method or which
reports create a batch-level report, see “Specifying the Reports” on page 72
.
To specify report types and output formats
1. To edit the Report Title, double-click the name and type your new custom title.
The TraceFinder application uses this title for all reports that use this master method. You cannot edit the Report Title from other report views.
2. To specify the type of report output to create for each report type, select the check box in the appropriate column.
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3. To duplicate an output type for all reports, click the cell to select it, and then right-click and choose
Copy Down
from the shortcut menu.
All check boxes in the column below the selected cell duplicate the selected or cleared state of the selected cell. This action applies only to reports where this output format is available. By default, all report types are cleared.
Use the features on the Reports page to specify how you want to save or print your reports.
Figure 73.
Reports page
Table 50.
Reports page parameters
Parameter
Report list columns
Report
Create PDF
Create CSV
Create Excel
Found
Description
The name of a report.
Sends reports to the default printer.
Saves reports as PDF files.
Saves reports as CSV files.
Saves reports as Excel files.
Indicates that the report template is identified in the
C:\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\ReportTemplates folder.
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Use the options on the Quan Report Settings page to choose parameters for flagging values and displaying information in reports. See
“Quan Report Settings Page” on page 254
.
Follow these procedures:
•
To specify quantitation limits
•
To specify user interface options
•
To specify quantitation flag options
•
To specify the concentration calculation method
•
To track the use of the tune file
To specify quantitation limits
1. To report the calculated concentration at all times or only when the quantified value exceeds LOD, LOQ, or LOR, choose the appropriate value from the Report
Concentration list.
For a description of concentration limits, see “Editing the QAQC Page” on page 230
.
2. To select the number of decimal places to report for calculated concentrations, set the value in the Decimal Places to be Reported box.
3. To include a chromatogram of the sample in the Quantitation Report, select the
Show
Chromatogram on Quantitation Report
check box.
4. To display only valid compounds, select the
Display Compounds Above Set Limit
check box.
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To specify user interface options
1. To shade a compound row in any of the reports if a value fails one of the criteria used for evaluation, select the
Shade Row when Sample is Outside of Evaluation Criteria
check box.
2. To separate the ion overlay pane from the confirming ion plots, select the
Separate Ion
Overlay Display
check box.
3. To use an alternate format for the Calibration Report designed to print more concisely and limit the report to a maximum of seven calibration standards, select the
Use
Alternate Calibration Report Format
check box.
To specify quantitation flag options
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Select the values that you want to display in the report.
Values are above or below the limits defined on the Quan page.
These flags appear in a variety of reports and are defined in
“Quan Report Settings page parameters” on page 254 .
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Editing a Master Method
To specify the concentration calculation method
In the Calculate Concentration As box, select
Rounded
or
Truncated
.
•
Rounded
: Rounds the calculated amount to the nearest value using the number of decimal places specified in the Quan Limits Flags area.
•
Truncated
: Truncates the calculated amount at the number of decimal places specified in the Quan Limits Flags area.
See “To specify quantitation limits” on page 251 .
To track the use of the tune file
1. Select the
Enable Tune Time Tracking
check box.
This option tracks the number of hours between the last instrument tune and each sample acquisition.
2. In the Tune File Lifetime box, enter the number of hours that you want to allow between the last instrument tune and a sample acquisition.
Any sample acquired outside this maximum allowable time is flagged in the Batch report.
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Use the features on the Quan Report Settings page to specify parameters for flagging values and displaying information in reports.
Figure 74.
Quan Report Settings page
Table 51.
Quan Report Settings page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Description Parameter
Quan Limits Flags
Report Concentration Reports the concentration at all times or only when the quantified value exceeds either the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantitation (LOQ), or the limit of reporting (LOR).
Report concentration: Always, >LOD, >LOQ, or >LOR.
Number of decimal places to be included in the report. Maximum value is 6.
Decimal Places to be
Reported
Show Chromatogram on Quantitation
Report
Display Compounds
Above Set Limit
Displays a chromatogram (TIC trace) of the sample in the quantitation report.
Prints reports for only the compounds that are found in a sample. If a compound is above the specified Quan Flag Options limits, the TraceFinder application reports the compound.
This prevents generating “empty” reports for the compounds that are not found.
User Interface Options
Shade Row When
Sample is Outside of
Evaluation Criteria
Separate Ion Overlay
Display
Shades a compound row in any of the reports if a value fails one of the criteria used for evaluation.
Separates the ion overlay pane from the confirming ion plots in an analysis.
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Table 51.
Quan Report Settings page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Use Alternate
Calibration Report
Format
Description
Uses an alternate format for the Calibration Report that is designed to print more concisely
(this report is limited to a maximum of seven calibration standards).
Quan Flag Options
Values that are above or below limits defined on the Limits page. These flags appear in a variety of reports.
Flags values below the limit of detection (LOD).
Flag Values Below
LOD
Flag Values Below
LOQ
Flag Values Above
LOR
Flags values below the limit of quantitation (LOQ).
Flags values above the limit of reporting (LOR).
Flag Values Above
ULOL
Flag Values Above
Carryover
Flag Values Between
LOD and LOQ
Flags values above the upper limit of linearity (ULOL).
Flags values above the carryover limit.
Flags values between the limit of detection and the limit of quantitation known as the J flag.
Calculated Amount Option
Calculate
Concentration As
Specifies the Rounded or Truncated method for reporting concentration amounts.
Tune Time Tracking Options
Enable Tune Time
Tracking
Tune File Lifetime
Tracks the number of hours between the last instrument tune and each sample acquisition.
Specifies the maximum number of hours between the last instrument tune and a sample acquisition. Any sample acquired outside this maximum allowable time is flagged in the
Batch report.
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Saving a Master Method to a New Name
You can save any method to a new name, or you can use the current method data to overwrite an existing method. The new method contains all the data of the saved method.
To save a method to a new name
1. From the main menu, choose
File > Save As.
The Save Master Method As dialog box opens, displaying all available methods.
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Table 52.
Save Master Method As dialog box parameters
Parameter
Method
Type
Date Changed
Size
Domain
New Method
Path
Description
Name of the methods for the selected type.
Type of method: Quan or Screening.
Date the method was last updated.
Size in megabytes.
TraceFinder domain for which the method was created.
Name of the new method to create.
Path to the selected method in the Methods folder.
2. Do one of the following:
• In the New Method box, type a name for the new method.
The application enables the Save button.
• In the Method column, select a method to overwrite.
The application enables the Overwrite button.
3. Click
Save
or
Overwrite
.
The application saves all the method data using the specified name and opens the
Acquisition page of the new method.
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Creating a Method Template
In the TraceFinder application, you can create a processing method using a method template that contains common settings. You can create a method template that specifies peak detection criteria, screening libraries, confirming ion criteria, compound calibration, and qualitative peak processing. For a complete description of the features in the Method
Template Editor, see
“Method Template Editor” on page 263
.
The application uses the settings in the method template to identify the data to display in the
Qualitative View. See
“Qualitative View” on page 444
.
Only quantitation methods use method templates.
Follow these procedures:
•
To open the Method Template Editor
•
•
•
•
•
To open the Method Template Editor
1. Click
Method Development
in the navigation pane.
The Method Development navigation pane opens.
2. Click
Method View
.
3. From the main menu, choose
File > New > Method Template
.
The Method Template Editor opens. See “Method Template Editor” on page 263
.
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To specify peak criteria
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Note
Parameters in the Find the Peaks* area might also be used for qualitative peak processing.
1. In the Find the Peaks area, select a sensitivity level.
In selecting the degree of sensitivity, you define how extensively the peak detector algorithm searches for low-level peaks.
• The Genesis peak detection algorithm provides backward compatibility with
Xcalibur 1.0 studies.
• The ICIS peak detection algorithm is designed for MS data and has superior peak detection efficiency at low MS signal levels.
• The Avalon peak detection algorithm is designed for integrating UV/Vis and analog chromatograms.
2. To look for peaks only in a certain range of the entire chromatogram, select the
Limit the
Retention Time Range
check box and specify a retention time (RT) range.
3. To indicate whether to select peaks by relative height or area and the percentage of the highest peak that results in compound selection, select the
Enable Peak Threshold
check box.
To consider a peak for a processing method, the TraceFinder application uses the Enable
Peak Threshold filter to determine which peaks meet the specified percentage of the height or area of the largest peak.
4. To display a specific number of the largest peaks by height or area, select the
Only Select
Top Peaks
check box and enter the number of peaks to display.
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To identify the peaks
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Creating a Method Template
Note
Parameters in the Identify the Peaks* area might also be used for qualitative peak processing.
1. In the Use these Libraries box, select the libraries that you want to search.
All libraries loaded on your instrument are displayed in the Use these Libraries box.
2. To limit the number of hits returned when the system searches a spectrum against the selected libraries, set a value in the Limit Library Hits box.
3. To specify how to sort the library searches, select a value from the Best Match Method list.
To specify confirming ions
Thermo Scientific
1. To set the number of confirming ions, select the
Include Confirming Ions
check box and enter a value in the Number of Confirming Ions box.
This value is the number of other ions in the spectrum whose ratio is compared to the quantitation ion. Using this ratio, you can then determine if it is the target compound or something else. You can set this value to integers from 1 to 10, inclusive. This value defaults to 2 because you typically perform a 3-ion experiment with one quantitation mass and two confirming ions.
The system selects the most intense ion to use as the quantitation mass and uses this mass for the mathematical operations.
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2. To define the criteria for evaluating confirming or qualifying ions, select the
Specify
Default Ion Ratio Ranges
check box and set the following values: a. To specify the maximum difference in retention time between a confirming ion peak and the quantification ion peak, set a value in the Ion Coelution (min) box. b. To specify an absolute or relative calculation approach for determining the acceptable ion ratio range, select
Absolute
or
Relative
from the Window Type list.
c.
To specify the acceptable ion ratio range, set a value in the Window (+/– %) box.
3. To include the peak spectrum in the processing method, select the
Include Compound
Peak Spectrum as Reference Spectrum
check box.
To calibrate the compounds
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1. From the Calibration Method list, select
Internal
or
External
.
2. From the Curve Type list, select one of the following:
•
Linear
: All other settings are available with this exception: When you select Include in the Origin list, the Weighting parameter is unavailable.
•
Quadratic
: All other settings are available with this exception: When you select
Include in the Origin list, the Weighting parameter is unavailable.
•
Average RF
: The Weighting and Origin parameters are unavailable.
3. From the Origin list, select one of the following:
•
Ignore
: Specifies that the origin is not included as a valid point in the calibration curve when the curve is generated. When you select Ignore, the calibration curve might or might not pass through the origin.
•
Force
: Specifies that the calibration curve passes through the origin of the data point plot when the calibration curve is generated.
•
Include
: Specifies that the origin is included as a single data point in the calculation of the calibration curve. When you select Include, the calibration curve might or might not pass through the origin.
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4. From the Weighting list, select one of the following:
•
Equal
: Specifies that the origin is included as a single data point in the calculation of the calibration curve. When you select Equal, the calibration curve might or might not pass through the origin.
•
1/X
: Specifies a weighting of 1/X for all calibration data points during the least-squares regression calculation of the calibration curve. Calibrants are weighted by the inverse of their quantity.
•
1/X^2
: Specifies a weighting of 1/X^2 for all calibration data points during the least-squares regression calculation of the calibration curve. Calibrants are weighted by the inverse of the square of their quantity.
•
1/Y
: Specifies a weighting of 1/Y for all calibration data points during the least-squares regression calculation of the calibration curve. Calibrants are weighted by the inverse of their response (or response ratio).
•
1/Y^2
: Specifies a weighting of 1/Y^2 for all calibration data points during the least-squares regression calculation of the calibration curve. Calibrants are weighted by the inverse of the square of their response (or response ratio).
5. From the Response Via list, select
Area
or
Height
.
•
Area
: Specifies that the TraceFinder application use this area value in response calculations.
•
Height
: Specifies that the application use this height value in response calculations.
To specify qualitative peak processing
Thermo Scientific
1. Select the
Use Genesis Algorithm for Qual Processing
check box and specify a value for internal standard matching.
The application uses the Genesis algorithm to match internal standards in a range plus/minus the value that you specify. For additional information about the Genesis
algorithm, see “Genesis Detection Method” on page 42
.
This parameter is available only when you set the Sensitivity parameter in the Find the
Peaks area to ICIS or Avalon. When you select the Use Genesis Algorithm for Qual
Processing check box, the application ignore the Sensitivity parameter in the Find the
Peaks area.
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2. Select or clear the
Exclude Matching Quan Peaks
check box and specify a value for the exclusion window.
The application excludes quantitative peaks in a range plus or minus the value that you specify.
3. To process samples that include data-dependent scans, select the
Use Data Dependent
Scans
check box.
When you process a sample using this feature, the application uses the TIC trace to find all data-dependent full scans, lists them, and performs a library search against the data-dependent MS/MS or MS n
scan.
This option constrains the Data Review to only data-dependent scan spectra. See
“Working in the Local Method View” on page 519 .
In addition to the peak information, the TIC Report and TIC Summary Report display information about the data-dependent filtered data.
4. To indicate whether to select peaks above a minimum percentage of the nearest internal standard peak that results in compound selection, select the
Enable ISTD Threshold
check box and specify a minimum percentage.
To consider a peak for a processing method, the TraceFinder application uses the Enable
ISTD Threshold filter to determine which peaks meet the specified percentage of the height of the nearest internal standard peak.
When you select the Enable ISTD Threshold parameter, the method ignores values set for
.
Note
When you create a method with the Method Forge, the application ignores the parameters in the Qualitative Peak Processing area.
To save the method template
1. Choose
File > Save
from the Method Template Editor menu.
The Save Method Template dialog box opens.
2. Do one of the following:
Type a new name for the master method and click
OK
.
–or–
Select a method name to overwrite and click
Overwrite
.
The TraceFinder application saves the new method template in the following folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\Methods\Clinical
Saved method templates are available when you create a method using Method Forge. See
“Creating a New Method with Method Forge” on page 125
.
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Creating a Method Template
Use the features in the Method Template Editor to specify peak detection criteria, screening libraries, confirming ion criteria, compound calibration, and qualitative peak processing.
Figure 75.
Method Template Editor dialog box
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Table 53.
Method Template Editor dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 3)
Parameter
Find the peaks
Sensitivity
Limit the Retention
Time Range
Enable Peak Threshold
Description
Defines how extensively the peak detector algorithm searches for low-level peaks.
Min RT specifies the beginning of the range. Max RT specifies the end of the range.
Specifies whether to select peaks by relative height or area and the percentage of the highest peak that results in compound selection.
Displays a specific number of the largest peaks by height or area.
Only Select Top Peaks
Identify the peaks
Use These Libraries
Limit Library Hits
Best Match Method
Lists the libraries that you can search.
Specifies the number of hits returned when the system searches a spectrum against the selected libraries.
Specifies how to sort the library searches.
Valid values: Search Index, Reverse Search Index, Match Probability
Handle confirming ions
Include Confirming
Ions/
Number of Confirming
Ions
Specifies the number of confirming ions, which are other ions in the spectrum whose ratio is compared to the quantitation ion to identify the compound.
This value defaults to 2 because you typically perform a 3-ion experiment with one quantitation mass and two confirming ions.
Specify Default Ion
Ratio Ranges
Range: Integers from 1 to 10, inclusive.
Enables the ion ratio range features.
Ion Coelution specifies the maximum difference in retention time between a confirming ion peak and the quantification ion peak.
Window Type specifies an Absolute or Relative calculation approach for determining the acceptable ion ratio range.
Window (+/-%) specifies the acceptable ion ratio range.
Includes the peak spectrum in the processing method. Use this setting to perform a spectra comparison in Data Review.
Include Compound
Peak Spectrum as
Reference Spectrum
Calibrate the compounds
Calibration Method
Curve Type
Specifies an internal or external calibration method.
Specifies a linear, quadratic, or average RF curve type.
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Table 53.
Method Template Editor dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 3)
Parameter
Origin
Weighting
Response Via
Description
Specifies that the origin is ignored, forced, or included in the generated calibration curve.
• Ignore: Specifies that the origin is not included as a valid point in the calibration curve when the curve is generated. When you select Ignore, the calibration curve might or might not pass through the origin.
• Force: Specifies that the calibration curve passes through the origin of the data point plot when the calibration curve is generated.
• Include: Specifies that the origin is included as a single data point in the calculation of the calibration curve. When you select Include, the calibration curve might or might not pass through the origin.
Specifies the weighting for the calibration data points.
• Equal: Specifies that the origin is included as a single data point in the calculation of the calibration curve. When you select Equal, the calibration curve might or might not pass through the origin.
• 1/X: Specifies a weighting of 1/X for all calibration data points during the least-squares regression calculation of the calibration curve. Calibrants are weighted by the inverse of their quantity.
• 1/X^2: Specifies a weighting of 1/X^2 for all calibration data points during the least-squares regression calculation of the calibration curve. Calibrants are weighted by the inverse of the square of their quantity.
• 1/Y: Specifies a weighting of 1/Y for all calibration data points during the least-squares regression calculation of the calibration curve. Calibrants are weighted by the inverse of their response (or response ratio).
• 1/Y^2: Specifies a weighting of 1/Y^2 for all calibration data points during the least-squares regression calculation of the calibration curve. Calibrants are weighted by the inverse of the square of their response (or response ratio).
Specifies if the TraceFinder application uses area or height in response calculations.
• Area: Specifies that the application use this peak area value in response calculations.
• Height: Specifies that the application use this peak height value in response calculations.
Qualitative Peak Processing
Use Genesis Algorithm
For Qual Processing
ISTD Matching
The application uses the Genesis algorithm to match internal standards.
Exclude Matching Quan
Peaks
Excludes all the target compounds found in the method and does not list these compounds in the TIC Report or in the Qual Mode view in the Data Review.
Compares the retention time of the internal standard in the method to the found retention time of the internal standard in the library search and excludes peaks outside the Exclusion
Window range.
Exclusion Window Defines a range plus/minus the Exclusion Window value that you specify.
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Creating a Method Template
Table 53.
Method Template Editor dialog box parameters (Sheet 3 of 3)
Parameter
Use Data Dependent
Scans
Description
Constrains the Data Review to only data-dependent scan spectra. See “Working in the
Local Method View” on page 519
. In addition to the peak information, the TIC Report and TIC Summary Report display information about the data-dependent filtered data.
Enable ISTD Threshold Specifies that, when identifying a peak, qualitative peak processing use the minimum threshold specified as a percentage of the nearest internal standard peak, rather than the threshold specified in the Enable Peak Threshold and Only Select Top Peaks parameters.
See
Enable Peak Threshold or Only Select Top Peaks in this parameter table.
% of Internal
Standard
Percentage of the nearest internal standard peak to use as the minimum threshold for identifying a peak.
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Importing Published Master Methods
In the TraceFinder application, you can import published methods to use for detecting, processing, and reporting. The TraceFinder installation provides the following folder of published methods:
…\Thermo\TraceFinder\3.2\Clinical\Published Master Methods
To import a published master method
1. Choose
Method View > Import Published Method
from the main menu.
The Import Published Method dialog box opens.
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2. Select a method to import.
3. Click
Import
.
The application reports that the method successfully imported and saves the method in the following folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\Methods\Clinical
You can use any of the Open Method commands to open this method just as you would a method that you created.
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Exporting Mass Data
You can export the mass data list from the Compounds page to an XML file that can be read by the TSQ, ISQ, Q Exactive, TSQ Endura, or TSQ Quantiva applications. You can export mass data only from quantitation methods.
To export mass data list to an XML file
1. Open the master method whose mass data list you want to export.
If you make changes to the method, you must save it before you can export the mass data list.
2. To view a list of your mass data, click the
Acquisition List
tab on the Compounds page.
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You do not have to display the Acquisition List to export the data, but the compounds in the Acquisition List must contain at least one experiment type appropriate to the export file format. For information about displaying the Acquisition List, see
“Acquisition List” on page 156
. For information about editing the experiment type for a compound, see
“Editing Compounds in the Database” on page 89 .
3. Choose
Method View > Export Mass List
from the main menu.
IMPORTANT
If you have neither a TSQ, an ISQ, a Q Exactive, a TSQ Endura, nor
TSQ Quantiva instrument configured, a message asks which format you want to export: Triple Quadrupole, Q Exactive, TSQ Quantiva/Endura SIM, or TSQ
Quantiva/Endura SRM.
The application writes the mas data in the Acquisition List to the following folder, using a format compatible with your configured instrument:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
Methodname
For examples of exported mass lists, see the following:
•
“Triple Quadrupole Format” on page 81
•
“Q Exactive Format” on page 81
•
“TSQ Quantiva/Endura SIM Format” on page 81
•
“TSQ Quantiva/Endura SRM Format” on page 82
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This chapter includes method development tasks for creating and editing screening master methods. When user security is activated, you must have Method Development Access permission before accessing these features.
Contents
•
•
•
•
Saving a Master Method to a New Name
•
Importing Published Master Methods
The TraceFinder application uses a master method to specify the nature and types of acquisition, processing, and reporting that occur with a batch of samples. When you are testing for compounds in an assay, you can create a method designed specifically for that type of application.
When you create a master method, the TraceFinder application uses the method to determine how the software works with a set of samples to provide a set of meaningful results. The application uses an instrument method to define how raw data is acquired. The rest of the master method defines how the raw data is processed, how the flags information displays the results, and how the reporting functionality defines the output for your data and results.
The TraceFinder application applies your master method to a batch, which is a list of one or more samples to be processed and reported. Together, the master method and batch provide a workflow-oriented approach to the data processing and information reporting for batches of samples.
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Opening a Master Method
A target screening master method contains compound databases, identification and confirmation criteria used in detecting and processing, and settings for reporting compounds.
When you open a target screening master method, the Method View navigation pane displays the available pages for screening methods. For descriptions of all the features in the Method
Development navigation pane, see “Method Development navigation pane” on page 272
.
To open a screening method in the Method Development mode
1. Click
Method Development
in the navigation pane.
The Method Development navigation pane opens.
2. Choose
File > Open > Master Method
from the main menu.
The Open Master Method dialog box opens, displaying all available methods.
Figure 76.
Open Master Method dialog box
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Table 54.
Open Master Method dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Method
Type
Date Changed
Size
Description
Name of the methods for the selected type.
Type of method: Quan or Screening.
Date the method was last updated.
Size in megabytes.
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Opening a Master Method
Table 54.
Open Master Method dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Domain
Type
Path
Description
TraceFinder domain for which the method was created.
Type of method to display: Quan, Screening, or Any.
Path to the selected method in the
TraceFinderData\32\Methods\Clinical folder.
Tip
You can also open one of your most recently used master method files. Choose
Files > Recent Files >
Method
.
3. Select
Screening
in the Type list.
The method list displays only target screening methods.
4. Select a master method and click
Open
.
The Acquisition page for the selected method opens. To edit the master method, see
“Editing a Master Method” on page 275
.
The navigation pane displays the available pages for screening methods. For descriptions
of all the features in the Method Development navigation pane, see Method
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Figure 77.
Method Development navigation pane
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Table 55.
Method Development navigation pane commands
Command
Method View
Acquisition
Description
Displays the Acquisition page of the Method View. Use the features on the Acquisition page to define basic information about
the master method. See “Editing the Acquisition Page” on page 275 .
Screening
Processing
Peak Detection
Reports
Compound Database
Instrument View
Displays the Processing page of the Method View. Use the features on the Processing page to specify peak filter settings, screening databases, and identification and confirmation settings for a
screening method. See “Editing the Processing Page” on page 279
.
Displays the Peak Detection page of the Method View. Use the features on the Peak Detection page to specify any of the following peak detection algorithms: Genesis, ICIS, or Avalon. See
“Editing the Peak Detection Page” on page 297 .
Displays the Reports page of the Method View. See
.
See “Working with the Compound Database” on page 76
.
See “Working with Instrument Methods” on page 113 .
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Creating a Master Method
The following procedure includes the minimum parameters you must define to create and save a master method. For a detailed description of how to modify all parameters in a master
method, see “Editing a Master Method” on page 275
.
To create a new method
1. Choose
File > New > Master Method
from the main menu.
The Create Master Method dialog box opens.
2. Select the
Create Screening Method
option and click
OK
.
The Method View for a target screening method includes the Acquisition, Processing,
Peak Detection, and Reports pages.
The Acquisition page for the method opens.
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3. From the Instrument Method list, select an instrument method.
4. Click
Processing
in the Method View navigation pane.
The Processing page for the method opens. The application lists the compound databases
(.cdb) that are stored in the following folder:
…\Thermo\TraceFinder\3.2\Clinical\Databases
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5. Select the
Enabled
check box for at least one compound database.
You must select at least one compound database before you can save the method. The target screening method uses only the target list of compounds in the selected compound databases to identify the compounds in the samples.
6. To save the new method, choose
File > Save
from the main menu.
7. In the Save Master Method dialog box, type a name for the method and click
OK
.
For a detailed description of how to modify a master method, see
.
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Editing a Master Method
You can open a master method to specify method instructions, reporting options, peak filter settings, screening databases, identification and confirmation settings, and peak detection parameters.
This section includes instructions for the following tasks:
•
•
•
Editing the Peak Detection Page
•
Use the features on the Acquisition page to define basic information about the master method.
To edit the parameters on the Acquisition page
1. Click
Acquisition
in the Method View navigation pane.
The Acquisition page for the method opens. See “Acquisition Page” on page 277
.
2. In the Lab Name box, type the name to be displayed on the top of each printed, saved, or exported report.
The default name is Default Laboratory.
3. In the Assay Type box, type the assay type to be targeted by the method.
4. From the Injection Volume box, select the injection volume (in μL) to be used for sample injection.
Range: 0.1 to 2000 μL
Use the up/down arrows to change the volume in increments/decrements of 1.0 μL, or use the keyboard to enter non-integer injection volumes.
IMPORTANT
The TraceFinder application uses this injection volume in the master method, not the injection volume in the instrument method.
5. From the Mass Precision box, select the number of decimal places to be used in reports and in peak and spectrum displays.
Valid values: Integers from 2 to 6, inclusive
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6. From the Instrument Method list, select an instrument method.
7. To edit the instrument method, click
Edit
.
The Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup dialog box opens. The following example of an instrument setup shows multiple configured instruments.
Figure 78.
Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window
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8. Edit the values on the instrument page for your instrument.
9. From the main menu in the Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup dialog box, choose
File > Save
and then choose
File > Exit
.
The TraceFinder application returns you to the Acquisition page of the Method View.
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Editing a Master Method
Use the features on the Acquisition page to define basic information about the master method.
Figure 79.
Acquisition page for a screening method
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Table 56.
Acquisition page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Lab Name
Assay Type
Injection Volume
Description
The laboratory name to be displayed on the top of each printed, saved, or exported report.
Default: Default Laboratory
To specify this default laboratory name, see “Specifying
Application Defaults” on page 35
.
The name for the analysis type to be targeted by the method. The assay type associates the method with the analysis of a compound or specific class of compounds (for example, you might use an assay type of PAH for the analysis of Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons).
The system uses the injection volume (in μL) for sample injection.
For a more detailed explanation, refer to the documentation for the autosampler.
The injection volume in the master method overrides the injection volume in the instrument method.
The injection volume in the batch overrides the injection volume in the master method.
Range: 0.1 to 2000 μL
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Table 56.
Acquisition page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Mass Precision
Instrument Method
Edit
Update
Description
Number of decimal places used in reports and in peak and spectrum displays.
Valid values: Integers from 2 to 6, inclusive
Instrument method used for acquiring samples.
Opens the Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup dialog box where you can edit the instrument method.
Choose one of the following:
•
Send to System Methods
: Overwrites the instrument method in the C:\TraceFinderData\32\Methods folder with the current instrument method.
•
Get From System Methods
: Overwrites the current instrument method with the instrument method in the
C:\TraceFinderData\32\Methods folder.
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Use the features on the Processing page to specify peak filter settings, screening databases, and identification and confirmation settings for a master method.
This section includes instructions for the following tasks:
•
•
To specify peak filter settings
The Peak Filter Settings pane displays parameters for limiting the display of unwanted data.
•
The Compound Databases pane displays all available compound databases.
•
To specify identification and confirmation settings
The Identification and Confirmation Settings pane displays parameters for how compounds are identified or confirmed. For additional information about the confirmation and identification process, see
“Understanding the Identification and
Confirmation Process” on page 290 .
To open the Processing page
Click
Processing
in the Method View navigation pane.
The Processing page for the method opens. See “Processing Page” on page 285 .
To specify peak filter settings
1. To set a retention time range that excludes searching for peaks outside the range, do the following: a. Select the
Use RT Limits
check box.
The application activates the Search From and To options.
b. In the Search From box, enter the lower limit; in the To box, enter the upper limit.
2. To use one or more negative samples for subtraction to filter the resulting peaks, do the following: a. Select the
Use Matrix Blank
check box.
The application activates the Amplifier option.
During automatic processing, the TraceFinder application subtracts the areas of the peaks in the negative samples from the matching areas in the specimen samples.
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To determine the pair of peaks to subtract from each other, the application selects the two peaks with the mass and the retention time that are closest to each other (as defined in the compound database), within the mass tolerance specified in the method.
When the same compound peak (same mass and retention time within the predefined tolerance windows) is in multiple selected negative samples, the application subtracts only the one with the highest area.
When a compound peak in one negative sample has the same primary ion as another peak in a different negative sample but has different adducts, the application uses all the adducts from both these peaks for subtraction purposes. For example, if a compound has the M+H and M+Na ions in one negative sample, and this same compound has the M+H and M+NH4 ions in another negative sample, the application uses for subtraction the area that results from all of these ions.
When no negative sample exists in the sequence, or if one or more negative samples exist but you do not select the Use Matrix Blank check box, then subtraction does not occur. If subtraction occurs and the subtracted area is less than 0, the application sets the subtracted area to 0.
b. In the Amplifier box, type an amplifier value.
Use the up/down arrows to change the value in increments/decrements of 1 unit, or use the keyboard to enter non-integer values.
The TraceFinder application multiplies a negative area by this value before performing subtraction. The larger the amplifier value, the more peaks the application filters from the final results.
In the Batch View for sequences created with this method, you can select which negative
samples to use for subtraction. See “Blank Subtraction in Target Screening Batches” on page 376 .
3. In the Chromatogram View Width box, type a value to define the chromatogram viewing range in the Data Review view.
4. To use source CID scans for target screening confirmation (fragment ion or library search), select the
Use Source CID Scans
check box.
When you select this check box, the TraceFinder application uses the source CID scans when they are available in the data file. If they are not available, then the application uses
AIF or MS/MS scans when available.
5. To display all compounds from the compound databases in the Data Review display
(regardless of whether there is a match in the samples), select the
Show All Compounds
check box.
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To specify compound databases
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Editing a Master Method
1. Select the
Enabled
check box for at least one compound database.
The Compound Databases pane displays all compound databases stored in the
…\Thermo\TraceFinder\3.2\Clinical\Databases folder.
2. (Optional) To edit a database, click
Open
and do the following: a. Edit the database.
See
“Editing Compounds in the Database” on page 89 .
b. When you finish editing the database, click
Processing
in the Method View navigation pane to return to the Processing page.
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To specify identification and confirmation settings
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1. To set a target threshold override and include only peaks with areas above this designated threshold, do the following: a. Select the
Threshold Override
check box.
b. In the associated box, type the threshold as an area value.
c.
This threshold overrides the Response Threshold value set in the compound database. The application ignores the peaks with areas below your specified threshold.
To include only peaks with signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns) that are above a specified value, in the S/N Ratio Threshold box, type the threshold as a ratio value.
The application ignores the peaks with S/Ns that are below the specified threshold.
2. In the Mass Tolerance box, type a mass tolerance value and then select
ppm
or
mmu
for the mass tolerance units.
The application applies this mass tolerance to the extracted chromatograms.
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Editing a Master Method
3. To specify the Retention Time option, do the following: a. Select either the
Identity
or
Confirm
check box.
b. Select the
Window Override
check box and type the window value.
This window overrides the RT Window value that was set in the compound database and includes only peaks within this designated window. The application identifies or confirms the presence of a compound only when its measured retention time matches the target compound’s expected retention time within the specified Window
Override retention time.
For additional information about how the application identifies retention time, see
“Retention Time” on page 292 .
4. To specify the Fragment Ions option, do the following: a. Select either the
Identity
or
Confirm
check box.
b. To ignore the Fragment Ions options when no fragment is defined in the compound database, select the
Ignore if Not Defined
check box.
c.
When the compound database does not define fragments for a compound, the application does not include the results of identification or confirmation for fragment ions in the target screening results.
In the Min. # of Fragments box, type the minimum number of fragments required to identify or confirm the presence of a compound.
d. In the Intensity Threshold box, type the intensity threshold value.
e.
The intensity of a fragment must be above this threshold to be identified or confirmed.
In the Mass Tolerance box, type a mass tolerance value and then select
ppm
or
mmu
for the mass tolerance units.
This mass tolerance value indicates the number of millimass units or parts per million to use as the
m/z ±
tolerance value for the fragment ions. It is separate from the mass tolerance value specified for the parent peak.
Note
When using ion trap data, the application uses 300 mmu regardless of the value you enter here.
For additional information about how the application identifies fragment ions, see
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5. To specify the Isotopic Pattern option, do the following: a. Select either the
Identity
or
Confirm
check box.
b. In the Fit Threshold box, type the fit threshold percentage.
c.
To identify or confirm the presence of a compound, the resulting score percentage from isotopic pattern matching must be higher than the specified fit threshold percentage.
In the Allowed Intensity Deviation box, type a value to specify the allowed intensity deviation of the mass spectrometer relative to the monoisotopic ion, as a percentage of the base peak height.
The TraceFinder isotopic pattern algorithm considers an isotope peak as not found if its intensity, relative to the monoisotopic ion’s intensity, is more than the deviation percentage from the theoretical relative intensity of the isotope ion. For best results, set this value to a number that causes up to 98% of all intensity deviations to be smaller than the allowed intensity deviation value.
d. To specify that isotopic pattern calculations use internal mass calibration instead of external mass calibration, select the
Use Internal Mass Calibration
check box.
When this check box is selected, the application applies a requirement that an isotope’s
m/z
must be closer to its theoretical value to avoid a score penalty.
For additional information about how the application calculates isotopic pattern scores, see
“Isotopic Pattern” on page 294
.
6. To specify the Library Search option, do the following: a. Select either the
Identity
or
Confirm
check box.
b. Select a Library Search Type, either
NIST
or
Library Manager
. c.
Type the threshold value in the Score Threshold box.
The resulting score percentage from a library search match must be higher than your entered threshold value to identify or confirm the presence of a compound.
d. To compare a library entry to an unknown compound, select the
Use Reverse
Library Searching Only
check box.
A forward search compares the mass spectrum of an unknown compound to a mass spectral library entry.
For additional information about how the application performs library searches, see
.
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Use the features in the Settings pane to specify peak filter settings.
Use the features in the Target Screening Settings pane to specify screening databases and identification and confirmation settings.
Figure 80.
Settings pane on the Processing page
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Table 57.
Settings pane parameters
Parameter
Peak Filter Settings
Use RT Limits
Description
Use Matrix Blank
Amplifier
Chromatogram View
Width
Use Source CID
Scans
Show All
Compounds
Specifies a lower and upper limit for searches.
Ranges: 0.00 to 999.99 minutes
Default: 0.00 minutes for lower limit; 999.00 minutes for upper limit
Specifies that during automatic processing, the TraceFinder application subtracts the areas of the peaks in the selected negative samples from the matching areas in the specimen samples.
The application multiplies a negative area by this value before performing subtraction. The larger the amplifier value, the more peaks the application filters from the final results.
Range: .01 to 1000.00
Default: 1.00
Specifies a a window width to define the chromatogram viewing range in the Data Review view.
Range: 0.10 to 999.00 minutes
Default: 0.75 minutes
Specifies that the application use the source CID scans when they are available in the data file. If they are not available, then the application uses AIF or MS/MS scans when available.
Displays results for all compounds in the method, regardless of whether they are found in any samples.
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Figure 81.
Target Screening Settings pane on the Processing page
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Table 58.
Target Screening Settings pane parameters (Sheet 1 of 4)
Parameter
Compound Databases
Enabled
Database Name
Description
Specifies databases to use for target screening processing.
Lists available databases in the Databases folder.
Identification and Confirmation Settings
Peaks Specifies that the application use the mass-to-charge ratio ( filtering compound peaks.
m/z
) for
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Editing a Master Method
Table 58.
Target Screening Settings pane parameters (Sheet 2 of 4)
Parameter
Threshold Override
S/N Ratio Threshold
Retention Time
Ignore if Not
Defined
Window Override
Fragment Ions
Ignore if Not
Defined
Min. # of
Fragments
Description
This threshold overrides the Response Threshold value set in the compound database. The application ignores the peaks with areas below this specified threshold.
Range: 1000 to 1 000 000 000
Default: 5000
Includes only peaks with signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns) above the specified value.
Range: 1.0 to 100 000
Default: 5.0
Specifies either the Identify or Confirm option for a retention time search. To identify a compound, the application searches the specified RT window for a match. To confirm a compound, the application searches the entire raw data file.
Ignores the values you specify for Retention Time options when no retention time is defined in the compound database, and does not include the results of identification or confirmation for retention time in the Data Review target screening results.
Specifies the number of seconds to override the RT Window value set in the compound database and include only peaks within this designated window. The application identifies or confirms the presence of a compound only when its measured retention time matches the target compound’s expected retention time within the specified Window Override retention time.
Range: 0 to 999 seconds
Default: 30 seconds
Specifies either the Identify or Confirm option for a fragment ion match. To identify a fragment, the application searches the specified RT window for a match. To confirm a fragment, the application searches the entire raw data file.
Ignores the values you specify for Fragment Ions options when no fragment is defined in the compound database, and does not include the results of identification or confirmation for fragment ions in the Data Review target screening results.
Specifies the minimum number of fragments required to identify or confirm the presence of a compound.
Range: 1 to 5
Default: 1
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Table 58.
Target Screening Settings pane parameters (Sheet 3 of 4)
Parameter
Intensity
Threshold
Description
Specifies the minimum height of a fragment ion peak. The peak of a fragment ion must be above this intensity threshold to be identified or confirmed.
Mass Tolerance
Isotopic Pattern
Fit Threshold
Allowed Mass
Deviation
Range: 1 to 1e9
Default: 10 000
Specifies the number of millimass units or parts per million to use as the
m/z ±
tolerance value for the fragment ions and is separate from the mass tolerance specified for the parent (see
Acquisition Page” on page 275 ).
Range: 0 to 500
Default: 5
Unit: mmu or ppm
Note
When using ion trap data, the application uses 300 mmu regardless of the value you enter here.
Specifies either the Identify or Confirm option for an isotopic pattern match. To identify a compound, the application searches the specified RT window for a match. To confirm a compound, the application searches the entire raw data file.
To identify or confirm the presence of a compound, the resulting score percentage from isotopic pattern matching must be higher than the specified fit threshold percentage.
Default: 90%
Specifies the allowed mass deviation in the spectrum data.
The TraceFinder isotopic pattern algorithm considers an isotope peak as found if its measured
m/z
is less than this amount away from its expected
m/z
. For best results, set this value to a number that causes up to 98 percent of all mass deviations to be smaller than the allowed mass deviation value.
Range: 3 to 100 ppm
Default: 3 ppm
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Table 58.
Target Screening Settings pane parameters (Sheet 4 of 4)
Parameter
Allowed Intensity
Deviation
Description
Specifies the allowed intensity deviation of the mass spectrometer, relative to the monoisotopic ion, as a percentage of the base peak height.
The TraceFinder isotopic pattern algorithm considers an isotope peak as not found if its intensity relative to the monoisotopic ion’s intensity is more than this deviation percentage from the theoretical relative intensity of the isotope ion. For best results, set this value to a number that causes up to 98% of all intensity deviations to be smaller than the allowed intensity deviation value.
Use Internal Mass
Calibration
Library Search
Default: 10%
Specifies that the application require an isotope’s
m/z
to be closer to its theoretical value to avoid a score penalty.
Specifies either the Identify or Confirm option for a library search.
To identify a compound, the application searches the specified RT window for a match. To confirm a compound, the application searches the entire raw data file.
NIST or Library Manager Library Search
Type
Score Threshold
Use Reverse
Library Searching
Only
The resulting score percentage from a library search match must be higher than your specified threshold value to identify or confirm the presence of a compound.
Default: 80%
Compares a library entry to an unknown compound (a forward search compares the mass spectrum of an unknown compound to a mass spectral library entry). This option is available for both
NIST and Library Manager searches.
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By default, the TraceFinder application uses the mass-to-charge ratio (
m/z
) for filtering compound peaks. In the Identification and Confirmation Settings area, you can select additional criteria to help increase confidence using either of the following:
• Compound identification for identifying a sample compound as a minimum requirement for a match to be displayed in the results.
To identify a compound, the application searches within the specified RT window (or the
RT window override if specified in the method) and compares the measured
m/z
of the sample peak against the expected
m/z
of the target compound. When the sample peak’s
m/z
is within the default ±5 ppm tolerance of the target compound’s
m/z
, the application considers that this target compound is identified.
• Compound confirmation for confirming a sample compound and to increase confidence in the match results.
To confirm a compound, the application searches the entire raw data file and compares the measured
m/z
of the sample peak against the expected
m/z
of the target compound.
When the sample peak’s
m/z
is within the tolerance of the target compound’s
m/z
, the application considers that this target compound is confirmed.
The TraceFinder application processes identification and confirmation settings in a specific order. When a compound passes identification at each point in the order of processing, the application continues to the next automatic or selected identification or confirmation test.
Note
When you select the Ignore if Not Defined option and the related data is not defined in the compound databases, the application skips that criteria test.
When a compound fails identification at a point in the processing, the application skips the testing of all remaining criteria, even when they are selected, and the flags for those criteria are blank.
The TraceFinder application processes identification and confirmation settings in the following order:
1.
m/z
and Retention Time
The application automatically identifies the mass to charge ratio for all compounds.
When you select the Retention Time settings, the compound must pass this criteria first.
When a compound fails the
m/z
or the Retention Time identification test, the application does not perform identification or confirmation testing for any other selected criteria lower in the processing order.
For additional information about the
m/z
and Retention Time parameters, see
.
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m/z
The application automatically uses the
m/z
and mass tolerance values to identify each
.
The application compares the measured
m/z
of the sample peak against the expected
m/z
of the target compound. When the measured
m/z
is within the mass tolerance of the expected
m/z
, the application considers that this target compound is found and the
m/z
criteria passes.
On the Target Screening page in Data Review, the MZ column in the Compounds table indicates whether this criteria passes or fails. The Flag column indicates whether the target compound is identified, fully confirmed, or both. For details, see
“Compounds Pane” on page 427 .
The Compounds table also displays the
m/z
Expected,
m/z
Measured, and
m/z
Delta values for each compound.
2. Threshold
The application automatically identifies the default area threshold (5000) for the compound after the compound passes the
m/z
and Retention Time criteria. When you specify a Threshold Override, the application uses the specified threshold value instead.
When a compound fails the Threshold identification test, the application does not perform the selected Fragment Ions or Library Search testing for identification or confirmation.
For additional information about the Threshold parameter, see
.
3. Isotopic Pattern
For additional information about the Isotopic Pattern parameter, see “Isotopic Pattern” on page 294
.
4. Fragment Ions
For additional information about the Fragment Ions parameter, see
5. Library Search
For additional information about the Library Search parameter, see
“Library Search” on page 294 .
The application automatically uses the area and threshold values defined in the selected compound database to identify each sample compound.
In the Identification and Confirmation Settings pane, you can specify a threshold override to use instead of the area threshold defined in the compound database.
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The application compares the area of the sample peak against the defined area thresholds.
When the sample peak’s area is greater than or equal to the corresponding area threshold from the compound database or the override area threshold, the target compound is identified.
On the Target Screening page in Data Review, the Flag column in the Compounds table indicates whether this criteria passes or fails. The Flag column indicates whether the target compound is identified, fully confirmed, or both. For details, see
“Compounds Pane” on page 427 .
The Compounds table also displays Measured Area column displays the area value in green to indicate that the peak’s area is greater than or equal to the area threshold; otherwise, this column displays the area value in red.
The application uses the expected retention time and retention time window values defined in the selected compound database to identify or confirm each sample compound.
In the Identification and Confirmation Settings pane, you can set an override value to use for the retention time window instead of using the retention time window that is specified in the compound database.
When the compound database defines an expected retention time for a compound, it uses the following process to identify or confirm the compound.
• Identify: the application searches within the specified retention time window (or the retention time window override) and compares the measured
m/z
of the sample peak against the expected
m/z
of the target compound. When the measured
m/z
is within the mass tolerance of the expected
m/z
, this target compound is identified.
• Confirm: the application searches the entire raw data file and compares the measured
m/z
of the sample peak against the expected
m/z
of the target compound. When the measured
m/z
is within the specified mass tolerance of the expected
m/z
, the target compound is confirmed.
When the compound database does not define an expected retention time for a compound, the application cannot identify or confirm the compound. If you select the Ignore if Not
Defined option, the application does not perform testing for the retention time and the RT flag is blank on the Target Screening page in Data Review.
On the Target Screening page in Data Review, the RT column in the Compounds table indicates whether this criteria passes or fails. The RT column indicates whether the target compound is identified, fully confirmed, or both. For details, see
“Compounds Pane” on page 427 . The Compounds table also displays the RT Expected, RT
Measured, and RT Delta values for each compound.
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To use fragment ions for identification or confirmation, the application requires the following conditions:
• The selected compound databases contain the charged mass for each defined fragment ion of interest for the compounds in the target list.
• The HCD (higher energy collision-induced dissociation), source CID (source collision-induced dissociation), or AIF (all ions fragmentation) ion spectra exist at a time point within the compound’s elution time range.
When no fragment is defined in a compound database for a target compound, the following apply:
• When the Ignore if Not Defined option is selected in the method, the application does not perform filtering for the Fragment Ions. In the Data Review view, the FI column is blank.
• When the Ignore if Not Defined option is not selected in the method, the application considers that this target compound is not identified. The Fragment Ions filter fails.
The application uses the number of fragment masses defined in the compound database when it processes a sample for fragment ions. The value you specify for Min. # of Fragments cannot be greater than the number of fragments defined in the compound database.
For example, if a compound has three fragment ion masses defined in a compound database, any of the following scenarios can occur:
• You enter “2” in the Min. # of Fragments box of the method, and the application finds at least two out of the three defined fragment ions. The Fragment Ions filter passes.
• You enter “4” in the Min. # of Fragments box of the method, and the application finds only the three defined fragment ions. The Fragment Ions filter fails.
• You enter “2” in the Min. # of Fragments box of the method, but the application finds only one of the three defined fragment ions. The Fragment Ions filter fails.
The application repeats the following process for each of the fragment ions:
1. When the mass of the parent (plus or minus half of the isolation window value from the acquired raw data file) is not within the mass range of the extracted ion chromatogram shown in the Chromatogram pane of the Data Review view, the application considers the fragment ion as not found and the application fails the Fragment Ions filter; otherwise, the application continues.
2. The application inspects the processed fragment ion scan closest to the target compound’s expected retention time and locates the MS/MS spectrum closest to the compound’s apex.
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Within this spectrum, the application finds the intensity for the tallest fragment whose mass is within the mass tolerance of an entered fragment ion mass. When this intensity is not found or when it is less than the intensity threshold defined in the method, the application determines that the entered fragment ion is not found; otherwise, it determines that the fragment ion is found.
You can choose to either identify or confirm the isotopic patterns for all compounds in a batch. The TraceFinder application calculates an isotopic pattern score (as a percentage value), using the target compound’s formula.
For the isotopic pattern filter, enter the isotopic pattern parameters, including a fit threshold value, in the processing method. To identify or confirm the presence of a compound, the resulting score from isotopic pattern matching must be higher than the fit threshold.
To identify or confirm an isotopic pattern, the application must detect the compound for at least one of its defined adduct ions. The application identifies the elemental composition to match using the formula that is associated with the most intense adduct peak. The application then generates an isotopic pattern score (as a percentage value) for the match between the measured and expected isotopic patterns of the calculated elemental composition.
• For profile data, the application calculates the measured isotopic pattern using the average of all scans (within the allowed intensity deviation of the spectrum closest to the compound’s apex retention time). In the Data Review view, the application displays both the expected and measured spectra.
• For centroid data, the application calculates the measured isotopic pattern using the apex scan. In the Data Review view, the application displays the expected spectra.
A high isotopic pattern score (approaching 100 percent) occurs when the measured isotope patterns, the expected isotope patterns, and the intensities are almost identical using the scoring parameters specified in the processing method. When the patterns are not similar, the score is closer to 0 percent. When the score is greater than or equal to the specified fit threshold and the number of isotopes matched is not 1 out of 1, this filter passes.
When you view results in the Data Review view, the IP column displays a green or red flag to indicate whether the compound passed or failed based on the criteria specified in the method.
For a target screening analysis, you can select the Library Search criterion for either identification or confirmation in the processing method. The TraceFinder application identifies or confirms the sample compound by searching the selected library and returning the library entry with the highest score (as a percentage value) for the fragment ion spectrum in that library that matches the compound’s ion spectrum.
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For this criterion, you enter a score threshold value in the processing method. The resulting score from a library search match must be higher than your entered threshold value, and the library entry must match a compound’s name, a compound’s formula, or both to identify or confirm the presence of the compound.
The application uses the following logic to determine when a match is successful:
• When a formula is available in the library entry and the formula matches the target compound formula:
–
–
The criteria passes when the library score is higher than or equal to the score threshold.
The criteria fails when the library score is lower than the score threshold.
• When a formula is available in the library entry and the name in the library entry matches the target compound name but the formula does not match the target compound formula
(or it is not available):
– The criteria passes when the library score is higher than or equal to the score threshold.
– The criteria fails when the library score is lower than the score threshold.
• When neither the formula nor the library entry name match the target compound, the criteria fails and the Lib Match Name, Library Score, and Library Match Rank columns display N/A in black text.
Note
When the compound is identified, but no MS/MS scan has been performed, the Lib Match Name, Library Score, and Library Match Rank columns display N/A in red text.
• When an MS/MS scan has been performed and both the library entry and the formula match the target compound:
– The criteria passes when the library score is higher than or equal to the score threshold. The Lib Match Name, Library Score, and Library Match Rank columns display their values in green text.
– The criteria fails when the library score is lower than the score threshold. The Lib
Match Name, Library Score, and Library Match Rank columns display their values in red text.
To use a library search for identification or confirmation, the TraceFinder application requires that the data meet these conditions:
• The raw data file contains HCD (higher energy collision-induced dissociation), source
CID (source collision-induced dissociation), or AIF (all ions fragmentation) ion spectra.
• The spectra exist at a time point within the compound’s elution time range.
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The application performs either a forward library search or a reverse library search. A forward search compares the mass spectrum of an unknown compound to a mass spectral library entry, while a reverse search compares a library entry to an unknown compound.
When a parent-selected MS/MS spectrum does not exist, the application performs a reverse library search because the compound scan contains a mixture of fragments from all co-eluting parents. A forward search with such a mixture biases the results toward the strongest parent because its fragments would be dominant, and a forward search also takes more time because the application must search every spectrum in the library.
When a parent-selected MS/MS spectrum exists, the application performs a forward library search because the scan usually contains fragments of only one or two parents, so matching this spectrum against the library is faster and more accurate. When you select the Use Reverse
Library Searching Only check box in the processing method, the application performs only a reverse library search.
When you use profile data, the application uses the averaged spectrum of the unknown peak as the input spectrum for the library search. This averaged spectrum is based on the average of all scans within 10 percent of the spectrum closest to the peak’s apex retention time. When you use centroid data, the application uses the apex scan as the input spectrum for the library search.
When the application locates a match, it generates a score percentage for the matching library entry. This library search can result in multiple matches with different scores.
After searching based on the
m/z
in the input spectrum, the application performs another search for only the matches from the first library search, but this time based on the name, and then the formula, of the target compound. If at least one match is found, the application displays the highest scoring match from the second search for data review. If no match is found from the second search, the application displays the highest scoring match from the first search.
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Use the features on the Peak Detection page to specify any of the following peak detection algorithms: Genesis, ICIS, or Avalon.
To specify peak detection parameters
1. Click
Peak Detection
in the Method View navigation pane.
The Peak Detection page for the method opens.
2. In the Peak Detection Parameters area, select one of the detection algorithms:
Genesis
,
ICIS
, or
Avalon
.
• The Genesis peak detection algorithm provides backward compatibility with
Xcalibur 1.0 studies. For detailed descriptions of the Genesis method parameters, see
• The ICIS peak detection algorithm is designed for MS data and has superior peak detection efficiency at low MS signal levels. For detailed descriptions of the ICIS
method parameters, see “ICIS Detection Method” on page 301
.
• The Avalon peak detection algorithm is designed for integrating UV/Vis and analog chromatograms. For detailed descriptions of the Avalon method parameters, see
“Avalon Detection Method” on page 304 .
3. Specify the parameters for the selected detection algorithm.
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The TraceFinder application provides the Genesis peak detection algorithm for backward compatibility with Xcalibur 1.0 studies.
Figure 82.
Genesis peak detection
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Table 59.
Genesis peak detection parameters (Sheet 1 of 3)
Parameter
Detection Algorithm
Detection Method
Description
Specifies the Genesis peak detection algorithm.
Highest peak: Uses the highest peak in the chromatogram for component identification.
Nearest RT: Uses the peak with the nearest retention time in the chromatogram for component identification.
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Table 59.
Genesis peak detection parameters (Sheet 2 of 3)
Parameter
Smoothing
S/N threshold
Enable Valley
Detection
Expected Width (sec)
Description
Determines the degree of data smoothing to be performed on the active component peak prior to peak detection and integration.
The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Default: 1
Range: Any odd integer from 1 through 15 points
Current signal-to-noise threshold for peak integration. Peaks with signal-to-noise values less than this value are not integrated. Peaks with signal-to-noise values greater than this value are integrated.
Range: 0.0 to 999.0
Uses the valley detection approximation method to detect unresolved peaks. This method drops a vertical line from the apex of the valley between unresolved peaks to the baseline. The intersection of the vertical line and the baseline defines the end of the first peak and the beginning of the second peak.
The expected peak width parameter (in seconds). This parameter controls the minimum width that a peak is expected to have if valley detection is enabled.
Constrain Peak Width
Peak Height (%)
With valley detection enabled, any valley points nearer than the
expected width
/2 to the top of the peak are ignored. If a valley point is found outside the expected peak width, the TraceFinder application terminates the peak at that point. The application always terminates a peak when the signal reaches the baseline, independent of the value set for the expected peak width.
Range: 0.0 to 999.0
Constrains the peak width of a component during peak integration of a chromatogram. You can then set values that control when peak integration is turned on and off by specifying a threshold and a tailing factor. Selecting the Constrain Peak Width check box activates the Peak Height (%) and Tailing Factor options.
A signal must be above the baseline percentage of the total peak height (100%) before integration is turned on or off. This text box is active only when you select the Constrain Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.0 to 100.0%
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Table 59.
Genesis peak detection parameters (Sheet 3 of 3)
Parameter
Tailing Factor
Peak S/N Cutoff
Description
A factor that controls how the TraceFinder application integrates the tail of a peak. This factor is the maximum ratio of the trailing edge to the leading side of a constrained peak. This text box is active only when you select the Constrain the Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.5 through 9.0
The peak edge is set to values below this signal-to-noise ratio.
Valley Rise (%)
Valley S/N
# Background Scans
Report Noise As
This test assumes it has found an edge of a peak when the baseline adjusted height of the edge is less than the ratio of the baseline adjusted apex height and the peak S/N cutoff ratio.
When the S/N at the apex is 500 and the peak S/N cutoff value is
200, the TraceFinder application defines the right and left edges of the peak when the S/N reaches a value less than 200.
Range: 50.0 to 10000.0
The peak trace can rise above the baseline by this percentage after passing through a minimum (before or after the peak). This criteria is useful for integrating peaks with long tails.
This method drops a vertical line from the apex of the valley between unresolved peaks to the baseline. The intersection of the vertical line and the baseline defines the end of the first peak and the beginning of the second peak.
When the trace exceeds rise percentage, the TraceFinder application applies valley detection peak integration criteria. This test is applied to both the left and right edges of the peak.
Range: 0.1 to 500.0
Specifies a value to evaluate the valley bottom. Using this parameter ensures that the surrounding measurements are higher.
Default: 2.0
Range: 1.0 to 100.0
Number of background scans performed by the TraceFinder application.
Determines if the noise used in calculating S/N values is calculated using an RMS calculation or peak-to-peak resolution threshold.
Options are RMS or Peak To Peak.
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The ICIS peak detection algorithm is designed for MS data and has superior peak detection efficiency at low MS signal levels.
Figure 83.
ICIS peak detection
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Table 60.
ICIS peak detection parameters (Sheet 1 of 3)
Parameter
Detection Algorithm
Detection Method
Description
Specifies the ICIS peak detection algorithm.
Highest peak: Uses the highest peak in the chromatogram for component identification.
Nearest RT: Uses the peak with the nearest retention time in the chromatogram for component identification.
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Table 60.
ICIS peak detection parameters (Sheet 2 of 3)
Parameter
Smoothing
Area Noise Factor
Peak Noise Factor
Baseline Window
Constrain Peak Width
Peak Height (%)
Tailing Factor
Description
Determines the degree of data smoothing to be performed on the active component peak prior to peak detection and integration.
The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: Any odd integer from 1 through 15 points
Default: 1
The noise level multiplier used to determine the peak edge after the location of the possible peak. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 1 through 500
Default: 5
The noise level multiplier used to determine the potential peak signal threshold. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 1 through 1000
Default: 10
The TraceFinder application looks for a local minima over this number of scans. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 1 through 500
Default: 40
Constrains the peak width of a component during peak integration of a chromatogram. You can then set values that control when peak integration is turned on and off by specifying a peak height threshold and a tailing factor. Selecting the Constrain
Peak Width check box activates the Peak Height (%) and Tailing
Factor options.
A signal must be above the baseline percentage of the total peak height (100%) before integration is turned on or off. This text box is active only when you select the Constrain Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.0 to 100.0%
A factor that controls how the TraceFinder application integrates the tail of a peak. This factor is the maximum ratio of the trailing edge to the leading side of a constrained peak. This text box is active only when you select the Constrain the Peak Width check box.
Range: 0.5 through 9.0
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Table 60.
ICIS peak detection parameters (Sheet 3 of 3)
Parameter
Noise Method
Min Peak Width
Multiplet Resolution
Area Tail Extension
Area Scan Window
RMS
Description
The options are INCOS or Repetitive.
INCOS: Uses a single pass algorithm to determine the noise level.
The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Repetitive: Uses a multiple pass algorithm to determine the noise level. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value. In general, this algorithm is more accurate in analyzing the noise than the INCOS Noise algorithm, but the analysis takes longer.
The minimum number of scans required in a peak. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 0 to 100 scans
Default: 3
The minimum separation in scans between the apexes of two potential peaks. This is a criteria to determine if two peaks are resolved. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 1 to 500 scans
Default: 10
The number of scans past the peak endpoint to use in averaging the intensity. The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Range: 0 to 100 scans
Default: 5
The number of allowable scans on each side of the peak apex. A zero value defines all scans (peak-start to peak-end) to be included in the area integration.
Range: 0 to 100 scans
Default: 0
Specifies that the TraceFinder application calculate noise as RMS.
By default, the application uses Peak To Peak for the noise calculation. RMS is automatically selected if you manually determine the noise region.
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The Avalon peak detection algorithm is designed for UV data. The Avalon peak detection
algorithm also supports negative peaks. You can edit the Event values from the Avalon Event
Figure 84.
Avalon peak detection
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Table 61.
Avalon peak detection parameters
Parameter
Detection Algorithm
Detection Method
Smoothing
Time/Event/Value
Autocalc Initial Events
Edit
Description
Specifies the Avalon peak detection algorithm.
Highest peak: Uses the highest peak in the chromatogram for component identification.
Nearest RT: Uses the peak with the nearest retention time in the chromatogram for component identification.
Determines the degree of data smoothing to be performed on the active component peak prior to peak detection and integration.
The ICIS peak detection algorithm uses this value.
Default: 1
Range: Any odd integer from 1 through 15 points
Displays the events specified in the Avalon Event List dialog box.
Initially displays only the default events that cannot be edited or deleted.
Automatically calculates the events in the Event list.
Opens the Avalon Event List dialog box where you can edit the
Time/Event/Value parameters. See “Avalon Event List.”
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The event list includes both user-defined and noneditable default events. The application displays the default events when you choose Avalon sensitivity. You cannot delete these events or change their time or values. For a detailed list of events and value ranges, see
Figure 85.
Avalon Event List dialog box
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Table 62.
Avalon Event List dialog box parameters
Parameter
Time (Min)
Event
Value
Add
Delete
Change
Cancel
Apply
Description
Specifies the start time of the event.
Specifies the type of event. For a detailed list of events and value ranges, see
Specifies the value of the event.
Adds a new event to the list with the current Time/Event/Value parameters.
Removes the selected Time/Event/Value parameter from the event list.
Applies the current parameter values.
Closes the dialog box without making any changes. Any additions, deletions, or changes revert to their original state.
Closes the dialog box.
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Figure 86.
Event types
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Table 63.
Event type descriptions (Sheet 1 of 2)
Event type
Start Threshold
End Threshold
Area Threshold
P-P Threshold
Negative Peaks
Bunch Factor
Description
Specifies the threshold at the start of a peak. The Start Threshold is directly related to the RMS noise in the chromatogram.
Range: 0 to 999 999 999
Specifies the threshold at the end of a peak. The End Threshold is directly related to the RMS noise in the chromatogram.
Range: 0 to 999 999 999
Controls the area cutoff. Any peaks with a final area less than the area threshold will not be detected. This control is in units of area for the data.
Range: 0 to 999 999 999
The peak-to-peak resolution threshold controls how much peak overlap must be present before two or more adjacent peaks create a peak cluster. Peak clusters have a baseline drop instead of valley-to-valley baselines. Specified as a percent of peak height overlap.
Range: 0.1 to 99.99
Permits detection of a negative going peak. Automatically resets after finding a negative peak.
Valid values: On or Off
Specifies the number of points grouped together during peak detection. This event controls the bunching of chromatographic points during integration and does not affect the final area calculation of the peak. A high bunch factor groups peaks into clusters.
Range: 0 to 999
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Table 63.
Event type descriptions (Sheet 2 of 2)
Event type
Tension
Tangent Skim
Shoulders On
Shoulders Off
Force Cluster On
Force Cluster Off
Disable Cluster On
Disable Cluster Off
Description
Controls how closely the baseline should follow the overall shape of the chromatogram. A lower tension traces the baseline to more closely follow changes in the chromatogram. A high baseline tension follows the baseline less closely, over longer time intervals.
Range: 0 to 999.99 minutes
Using this event, you can tangent skim any peak clusters. By default, it chooses the tallest peak in a cluster as the parent. You can also identify which peak in the cluster is the parent. Tangent skim peaks are detected on either side (or both sides) of the parent peak. Tangent skim automatically resets at the end of the peak cluster.
Range: 0 to 1
Allows peak shoulders to be detected (peaks which are separated by an inflection rather than a valley) Sets a threshold for the derivative.
Disables peak shoulder detection.
Range: 0 to 50
Force the following peaks to be treated as a cluster (single peak).
End the forced clustering of peaks.
Prevent any peaks from being clustered.
Permit clusters to occur again.
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Use the Reports page to specify the reports and report output formats that you want to create
for the method. See Reports Page .
Follow these procedures:
•
•
To configure the compounds in the reports
•
To open the Reports page
Click
Reports
in the Method View navigation pane.
The Reports page for the method opens (see “Reports page” on page 309
), displaying only the reports that are configured in the Configuration Console. To configure the
reports that are available, see “Specifying the Reports” on page 72
.
To configure the compounds in the reports
In the Target Screening Report Settings pane, select one of the following options:
•
Include All Compounds
: Generates reports that include all compounds from the screening library, whether or not they are found in the samples.
•
Include Only Found Compounds
: Generates reports that include only the compounds from the screening library that are found in the samples.
To specify output formats
1. To edit the Report Title, double-click the name and type a new title.
The TraceFinder application uses this title for all reports that use this master method. You cannot edit the Report Title from other report views.
2. To specify the type of report output to create for each report (hard copy, PDF, CSV, or
Excel), select the check box in the appropriate column.
3. To duplicate an output type for all reports, click the cell to select it, and then right-click and choose
Copy Down
from the shortcut menu.
All check boxes in the column below the selected cell duplicate the selected or cleared state of the selected cell.
By default, all report types are cleared.
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Use the features on the Reports page to specify the reports and report output formats that you want to create with the method.
Figure 87.
Reports page
Table 64.
Reports page parameters
Parameter
Report list columns
Report
Create PDF
Create CSV
Create Excel
Found
Description
The name of a report.
Sends reports to the default printer.
Saves reports as PDF files.
Saves reports as CSV files.
Saves reports as Excel files.
Indicates that the report template is identified in the
C:\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\ReportTemplates folder.
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Using the Method Development Mode for Screening Methods
Saving a Master Method to a New Name
You can save any method to a new name, or you can use the current method data to overwrite an existing method. The new method contains all the data of the original method.
To save a method to a new name
1. From the main menu, choose
File > Save As.
The Save Master Method As dialog box opens, displaying all quantitative and target screening methods.
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Save Master Method As dialog box parameters
Parameter
Method
Type
Date Changed
Size
Domain
New Method
Path
Description
Name of the methods for the selected type.
Type of method: Quan or Screening.
Date the method was last updated.
Size in megabytes.
TraceFinder domain for which the method was created.
Name of the new method to create.
Path to the selected method in the Methods folder.
2. Do one of the following:
• In the New Method box, type a name for the new method.
The application enables the Save button.
• In the Method column, select a method to overwrite.
The application enables the Overwrite button.
3. Click
Save
or
Overwrite
.
The application saves all the method data using the specified name and opens the
Acquisition page of the new method.
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Importing Published Master Methods
In the TraceFinder application, you can import published methods to use for detecting, processing, and reporting. The TraceFinder installation provides the following folder of published methods:
…\Thermo\TraceFinder\3.2\Clinical\Published Master Methods
To import a published master method
1. Choose
Method View > Import Published Method
from the main menu.
The Import Published Method dialog box opens.
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2. Select a method to import.
3. Click
Import
.
The application reports that the method successfully imported and saves the method in the following folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\Clinical
You can use any of the Open Method commands to open this method just as you would a method that you created.
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This chapter describes the tasks associated with the Acquisition mode.
Contents
•
•
•
When you plan to work with multiple samples or use similarly designed batches, use the
Acquisition mode to reduce the amount of data you must enter.
Because the nature and types of batches are often similar (in some cases specified by laboratory standard practices), you can define a batch template that supplies the basic structure of a batch.
IMPORTANT
When user security is activated, you must have Acquisition Wizard –
Template Editing permission to create a batch template.
Using a master method, you can create a batch and run the samples. A batch represents one or more samples that are to be acquired, processed, reviewed, and reported as a set. After you create a batch of samples, you can submit the batch and review the results in the Analysis mode or you can go directly to viewing and printing reports.
You can set up a calibration batch with known concentrations of the target compounds and compare the calibration values against samples in future batches.
You can also use the Quick Acquisition feature to quickly submit a single sample from any page in the Acquisition mode. See
Appendix A, “Using Quick Acquisition.”
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This section includes instructions for the following tasks:
•
Opening and Navigating the Acquisition Mode
•
Creating and Submitting Batches
To access the Acquisition mode
Click
Acquisition
in the navigation pane.
The navigation pane for the Acquisition mode opens.
As you progress through the Acquisition mode using any of these methods for creating a batch, the task pane at the top of the view tracks your progress. As you complete each stage, you can hold your cursor over the view name in the task pane to display the
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Figure 88.
Example task pane when you have completed the Acquisition mode
Hold your cursor over Batch Selection, Sample Definition, or Report Selection to view the parameters for your batch.
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Categories in the Sample Definition list:
QC Samples: QC
Calibration Samples: Calibrator
Blank Samples: Negative
Unknown Samples: All other samples
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To create and submit a batch, the Acquisition mode uses a wizard-style interface to guide you through these major steps:
1. Selecting a Batch
2. Defining the Sample List
3. Selecting and Reviewing Reports
4. Submitting the Batch
The Acquisition mode provides multiple techniques for creating either a batch or a batch template.
•
To start a new quantitative batch
•
To start a new screening batch
•
To start a new batch from a template
•
•
To reinject samples in a previously acquired batch
•
To create a quantitative batch template
•
To create a screening batch template
Each batch creation technique has an associated workflow, as shown in the following flowcharts. Each workflow uses a different combination of Acquisition mode pages.
Batch and
Method
Samples
Reports
Finish
“To start a new screening batch” on page 320 .
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Batch
Finish Samples
To acquire a prepared batch, start with the instructions
“To select a prepared batch” on page 322 .
Batch
Samples
Finish
To process a previously acquired batch, start with the instructions
“To reinject samples in a previously acquired batch” on page 323
.
Template and
Method
Samples
Finish
IMPORTANT
When user security is activated, you must have Acquisition Wizard –
Template Editing permission to create a batch template.
“To create a screening batch template” on page 324 .
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On a Batch Selection page of the Acquisition mode, you can create a new quantitative or screening batch in any of your current projects/subprojects. Or, you can submit a batch that you previously prepared and saved, reinject the samples in a batch that you previously acquired, or create a batch template to use for future batches.
Follow these procedures:
•
To start a new quantitative batch
•
To start a new screening batch
•
To start a new batch from a template
•
•
To reinject samples in a previously acquired batch
•
To create a quantitative batch template
•
To create a screening batch template
To start a new quantitative batch
1. Click
Create a New Batch
in the navigation pane.
2. Select the
Quantitative Batch
option.
3. Select the batch folder where you want to create the new batch.
4. Type a unique name for the new batch in the Batch Name box.
If the name you enter is not unique, a red warning flashes.
5. Select a method from the Method Selection list.
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The Method Compound Data pane displays the compounds in the method. You cannot edit the compounds list from the Acquisition mode.
6. To continue to the next page, click
Next
.
The Sample Definition page opens. See “Defining the Sample List” on page 326
.
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To start a new screening batch
1. Click
Create a New Batch
in the navigation pane.
2. Select the
Screening Batch
option.
3. Select the batch folder where you want to create the new batch.
4. Type a name for the new batch in the Batch Name box.
If the name you enter is not unique, a red warning flashes.
5. Select a method from the Method Selection list.
The Method Compound Databases pane displays the compound databases in the method. The application uses these databases to identify the compounds in the samples.
You cannot edit the compound database list from the Acquisition mode.
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6. To continue to the next page, click
Next
.
The Sample Definition page opens. See “Defining the Sample List” on page 326
.
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To start a new batch from a template
1. Click
Create a New Batch
in the navigation pane.
2. Select either the
Screening Batch
or the
Quantitative Batch
option.
The Available Templates pane displays only batch templates for the selected option.
3. In the Available Templates pane, select the template and method combination that you want to use.
The system creates a batch name with the selected template name and appends the date and time stamp. You can change the default batch folder or method associated with this template.
4. (Optional) Click new batch.
and select a different batch folder where you want to create the
5. (Optional) Select a different method to use for the new batch.
6. To continue to the next page, click
Next
.
The Sample Definition page of the Acquisition mode opens. See “Defining the Sample
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To select a prepared batch
1. Click
Submit a Prepared Batch
in the navigation pane.
The application displays all your unacquired, saved batches. The TraceFinder application stores all unacquired batches in the …\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…
folder.
2. Select the batch that you want to acquire.
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3. To continue to the next page, click
Next
.
The Finish page of the Acquisition mode opens. From the Finish page, you can save the batch, submit the batch for acquisition, or go to the Sample Definition page to edit the sample list for this batch.
• If the batch is unreadable, the application reports that the batch file is not valid and cannot be opened.
• If a sample in the batch is unreadable, the application cannot open the sample. The application creates a new sample with the same name and flags the sample. You must complete the missing information such as Sample Type, Level, and so forth, and then save the batch before you submit it for acquisition. Or, you can browse in a new raw data file to replace the corrupt file.
4. Do one of the following:
• To edit the sample list, click
Previous
.
–or–
For detailed instructions, see
“Defining the Sample List” on page 326
.
• To prepare the batch for acquisition, click
Submit
,
.
–or–
For detailed instructions, see
“Submitting the Batch” on page 342
.
• To save the batch to be acquired later, click
Save
,
.
The TraceFinder application saves your batch in the following folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
...
The TraceFinder application closes the Acquisition mode and returns you to the mode you were last using.
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To reinject samples in a previously acquired batch
1. Click
Reinject Samples
in the navigation pane.
2. On the Batch page, select the batch that you want to reacquire.
The Batch page displays all previously acquired batches, both quantitative and screening.
3. To continue to the next page, click
Next
.
The Sample Definition page of the Acquisition mode opens. See “Defining the Sample
• If the batch is unreadable, the application reports that the batch file is not valid and cannot be opened.
• If a sample in the batch is unreadable, the application creates a new sample with the same name and flags the sample. You must complete the missing information, such as
Sample Type, Level, and so forth, and then save the batch before you submit it for acquisition. Or, you can browse in a new raw data file to replace the corrupt file.
To create a quantitative batch template
1. Click
Create or Edit a Template
in the navigation pane.
Note
When user security is activated, you must have Acquisition Wizard – Template
Editing permission to create a batch template.
2. Select the
Quantitative Batch
option.
3. Click and select the folder where you want to create the new batch template.
4. Type a name for the new batch template in the Template Name box.
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5. Select a method from the Method Selection list.
The Method Compound Data pane displays the compounds in the method. You cannot edit the compounds list from the Acquisition mode.
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6. To continue to the next page, click
Next
.
The Sample Definition page of the Acquisition mode opens. See “Defining the Sample
To create a screening batch template
1. Click
Create or Edit a Template
in the navigation pane.
Note
When user security is activated, you must have Acquisition Wizard – Template
Editing permission to create a batch template.
2. Select the
Screening Batch
option.
3. Click and select the folder where you want to create the new batch template.
4. Type a name for the new batch template in the Template Name box.
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5. Select a method from the Method Selection list.
The Method Compound Databases pane displays the screening databases available for the selected method.
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6. Select the check box for each database that you want to use for screening.
7. To continue to the next page, click
Next
.
The Sample Definition page of the Acquisition mode opens. See “Defining the Sample
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Use the Samples page on the Sample Definition page of the Acquisition mode, to create a list
of samples for the batch. See “Samples” on page 336
. You can add samples, insert samples, import a sample list, or remove samples from the list. You can use the Reference Sample page
to select a reference sample to use as a reference peak in the Data Review. See “Reference
.
To create the sample list, you can use either of two sets of function buttons (described in the following graphic) or you can use commands on the shortcut menu (see the Shortcut Menu section of the
“Samples page parameters” on page 336 ).
As you enter sample values, you can use the Copy Down and Fill Down commands to quickly enter column values. For detailed instructions on using Copy Down and Fill Down to enter column values, see
Appendix C, “Using Copy Down and Fill Down.”
Use any of the following procedures to create a sample list. When you finish defining the list of samples, click
Next.
• When you are creating a batch from scratch, creating a batch from a template, or editing a batch template and you click Next, the Report Selection page opens. See
Reviewing Reports” on page 340
.
• When you are editing a prepared batch or reinjecting samples and you click Next, the
Finish Selection page opens. See “Submitting the Batch” on page 342 .
Follow these procedures:
•
•
•
•
•
To insert samples into the list
To import samples into the list
To remove samples from the list
To reinject a sample from a previously acquired batch
•
•
•
•
To select channels for the batch
To assign a specific channel to a sample
•
To specify different instrument methods for samples
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To add samples to the list
1. Select the number of sample rows to add
.
and then click the
2. Type a file name in the Filename column for each sample.
Each file name must be unique.
3. Select a sample type from the Sample Type list for each sample.
Available sample types
Specimen
Unextracted
Hydrolysis
Calibrator
Solvent
Negative
Add
QC
icon,
or
For a detailed description of each sample type, see
.
4. For each Calibrator or QC sample, select a level from the Level list.
The master method defines the sample levels. If there are no levels to select in the Level list, ask a user with Method Development permission to edit the method and specify the levels. Then return to the Acquisition mode, and begin the batch again. The application does not save a batch when you leave the Acquisition mode.
If you have Method Development permission, do the following: a. Return to the Method Development mode.
b. Open the method.
c.
Click the
Compounds
tab.
d. Click the
Calibration Levels
tab.
e.
f.
Add the levels.
Save the method.
For detailed instructions, see
“Calibration Levels” on page 219 .
5. For each sample, type a vial position in the Vial Position column.
Tip
Use the Fill Down command to make entering vial positions easier.
6. For each sample, type a volume in the Injection Volume column.
The minimum injection volume value allowed is 0.1 μL; the maximum injection volume value allowed is 5000 μL.
7. (Optional) Type or edit the values for the remaining columns.
Note
When you use the scroll bar at the bottom of the sample list, the Status,
Filename, Sample Type, Groups, Qual Processing, Level, Sample ID, and Sample
Name columns stay fixed while the other columns scroll right and left.
For instructions to automatically copy or fill values in these columns, see Appendix C,
“Using Copy Down and Fill Down.”
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To insert samples into the list
1. Select the sample above which you want to insert new Specimen samples.
You cannot use the Insert command to create the first sample row.
2. Select the number of samples to insert
.
and then click the
Insert
icon,
The application inserts the Specimen samples above the selected sample.
or
Inserted samples
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3. For each sample, type a file name in the Filename column.
Each file name must be unique.
4. For each sample, select a sample type from the Sample Type list.
Available sample types
Specimen
Unextracted
Hydrolysis
Calibrator
Solvent
Negative
QC
5. For each Calibrator or QC sample, click the Level cell and select a level from the list.
The master method defines the sample levels. If there are no levels to select from the Level list, ask a user with Method Development permission to edit the method and specify the levels. Then return to the Acquisition mode, and begin the batch again. The application does not save a batch when you leave the Acquisition mode.
If you have Method Development permission, follow the instructions in step 4 of the
procedure
“To add samples to the list” on page 327 .
6. Type a vial position in the Vial Position column for each sample.
Tip
Use the Fill Down command to make entering vial positions easier.
7. For each sample, type a volume in the Injection Volume column.
The minimum injection volume allowed is 0.1 μL; the maximum injection volume allowed is 5000 μL.
8. (Optional) Type or edit the values for the remaining columns.
Note
When you use the scroll bar at the bottom of the sample list, the Status,
Filename, Sample Type, Groups, Qual Processing, Level, Sample ID, and Sample
Name columns stay fixed while the other columns scroll right and left.
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To import samples into the list
1. Click
Import
, .
The Sample Import Tool dialog box opens.
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Use this dialog box to import a sample list from a CSV, an XML, or an SLD file.
2. Click
Browse
and select a CSV, an XML, or an SLD file with the sample definitions that you want to import.
Note
The .csv, .xml, or .sld file format must match the TraceFinder file format.
3. From the Imported Samples Will Be list, select either
Appended to the End of the List
or
Inserted at the Selected Row
.
4. Click
Import
.
The Sample Import Tool dialog box closes, and the application adds the specified samples to the sample list.
When you import samples from an Xcalibur sequence file (.sld), the TraceFinder application makes the following column name substitutions.
Xcalibur column
Position
Inj Vol
Dil Factor
TraceFinder column
Vial position
Injection volume
Conversion Factor
When you import samples from an Xcalibur sequence file (.sld), the TraceFinder application makes the following sample type substitutions.
Xcalibur sample type
Blank
Std Bracket
TraceFinder sample type
Negative
Calibrator
For each imported sample, the application uses the Instrument Method specified in the local method.
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5. For each Calibrator or QC sample, click the Level cell and select a level from the list.
The master method defines the sample levels. If there are no levels to select from the Level list, ask a user with Method Development permission to edit the method and specify the levels. Then return to the Acquisition mode, and begin the batch again. The application does not save a batch when you leave the Acquisition mode.
If you have Method Development permission, follow the instructions in step 4 of the
procedure
“To add samples to the list” on page 327 .
For detailed instructions about defining calibration levels, see “Calibration Levels” on page 219 .
6. Type a vial position in the Vial Position column for each sample.
Tip
Use the Fill Down command to make entering vial positions easier.
7. Type a volume in the Injection Volume column for each sample.
The minimum injection volume value allowed is 0.1 μL; the maximum injection volume value allowed is 5000 μL.
8. (Optional) Type or edit the values for the remaining columns.
Note
When you use the scroll bar at the bottom of the sample list, the Status,
Filename, Sample Type, Groups, Qual Processing, Level, Sample ID, and Sample
Name columns stay fixed while the other columns scroll right and left.
9. (Optional) When using multiplexing, select a channel for each imported sample.
Imported samples default to Auto.
To remove samples from the list
1. Select the samples that you want to remove.
Tip
Use the CTRL or SHIFT keys to select multiple samples.
2. Right-click and choose
Remove Selected Samples
from the shortcut menu.
To reinject a sample from a previously acquired batch
1. In the sample list, select the sample to reinject.
2. Right-click and choose
Reinject Selected Samples
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application creates a copy of the selected sample and appends INJ001 to the file name. Additional reinjections of the same sample are numbered INJ002, INJ003, and so forth.
The TraceFinder application copies all parameter values from the original sample.
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A green status icon indicates previously acquired samples (acquired and processed) and the sample name is grayed out. A blue status icon indicates samples created for reinjection
(not acquired).
When you submit this batch, the application acquires only the reinjection samples.
To select channels for the batch
Note
These features are available only when you have activated multiplexing in the
Configuration console. See
To disable a configured channel, clear the check box for the channel in the Multiplexing
Channels area at the bottom of the page.
By default, all configured channels are selected. The configured channels are determined by the multiplexing settings in the Configuration console. See
.
Clearing a channel in the Multiplexing Channels area does not remove this channel selection from the Channels list for each sample. When you assign a channel to a sample, be careful not to assign a channel that is not available.
To assign a specific channel to a sample
1. Scroll to the Channel column.
Note
The Channel column is available only when you have activated multiplexing in the Configuration console. See
All samples default to Auto.
2. Select a channel from the Channel list.
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When you submit the batch, samples that are set to Auto run on any of the available channels and samples that are set to a specific channel run only on that channel.
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If you select a channel that is not available for this batch, the application flags the sample sequence on the Finish page of the Acquisition mode. See the previous procedure,
To select channels for the batch .
3. If you see this error, do the following: a. Click
Previous
to return to the Sample Definition page.
The incorrect sample is marked with an error flag.
b. Correct the channel selection.
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To select a reference sample
1. Click the
Reference Sample
tab.
The Reference Sample page in the Sample Definition page opens. See
“Reference Sample” on page 339
.
You can select one reference sample to use as a reference peak in the Data Review.
2. Right-click the Reference Sample page and choose
Add Reference Sample
from the shortcut menu.
The Open Chromatograph Reference Sample dialog box opens.
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Note
If you are using a new method, you will not see any samples here. You must create and save a batch using the current method to see available samples in this list.
3. Select a batch from the list.
The TraceFinder application displays only batches that were created using the current master method.
4. Select a sample from the list of processed samples on the right.
The TraceFinder application displays all the processed samples in the selected batch. To use a sample as a reference sample, the sample must have been processed with the current master method.
5. Click
Open
.
6. The application adds the reference sample to the Reference Sample page.
7. (Optional) Enter values for Sample ID, Sample Name, Comment, and Barcode Actual.
8. (Optional) Change the Vial Position for the sample.
The application uses the peak in this sample as a reference peak in the Analysis mode. See
“Reference Peak” on page 481 .
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To add an auto sample type
1. Click the
Auto Samples
tab.
The Auto Samples page opens. See
2. Right-click and choose
Add Auto Sample
from the shortcut menu, or click the
Add New
Auto Sample
icon, .
The application adds a Solvent sample to the sample list.
You can add, insert, or remove samples from this list as you would any sample list.
3. To change the sample type to a Negative, click the Sample Type column and select
Negative from the list.
4. In the Injection Volume column for the sample, type a volume.
The minimum injection volume value allowed is 0.1 μL; the maximum injection volume value allowed is 5000 μL.
5. In the Number of Injections column, type the number of injections available in the designated Solvent or Negative vial.
After auto sample injections have occurred, you can return to this page to view the number of Injections Used in each vial.
6. In the Vial Position column, type the vial position for the Solvent or Negative sample.
To specify different instrument methods for samples
Note
By default, the Instrument Method column is not displayed on the Sample
Definition page. See
1. Display the Instrument Method column in the sample list: a. Right-click the sample list and choose
Modify Columns
from the shortcut menu.
The Modify Columns dialog box opens.
b. In the Available Columns pane, select
Instrument Method
.
c.
Click pane.
to move the Instrument Method column to the Displayed Columns d. Click
OK
.
The application displays the Instrument Method column, defaulting to the instrument method specified in the master method.
2. Click the Instrument Method column and select an instrument method from the list.
This list contains all the available instrument methods. The application prefixes instrument methods from external sources with “Ext:”.
You can specify a different instrument method for each sample.
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Figure 89.
Instrument method column
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When you submit the batch, the application saves a copy of the selected instrument methods to the following folders:
External instrument methods:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…
\
batch
\Methods\
method\ExternalMethods
Local instrument methods:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…
\
batch
\Methods\
method
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Use the features on the Samples page to create a list of samples for the batch.
Figure 90.
Samples page on the Sample Definition page
Table 66.
Samples page parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Previous
Next
Status color codes
Definition
Returns you to the previous Acquisition page.
Takes you to the next Acquisition page.
Sample is not acquired.
Sample is acquired but not processed.
Sample is acquired and processed.
Sample is currently acquiring.
Sample Controls
Add
Insert
Import
Multiplexing Channels
All Channels
Channel 1-
n
Shortcut menu commands
Add Sample
Insert Sample
Insert Copy Sample
Reinject Selected
Samples
Adds the specified number of empty rows to the sample grid.
Inserts the specified number of empty rows above the selected row.
Opens the Sample Import Tool to import samples from a CSV, an XML, or an SLD file.
These features are available only when you have activated multiplexing in the
Configuration console. See “Multiplexing” on page 61
.
Uses all configured channels to acquire this batch.
Uses only the selected channels to acquire this batch.
Adds a single empty row to the sample grid.
Inserts a single empty row to the sample grid above the selected row.
Copies the currently selected row and inserts a copy above the row.
Creates a copy of the selected sample and appends INJ001 to the file name. Additional reinjections of the same sample are numbered INJ002, INJ003, and so forth.
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Table 66.
Samples page parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Remove Selected
Samples
Import Samples
Copy Down
Definition
Removes selected samples from the sample grid.
Opens the Sample Import Tool. See “To import samples into the list” on page 329 .
Copies the value in the selected row to all rows below it. For detailed instructions about
using the Copy Down command, see Appendix C, “Using Copy Down and Fill Down.”
Fill Down
Modify Columns
Enable/Disable Sample
Weight Calculation
Copy
Enters sequential values in the column starting with the value in the selected row and ending with the last row in the column. For detailed instructions about using the Fill
Down command, see
Appendix C, “Using Copy Down and Fill Down.”
Opens the Modify Columns dialog box. See
.
Displays or hides the Sample Volume, Dilution Factor, Sample Weight, Calculation Type, and Final Units columns.
Copy with Headers
Paste
Copies the data in the selected rows or columns to the Clipboard. Use this command to copy sample information to a text editor or spreadsheet application. You cannot paste this data back into the Acquisition mode sample list.
Copies the data in the selected rows or columns and the associated column headers to the
Clipboard. Use this command to copy sample information to a text editor or spreadsheet application. You cannot paste this data back into the Acquisition mode sample list.
Pastes a single column of copied data from a text editor or spreadsheet application, into the selected column.
Undo Last Paste
Export to CSV File
Removes the last pasted item in the Acquisition mode sample list.
Opens the Save As dialog box where you can save the current sample list to a CSV file.
Edit Instrument Method Opens the Instrument Setup window where you can edit the parameters of the instrument method.
• When you edit an external method, the application updates the method in the
…\Xcalibur\methods folder.
• When you edit an internal method, the application updates the method in the
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
project
\
subproject
\
batch
\Methods\
method
folder.
For detailed information about editing instrument methods, see
Instrument Methods” on page 113 .
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Use the features on the Auto Samples Sample page to identify the Solvent or Negative samples to use for any Auto Sample or Auto Sample and Reinject failure actions as specified on the
Intelligent Sequencing page of the method. See
“Editing the Intelligent Sequencing Page” on page 244 .
Each sample type that you specify for a failure action on the Intelligent Sequencing page must be defined on the samples list on the Auto Samples page.
Figure 91.
Auto Samples page on the Sample Definition page
Table 67.
Auto Samples page parameters
Column
Sample Type
Injection Volume
Injections Used
Number of
Injections
Vial Position
Description
The sample type for the auto sample injection as specified on the Intelligent Sequencing page of the method—either Solvent or Negative.
Default: Solvent
The injection volume used for the sample acquisition as specified on the Samples page.
Range: 0.1 through 5000 μL
The number of times a vial has been used. The count is cumulative across all batches.
The number of injections available in the designated Solvent or Negative vial.
Vial position for this sample type as specified on the Samples page.
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Use the features on the Reference Sample page to select a sample to use as a reference peak in
Data Review.
Figure 92.
Reference Sample page on the Sample Definition page
Table 68.
Reference Sample page parameters
Parameter
Status
Description
Sample is not acquired.
Sample is acquired but not processed.
Sample is acquired and processed.
Filename
Sample ID
Sample Name
Vial Position
Delete Selected
Copy
Sample is currently acquiring.
Name of the raw data file that contains the sample data.
A user-defined, alphanumeric string that identifies a sample.
A user-defined name that identifies a sample.
The tray vial number used for an autosampler acquisition.
Barcode Actual
Shortcut menu commands
A user-entered barcode for the vial.
Add Reference Sample Opens the Open Chromatogram Reference Sample dialog box where you can select a reference sample.
Deletes the reference sample.
Copy with Headers
Copies the data in the selected rows or columns to the Clipboard. Use this command to copy sample information to a text editor or spreadsheet application. You cannot paste this data back into the reference sample list.
Copies the data in the selected rows or columns and the associated column headers to the
Clipboard. Use this command to copy sample information to a text editor or spreadsheet application. You cannot paste this data back into the reference sample list.
Paste
Export to CSV File
Pastes a single column of copied data from a text editor or spreadsheet application, into the selected column.
Opens the Save As dialog box where you can save the current sample list to a CSV file.
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On the Report Selection page, you can specify the types of reports that you want to create. See
“Report Selection” on page 341
. In addition to the report type, you can specify a report description for each of your reports.
For each report that you generate, you can create a hard-copy printout, a PDF file, a CSV file, or an Excel file.
Use any of the following procedures to create a reports list. When you finish specifying your report options, click
Next
to go to the Finish page and submit your batch. See “Submitting the Batch” on page 342 .
The application writes the resulting output files for your reports to the
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…\batch\
Reports folder.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
To specify a report in print format or as a PDF, a CSV, or an Excel file
To edit a report title
Select the Report Title column and edit the default title.
The default report title is the same as the report name.
To specify a report in print format or as a PDF, a CSV, or an Excel file
1. For each type of report that you want to create, select the corresponding check box in the
Print, Create PDF, Create CSV, or Create Excel column.
2. To duplicate the output type for all reports, right-click the cell and choose
Copy Down
from the shortcut menu.
All check boxes in the column below the selected cell duplicate the selected or cleared state in the selected cell. This action applies only to report types that make this output format available.
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Use the features on the Report Selection page to specify the types of reports that you want to create.
Figure 93.
Report Selection page
Table 69.
Report Selection page parameters
Parameter
Report Name
Report Title
Create PDF
Create CSV
Create Excel
Shortcut menu:
Copy Down
Description
The name of a report.
User-editable description to be used on a report.
Reports to be sent to the printer.
Reports to be saved as PDF files.
Reports to be exported as CSV files.
Reports to be exported as Excel files.
Copies the selected or cleared state to all subsequent reports in the column.
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In the Finish page of the Acquisition mode, you can specify a startup method, a shutdown method, or a calibration batch. You can save the batch to be acquired later, or you can acquire and process data and optionally create reports. See
Note
If you are working with a batch template, the only available function is Save.
Follow these procedures:
•
To specify startup or shutdown methods
•
To automatically update the timed SRM information
•
To specify a calibration batch
•
•
To save a batch for later acquisition
•
•
To specify startup or shutdown methods
1. Select a method from the System Startup Method list.
The TraceFinder application runs this method before running the batch. No autosampler injection takes place. This feature is not available for all instruments.
2. Select a method from the System Shutdown Method list.
The TraceFinder application runs this method after running the batch. This feature is not available for all instruments.
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To automatically update the timed SRM information
Select the
Auto TSRM Update
check box.
When you submit the batch, the application updates the TSQ method with mass transitions, collision energy, and other appropriate data for TSRM functionality.
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To specify a calibration batch
1. In the Calibration area, select a calibration (.calx) file from the list.
Note
You must acquire at least one batch with the current method to create a calibration (.calx) file.
2. To add calibration data from the current batch to the selected calibration file, select the
Extend Calibration
option.
To specify device states
In the System Status area, select the name of the device, right-click, and then choose a device state from the shortcut menu.
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Table 70.
Instrument states (Sheet 1 of 2)
Instrument state
Turn Device On
Turn Device Standby
Description
Keeps the system in the On state when the current run finishes, so you can begin another run without waiting. All power and flows are maintained at operational levels.
Default: On
Keeps the system in the Standby state when the current run finishes, so you can begin another run with only a short delay between runs.
Some devices do not have a Standby feature. For devices with this feature, the device enters a power-saving or consumable-saving mode, and you can switch the device back on in approximately 15 minutes. Depending on the instrument, this state turns liquid flows off but maintains heaters and other subsystems in an On state so that there is no warm-up time required when you change from Standby to On.
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Table 70.
Instrument states (Sheet 2 of 2)
Instrument state Description
Turn Device Off Keeps the system in the Off state when the current run finishes. The Off state indicates that all power to the instrument, which the TraceFinder application can control, is turned off. This includes power to all heaters and subassemblies, but in some cases not all subassemblies.
Some devices do not have an Off feature. For devices that do have this feature, the device enters a power-saving or consumable-saving mode, and you can switch the device back on. When several runs are queued, the application uses the system power scheme of the last submitted run.
Instrument status indicators
Green indicates that the device is turned on or is running.
Yellow indicates that the device is in standby mode or is waiting for contact closure.
Red indicates that the device is turned off or that there is an error with the device.
To save a batch for later acquisition
From the Finish page, click
Save
,
.
The TraceFinder application saves your batch as a prepared file.
To start an acquisition
1. Click
Submit
,
.
The Submit Options dialog box opens. For detailed descriptions of the parameters, see
“Submit Options dialog box” on page 346 .
2. To acquire (or reacquire) the submitted samples, select the
Acquire Data
check box.
• When all submitted samples have been previously acquired, this option is (by default) not selected.
• When any of the submitted samples has not been acquired, this option is (by default) selected.
3. To process the submitted samples, select the
Process Data
check box.
You can process the data with or without performing peak detection. You might, for example, want to turn off peak detection when reprocessing samples.
4. (Optional) Select the
Create Reports
check box.
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5. (Optional with multiplexing activated) Select the
Priority Sequence
check box.
The application acquires the priority batch on the next available channel or the assigned channel.
6. (Optional without multiplexing activated) Select the
Priority Sequence
check box and then select one of the following priority options to place the batch in the queue:
• Next Available Batch places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring batch.
• Next Available Sample places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring sample.
Note
When you select Full Sequence Submission in the Configuration console, these options are unavailable because the current batch and the current sample are, in effect, the same thing.
7. Select the
Use
check box for the device that you want to use for this acquisition.
8. (Optional) Select the
Start Device
check box to indicate the device that will initiate communication with the other instruments.
This is usually the autosampler.
9. (Optional) Select the
Start When Ready
check box, which starts all instruments together when they are all ready.
When this is cleared, individual instruments can start at different times and then have to wait for the last instrument to be ready.
10. Do one of the following:
To start the selected processes, click
OK
.
The selected processes begin, and the TraceFinder application shows the real-time display at the bottom of the current window. You can begin another batch in the Acquisition mode while you watch the real-time display of the currently acquiring batch.
–or–
Click
Cancel
to exit the Acquisition mode without performing any tasks.
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Figure 94.
Submit Options dialog box
Acquire Data selected
Acquire Data not selected
Table 71.
Submit Options dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
User Name
Samples
Acquire Data
Process Data
Description
Name of the current user.
Number of samples to be submitted for acquisition, processing, or reporting.
Submits the current batch to acquisition.
• When all submitted samples have been previously acquired, this option is (by default) not selected.
• When any of the submitted samples has not been acquired, this option is (by default) selected.
(Default) Processes the data for the current batch.
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Table 71.
Submit Options dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
With Peak Detection
Description
(Default) Processes the data with peak detection.
Create Reports
Priority Sequence
When you clear this option, the application reprocesses samples without performing peak detection.
Creates reports for the current batch.
With multiplexing activated, places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring batch.
Without multiplexing activated, specifies one of the following priority options to place the batch in the queue:
Next Available Batch
: Places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring batch.
Next Available Sample
: Places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring sample.
Note
When you select Full Sequence Submission in the Configuration console, these options are unavailable because the current batch and the current sample are, in effect, the same thing.
Acquisition pane
Device Name Lists all configured instruments.
Use
If the instrument that you want to use is not configured, close the TraceFinder application, configure the instrument, and then reopen the TraceFinder application. You cannot configure an instrument while the TraceFinder application is running.
Available only when you select the Acquire Data check box.
Specifies the instruments used for this acquisition.
Start Device
Available only when you select the Acquire Data check box.
Specifies the instrument that initiates the communication with the other instruments. This is usually the autosampler.
Start When Ready
Available only when you select the Acquire Data check box.
Starts the specified device when all the instruments are ready to acquire data. When this is cleared, individual instruments can start at different times and then must wait for the last instrument to be ready.
Specifies the system state after it acquires the last batch: On (default), Standby, or Off.
Post-run System
State
Hide/Show Details
OK
Cancel
Collapses or expands the acquisition details of the Submit Options dialog box.
Begins the selected processes.
Closes the Submit Options dialog box without submitting any tasks.
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To view the output files
Locate the files to view from the following directories:
The TraceFinder application writes saved batches to the project folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…
For each acquired sample, the application writes an RSX file to the batch Data folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…
\Data
The application saves method information to the batch Methods folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…
\Methods
The application writes the reports to the batch Reports folder:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…\batch
\Reports
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Figure 95.
Finish page
Use the features on the Finish page to save the batch to be acquired later or acquire and process data and optionally create reports.
Table 72.
Finish page parameters
Parameter
System Status
System Startup Method
System Shutdown Method
Auto TSRM Update
Calibration
Save
Submit
Description
The System Status pane displays the following:
• Devices used for the acquisition
• Project, subproject, and name of the batch
• Number of acquired and unacquired samples in the batch
• Number of reports to be printed and saved as PDF, CSV, or Excel files
• Local method and instrument method used for the batch
• Number of compounds in the method
The instrument methods that run before and after the batch. No autosampler injection takes place. These features are not available for all instruments.
Updates the TSQ method with mass transitions, collision energy, and other appropriate data for TSRM functionality.
• Use calibration: Uses the selected calibration file to process the current data.
• Extend calibration: Adds calibration data from the current batch to the selected calibration file.
Saves the current batch as a prepared batch.
Opens the Submit Options dialog box where you can choose to generate reports.
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Real Time Status Pane
You can access the Real Time Status pane from any mode in the TraceFinder application.
To access the Real Time Status Pane from any mode
Click
Real Time Status
in the upper right corner of the TraceFinder window.
The Real Time Status pane opens at the bottom of the current view.
Figure 96.
Real Time Status pane
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The Real Time Status pane has four pages of information and a real-time trace pane:
•
•
•
•
•
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Real Time Status Pane
Use the Acquisition page to monitor the progress as the application acquires the samples.
Use the Start, , Stop, , or Pause, to control batches in the Acquisition queue.
, icons
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To display the last acquired raw data file in a qualitative browser
On the Acquisition page of the real-time status pane, right-click and choose
View Last
File in Qual Explorer
from the shortcut menu.
The last acquired file opens in either the FreeStyle or Qual Browser application.
To open the Instrument Setup window
Right-click anywhere in the Acquisition page and choose
Open Instrument Method
Editor
from the shortcut menu.
The Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window opens, displaying the currently running instrument method.
For detailed information about editing instrument methods, see
Instrument Methods” on page 113 .
Note
Changes you make and save to the instrument method do not affect the currently running batch.
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Real Time Status Pane
Use the Instrument page to monitor the currently acquiring sample.
When you run single sample submission, this displays the sample name instead of the batch name.
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To view the last acquired file in a qualitative browser
Right-click anywhere in the top pane of the Instrument page and choose
View Last File in Qual Explorer
from the shortcut menu.
The last acquired file opens in either the FreeStyle or Qual Browser application.
To open the Instrument Setup window
Right-click anywhere in the top pane of the Instrument page and choose
Open
Instrument Method Editor
from the shortcut menu.
The Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window opens, displaying the currently running instrument method.
For detailed information about editing instrument methods, see
Instrument Methods” on page 113 .
Note
Changes you make and save to the instrument method do not affect the currently running batch.
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Real Time Status Pane
Use the Devices page to monitor the status of the instrument. The feedback you see on the
Devices page depends on the instrument you are using. The following examples show an
Accela autosampler and an Aria™ multiplexing device.
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Real Time Status Pane
Follow these procedures:
•
•
•
•
To access the Aria multiplexing controls
•
To view the last acquired file in a qualitative browser
•
To open the Instrument Setup window
To pause the autosampler
1. Click
Hold Autosampler
.
The autosampler finishes the current autosampler step and then pauses. The autosampler and LC pumps continue to run.
2. To restart the autosampler, click
Hold Autosampler
again.
To control the channels
Right-click the channel name and choose a command from the shortcut menu.
Table 73.
Autosampler shortcut menu commands (Sheet 1 of 2)
Command
On
Off
Description
Turns on a stopped pump and continues acquiring the sample list assigned to that channel.
After the current sample completes, the application stops acquiring and the pump shuts down.
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Table 73.
Autosampler shortcut menu commands (Sheet 2 of 2)
Command
Standby
Disable / Enable
Description
After the current sample completes, the application stops acquiring. The pump continues to run.
Disable
: Prevents the channel from receiving samples. When you choose
Disable
during a run, the application finishes the current sample on the channel and then stops.
Enable
: Allows the channel to receive samples.
When you disable a channel that is set to
On
, the channel is highlighted in green and the status is READY. You can turn the channel to
Off
or
Standby
.
To view the pressure trace
1. Click the
Pres
tab.
The Pressure page displays a pump pressure graph for each sample in the batch. A fluctuation or change in the pump pressure could indicate a change in the chromatography conditions.
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2. To view the pressure for a specific pump, select the
Pres 1
or
Pres 2
option.
By default, the pressure for all pumps are displayed.
3. To view the pressure for a specific channel, select the corresponding channel number.
By default, the pressure for all channels is displayed.
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To access the Aria multiplexing controls
Click
Direct Control
.
The Aria MX Direct Control window opens.
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For detailed descriptions of the features in this window, refer to the
Transcend Systems with
Xcalibur Software User Guide.
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To view the last acquired file in a qualitative browser
Right-click in the header of the Devices page and choose
View Last File in Qual
Explorer
from the shortcut menu.
The last acquired file opens in either the FreeStyle or Qual Browser application.
To open the Instrument Setup window
Right-click in the header of the Devices page and choose
Open Instrument Method
Editor
from the shortcut menu.
The Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window opens, displaying the currently running instrument method.
For detailed information about editing instrument methods, see
Instrument Methods” on page 113 .
Note
Changes you make and save to the instrument method do not affect the currently running batch.
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Real Time Status Pane
Use the Queues page to monitor and control the Acquisition, Processing, and Reporting queues.
•
: Pause or remove batches in any of the queues.
•
Batch-Level Commands : Pause or remove entire batches or samples within batches from
any of the queues.
•
: Open the FreeStyle application or the Instrument Setup window.
Use the queue-level commands to pause or remove batches in any of the queues on the
Queues page. See
“Queue-Level Shortcut Menu” on page 361 .
Follow these procedures:
•
To pause all batches in a queue
•
To remove a single batch from a queue
•
•
To remove all batches in a queue
To pause all batches in a queue
1. Select a queue (Acquisition, Processing, or Reporting).
Note
When multiplexing is activated, you can have as many as four samples acquiring at once. Pausing the Acquisition queue does not affect any acquiring samples.
2. Right-click and choose
Pause Queue
from the shortcut menu.
After the current sample completes, the application pauses all batches and samples in the specified queue. Only the selected queue is affected.
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3. To restart a paused queue, select the queue, right-click, and choose
Resume Queue
from the shortcut menu.
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To remove a single batch from a queue
1. Select a queue (Acquisition, Processing, or Reporting).
2. Right-click and choose
Stop Active Batch
from the shortcut menu.
Note
This command is available only when there are active batches in the queue.
Paused batches and batches that contain only pending samples are not “active.”
The application confirms that you want to remove the active batch from the selected queue. After the current sample completes, the application removes the batch and all pending samples from the queue. Only the selected queue is affected.
To remove all batches in a queue
1. Select a queue (Acquisition, Processing, or Reporting).
2. Right-click and choose
Stop All Batches
from the shortcut menu.
The application removes all batches with pending samples from the selected queue. The current sample continues to acquire. Only the selected queue is affected.
To remove all pending batches
1. Select a queue (Acquisition, Processing, or Reporting).
2. Right-click and choose
Remove Pending Batches
from the shortcut menu.
Note
A pending batch is a batch in which all samples are pending. If any sample in the batch is active, the batch is not affected by this command.
The application removes all batches that contain only pending samples. Only the selected queue is affected.
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Real Time Status Pane
Use the commands on the shortcut menu to pause or remove batches in any of the queues on the Queues page.
Figure 97.
Queue-level shortcut menu
Table 74.
Queue-level shortcut menu commands
Command
Pause Queue
Description
After the current sample completes, the application pauses the specified queue. Only the selected queue is affected.
Resume Queue
Stop Active Batch
Stop All Batches
Reactivate All Batches
Remove Pending
Batches
Returns the paused queue to active status.
Removes all pending samples from the specified queue. The active sample is not affected.
Removes all pending samples and batches from the specified queue. The active sample is not affected.
Returns all paused batches to active status.
Removes all pending batches from the specified queue. The active batch is not affected.
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Use the batch-level commands to pause or remove entire batches or samples within batches
from any of the queues on the Queues page. See “Batch-level shortcut menu.”
Follow these procedures:
•
To remove a single pending sample from a batch
•
To remove all pending samples from a batch
•
•
To remove a single pending sample from a batch
1. Select a pending sample.
2. Right-click the sample and choose
Remove Sample
from the shortcut menu.
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The application confirms that you want to remove the selected sample from the batch and then removes the sample.
To remove all pending samples from a batch
1. Select a batch in any of the queues (Acquisition, Processing, or Reporting).
The batch must have at least one pending sample.
2. Right-click and choose
Remove Pending Samples
from the shortcut menu.
The application confirms that you want to remove all pending samples from the batch and then removes the samples. If the batch includes only pending samples, the application removes the batch from the queue.
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To stop a batch
1. Select an active batch in any of the queues (Acquisition, Processing, or Reporting).
Note
The batch must have at least one active sample and one pending sample.
2. Right-click and choose
Stop Batch
from the shortcut menu.
The application confirms that you want to remove the selected batch from the queue.
After the current sample completes, the application removes the batch and all pending samples from the queue.
To remove a pending batch
1. Select a pending batch in any of the queues (Acquisition, Processing, or Reporting).
Note
A pending batch is a batch in which all samples are pending. If any sample in the batch is active, this command is not available.
2. Right-click and choose
Remove Pending Batch
from the shortcut menu.
The application confirms that you want to remove the selected batch from the queue and then removes the batch from the queue.
Figure 98.
Batch-level shortcut menu
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Table 75.
Batch-level shortcut menu commands
Command
Remove Pending
Samples
Description
Stop Batch After the current sample completes, the application removes all samples in the selected batch.
Remove Pending Batch Removes all samples from the selected pending batch.
Removes all pending samples from the selected batch.
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Real Time Status Pane
Use the commands on this shortcut menu to open the FreeStyle application or the Instrument
Setup window.
To view the last acquired file in a qualitative browser
Right-click below the queues list on the Queues page and choose
View Last File In Qual
Explorer
from the shortcut menu.
Note
You must click in the white space below the list of queues. Clicking on or to the right of the queues displays queue-, batch-, or sample-level shortcut menus.
The last acquired file opens in either the FreeStyle or Qual Browser application.
To open the Instrument Setup window
Right-click below the queues list on the Queues page and choose
Open Instrument
Method Editor
from the shortcut menu.
Note
You must click in the white space below the list of queues. Clicking on or to the right of the queues displays queue-, batch-, or sample-level shortcut menus.
The Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup window opens, displaying the currently running instrument method.
For detailed information about editing instrument methods, see
Instrument Methods” on page 113 .
Note
Changes you make and save to the instrument method do not affect the currently running batch.
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As each sample acquires, the real-time chromatogram pane shows the retention time and intensity of the TIC trace.
By default, the Real Time Status pane shows only the TIC trace as each sample acquires. To observe specific traces, such as the internal standard, use the RTV Display Traces function to display multiple traces.
When you create your method, you can specify additional traces to display in the real-time viewer and in which order the traces are displayed. The application always displays the TIC trace in the top pane. See
“Real Time Status Pane” on page 350
.
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To display multiple traces
Right-click the chromatogram pane and choose the number of traces to display.
The chromatogram pane displays real-time chromatograms for the selected number of traces.
The TIC is always displayed at the top. When there are more traces than can fit in the pane, you can scroll through the traces.
For each trace, the application displays the mass or precursor mass.
Figure 99.
Real-time trace display with multiple traces
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Sample Types
The TraceFinder application uses the following sample types in all sample definitions and reports.
Table 76.
Sample type definitions
Sample type
Negative
Unextracted
Calibrator
QC
Solvent
Specimen
Hydrolysis
Definition
Contains no target compounds but might contain an ISTD when you use the internal standard quantitative analysis technique. By analyzing a blank sample, you can confirm that there are no residual compounds in the solvent system that can cause erroneous results.
Similar to a Negative sample, but contains target compounds. By analyzing a sample, you can confirm that there are no residual compounds in the solvent system that can cause erroneous results.
(Calibration standard) Contains known amounts of all target compounds. The purpose of a standard is to measure the response of the instrument to the target compounds so that the processing software can generate a calibration curve for each compound.
(Quality Check) Contains a known amount of one or more specific target compounds. The application places check standard samples in the sequence so that it can test quantitative analysis results for quality assurance purposes. After the application analyzes the QC sample, it compares the measured quantity with the expected value and an acceptability range. The quantitative analysis of a QC sample is classified as
passed
if the difference between the observed and expected quantities is within the user-defined tolerance. A QC sample is classified as
failed
if the difference between the observed and expected quantities is outside the user-defined tolerance.
Contains only solvent.
Used for quantitative analysis of samples.
Checks the degradation of compounds dissolved in water.
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This chapter includes instructions about using the features of the Analysis mode.
Contents
•
•
Working in Data Review for Quantitation Methods
•
Working in Data Review for Target Screening Methods
•
Working in the Local Method View
•
•
Working in the Report Designer
Use the Analysis mode to do the following:
• Submit batches for acquisition, processing, or reports.
• Review batches, batch data, reports, and local methods.
To access the Analysis mode
Click
Analysis
in the navigation pane.
The Analysis navigation pane opens.
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In the Batch View, you can manually create and edit a new batch or open and edit a previously saved batch. When you submit a batch, you can acquire and process data and optionally create reports for the submitted samples.
The Analysis mode includes a toolbar:
Use the toolbar or the equivalent commands on the Batch View shortcut menu to create the sample list and submit samples for acquisition. See
This section includes the following topics:
•
•
•
•
To open the Batch View
1. Click
Analysis
in the navigation pane of the current mode.
2. In the Analysis navigation pane, click
Batch View
.
The Batch View navigation pane opens.
Available only for quantitative batches when you activate Intelligent Sequencing in the Configuration console.
Available only for quantitative batches.
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To open the Samples page, click
Samples
in the Batch View navigation pane.
This section contains information about the following topics:
•
•
•
•
The Samples page is divided into two panes:
• Samples pane
Use the samples pane to create a batch. See
.
• Compound Active Status pane
Use the Compound Active Status pane to make specific compounds active or inactive. See
“Compound Active Status Pane” on page 386
.
Samples pane
Compound Active Status pane
Tip
To resize the panes, drag the separators that divide the panes.
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The samples pane includes the following features:
•
•
•
•
Blank Subtraction in Target Screening Batches
•
•
•
•
•
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The sample list contains many columns of information. You can scroll to see all the columns of information, and you can customize which columns to display and their display order.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
To customize the column display
To scroll the sample list
Use the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the sample list to view all the information.
When you use the scroll bar at the bottom of the sample list, the Status, Filename, Sample
Type, Groups, Qual Processing, Level, Sample ID, and Sample Name columns stay fixed while the other columns scroll right and left.
To customize the column display
1. Right-click the sample list and choose
Modify Columns
from the shortcut menu.
The Modify Columns dialog box opens. See
2. Use the arrow buttons to move all the columns that you want displayed to the Displayed
Columns pane.
These columns appear after the Status, Filename, Sample Type, Groups, Qual Processing,
Level, Sample ID, and Sample Name columns.
3. To arrange the order of the columns, do the following: a. In the Displayed Columns pane, select a column name.
b. Use
Up
or
Down
to move the selected column up or down in the list.
The first column in the list represents the leftmost column in the Batch View sample list, and the last column in the list represents the rightmost column in the Batch View sample list.
Note
You cannot move the Status, Filename, Sample Type, Groups, Qual
Processing, Level, Sample ID, or Sample Name columns.
4. To change the width of a column, do the following: a. In the Displayed Columns pane, select the column width.
b. Type a new value for the width.
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5. Repeat
for all columns whose widths you want to change, and click
OK
.
The columns in the sample list immediately reflect your changes. The application uses these settings for all sample lists in the Batch View.
Figure 100.
Modify Columns dialog box
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Table 77.
Button descriptions for the Modify Columns dialog box
Button Description
Moves all columns to the Displayed Columns pane.
Moves the selected column to the Displayed Columns pane.
The following buttons apply to all columns, except for those that are fixed: Status, Filename,
Sample Type, Groups, Qual Processing, Level, Sample ID, and Sample Name.
Moves the selected column to the Available Columns pane.
Moves all columns except fixed columns.
Moves the selected column name in the Displayed Columns pane one row up in the column order.
Moves the selected column name in the Displayed Columns pane one row down in the column order.
Note
The application adds a Blank Subtraction column to the fixed columns for target screening batches only.
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Status indicators show the current status of each sample during the acquisition and processing.
Sample is not acquired.
Sample is acquired but not processed.
Sample is acquired and processed.
Sample is currently acquiring.
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Status indicators
Use the Groups feature to assign samples to a group. After you create groups, you can choose one of the samples as a threshold sample for the group and then view the samples in the group in the Comparative View in the Analysis mode.
To create a group
1. For each sample, click the Groups column and type the name of a group.
Note
Group names are not case sensitive and are always interpreted as lowercase. For example, if you assign one sample to “GroupA” and another sample to “groupa”, both samples are assigned to “groupa” on the Threshold Samples page.
Repeat this for each sample that you want to include in a group.
2. Create as many groups as you want.
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Note
To assign a sample to multiple groups, separate the groups with a comma.
For information about specifying a threshold sample for a group of samples, see
For information about viewing grouped samples in Data Review, see “Comparative View” on page 436 .
In target screening batches only, use the Blank Subtraction feature to select which negative samples you want to use for peak subtraction. The application subtracts the areas of the peaks in the selected negative samples from the matching areas in the specimen samples.
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When you process the batch sequence, the application subtracts the peaks in a selected negative sample from all specimen samples that follow it, until it encounters another negative sample.
To activate the Blank Subtraction feature, see
“Editing the Processing Page” on page 279 .
Use the sample weight features to calculate the conversion factor for a sample. The application uses different methods to calculate the conversion factor for liquid or solid calculation types.
Liquid
:
SampleVolume
DilutionFactor
Solid
: (
SampleVolume
×
DilutionFactor
)
SampleWeight
Manual
: The application does not calculate the Conversion Factor. Instead, you can enter the
Conversion Factor value.
Follow these procedures:
•
To display the features for calculating sample weight
•
To calculate the conversion factor for a liquid sample
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•
To calculate the conversion factor for a solid sample
•
To manually specify the conversion factor for a sample
To display the features for calculating sample weight
If the Conversion Factor, Sample Volume, Dilution Factor, Sample Weight, Calculation
Type, and Final Units columns are not visible, right-click and choose
Enable Sample
Weight Calculation
from the shortcut menu.
Thermo Scientific
To calculate the conversion factor for a liquid sample
Note
The application uses the following formula to calculate the Conversion Factor:
SampleVolume
DilutionFactor
1. From the
Calculation Type
list, select
Liquid
.
For a liquid sample, the Sample Weight value is not editable.
2. In the Sample Volume column, type the volume in ng/mL for your sample.
3. In the Dilution Factor column, type the value for the dilution.
For example, if you have 1000 ng/mL of a substance that is too concentrated for the mass spectrometer, you can dilute it by 1000. Then your injection volume is 1, your conversion factor is 1000, and your sample amount is 1000.
4. In the Final Units column, type the units that you want to use for the calculated amount in the Data Review view or in reports.
To calculate the conversion factor for a solid sample
Note
The application uses the following formula to calculate the Conversion Factor:
(
SampleVolume
×
DilutionFactor
)
SampleWeight
1. From the
Calculation Type
list, select
Solid
.
2. In the Sample Weight column, type the weight in ng for your sample.
3. In the Sample Volume column, type the volume in ng/ml for your sample.
4. In the Dilution Factor column, type the value for the dilution.
For example, if you have 1000 ng/ml of a substance that is too concentrated for the mass spectrometer, you can dilute it by 1000. Then your injection volume is 1, your conversion factor is 1000, and your sample amount is 1000.
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5. In the Final Units column, type the units that you want to use for the calculated amount in the Data Review view or in reports.
To manually specify the conversion factor for a sample
Note
The application uses the specified conversion factor when it calculates the amount for the sample.
1. From the
Calculation Type
list, select
Manual
.
For a manually calculated sample, the only available columns are the Conversion Factor and the Final Units.
2. In the Conversion Factor column, type the conversion factor to use for your sample.
3. In the Final Units column, type the units that you want to use for the calculated amount in the Data Review view or in reports.
Use the Instrument Methods column to specify instrument methods for the samples.
Note
By default, the Instrument Method column is not displayed in the Batch View sample list.
To specify instrument methods for samples
1. Display the Instrument Method column in the sample list: a. Right-click the sample list and choose
Modify Columns
from the shortcut menu.
The Modify Columns dialog box opens.
b. In the Available Columns pane, select
Instrument Method
.
to move the Instrument Method column to the Displayed Columns c.
Click pane.
d. Click
OK
.
The application displays the Instrument Method column, defaulting to the instrument method specified in the master method.
2. Click the Instrument Method column and select an instrument method from the list.
This list contains all the available instrument methods. Instrument methods from external sources are prefixed with “Ext:”.
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You can specify a different instrument method for each sample.
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When you submit the batch for acquisition, the application saves a copy of the selected instrument methods to the following folders:
External instrument methods:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…
\
batch
\Methods\
method\ExternalMethods
Local instrument methods:
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…
\
batch
\Methods\
method
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The Analysis mode includes this toolbar for creating and submitting a batch.
Table 78.
Toolbar icons
Icon Description
Adds the specified number of new, empty samples to the end of the
sample list. See the instructions “To add samples to the list” on page 390 .
Inserts a new, empty sample or samples above the selected sample. See
the instructions “To insert samples into the list” on page 390
.
Removes the selected samples from the sample list. See the
instructions “To remove samples from the list” on page 391 .
Adds imported samples from a CSV, an XML, or an SLD file to the
sample list. See the instructions “To import samples into the list” on page 390 .
Submits only the selected samples for acquisition, processing, or report generation. See the instructions
“To submit samples in the batch” on page 401
.
Submits the batch for acquisition, processing, or report generation.
See the instructions
“To submit samples in the batch” on page 401 .
Opens the Acquisition mode where you can use a batch template to define a standard sequence composed of various sample types to be assembled into a batch of samples. See
Quantitation Methods” on page 413 .
Opens the Acquisition mode where you can create a batch template that contains the basic settings and sample types for your batches. See
“Using the Acquisition Mode” on page 313 .
Opens the Quick Acquisition window where you can quickly submit a
single sample. See Appendix A, “Using Quick Acquisition.”
Opens the Audit Viewer where you can view audit logs. See
Chapter 9, “Using the Audit Viewer.”
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The sample list displays all the quantitative data for the samples of a batch.
Status indicators for each sample indicate if the sample is currently acquiring, not acquired, acquired, or processed.
The sample list includes the following columns of information:
Figure 101.
Batch View sample list
Thermo Scientific
Note
• In target screening batches only, the sample list includes a Blank Subtraction column after the Sample Type column.
• Cells in the sample list that are not editable, such as Barcode Actual, are shaded and empty.
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Table 79.
Batch View sample list columns (Sheet 1 of 2)
Column
Status
Description
Sample is not acquired.
Groups
Filename
Sample Type
Sample is acquired but not processed.
Sample is acquired and processed.
Sample is currently acquiring.
Threshold group to which a sample belongs. Samples can be viewed by group in the
Comparative View of Data Review.
Name of the raw data file that contains the sample data.
Defines how the TraceFinder application processes the sample data. Each sample is classified as one of the following sample types:
Qual Processing
Blank Subtraction
Level
Sample ID
Sample Name
Vial Position
Injection Volume
Specimen, QC, Solvent, Calibrator, Hydrolysis, Unextracted, or Negative
Default: Specimen
Indicates samples to be processed with the qualitative peak processing criteria specified in the method. The Qualitative View displays processed data for the selected samples.
Specifies a negative sample to use for blank subtraction.
The level defined for a calibration sample or quality control sample.
A user-defined, alphanumeric string that identifies a sample.
A user-defined name that identifies a sample.
The tray vial number used for an autosampler acquisition.
The injection volume (in microliters) of the injected sample.
When you are using an autosampler, you can set the default injection volume in the
Autosampler dialog box in the Instrument View. The minimum and maximum injection volumes that you can use depend on the Autosampler you configure. The usable range depends on the injection mode and might be smaller than the displayed range.
The Injection Volume value set in the master method overwrites the value in the instrument method.
Range: 0.1 through 5000 μL
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Table 79.
Batch View sample list columns (Sheet 2 of 2)
Column
Calculation Type
Description
Liquid
: The application calculates the Conversion Factor as
SampleVolume
DilutionFactor
Solid
: The application calculates the Conversion Factor as
(
SampleVolume
×
DilutionFactor
)
SampleWeight
Conversion Factor
Sample Volume
Dilution Factor
Sample Weight
Final Units
Instrument Method
Channel
Barcode Expected
Barcode Actual
Comment
Manual
: Sample Volume, Dilution Factor, Sample Weight, and Final Units columns are not available, and the Conversion Factor value is editable.
Editable only when Calculation Type is Manual. Default: 1
Default: 1
Default: 1
Available only when Calculation Type is Solid. Default: 1
Specifies the calculated amount in the Data Review view or in reports.
Default: 1
Specifies the instrument to use for the acquisition. This column is hidden by default. To display this column, see
“To customize the column display” on page 373
.
Specifies the channel on which the sample was run. If the sample is not acquired, the value is
Pending. The Channel column is available only when you have activated multiplexing in the
Configuration console. See
A user-entered barcode for the vial.
An actual barcode for the vial. This value is not editable.
A user-defined comment for the sample.
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The Batch View includes a shortcut menu for creating a batch.
Table 80.
Batch View shortcut menu commands (Sheet 1 of 2)
Command
Add Sample
Insert Sample
Insert Copy Sample
Reinject Selected
Samples
Description
Adds a single empty row to the sample grid.
Inserts a single empty row to the sample grid above the selected row.
Copies the currently selected row and inserts a copy above the row.
Creates a copy of the selected sample and appends INJ001 to the file name. Additional reinjections of the same sample are numbered INJ002, INJ003, and so forth.
Removes selected samples from the sample grid.
Remove Selected
Samples
Import Samples
Browse in Raw File
(Move)
Browse in Raw File
(Copy)
Map Raw Files to
Samples
Copy Down
Fill Down
Modify Columns
Enable/Disable Sample
Weight Calculation
Copy
Opens the Sample Import Tool. See “To import samples into the list” on page 390
.
Opens a dialog box where you can select a raw data file to use for the selected sample row. The application removes the raw data file from the source location.
Opens a dialog box where you can select a raw data file to use for the selected sample row. The application copies the raw data file from the source location.
Opens a dialog box where you can select multiple raw data files to use for the selected sample rows.
Copies the value in the selected row to all rows below it. This command is available only when you have selected a value that can be copied down.
Enters sequential values in the column starting with the value in the selected row and ending with the last row in the column.
This command is available only when you have selected a value that can be filled down.
Opens the Modify Columns dialog box. See
.
Displays or hides the Sample Volume, Dilution Factor, Sample
Weight, Calculation Type, and Final Units columns.
Copies the data in the selected rows or columns to the Clipboard.
Use this command to copy sample information into a text editor or spreadsheet application. You cannot paste this data back into the Batch View sample list.
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Table 80.
Batch View shortcut menu commands (Sheet 2 of 2)
Command
Copy with Headers
Description
Copies the data in the selected rows or columns and the associated column headers to the Clipboard. Use this command to copy sample information into another text editor or spreadsheet application. You cannot paste this data back into the sample list.
For example
Copy With Headers from TraceFinder
Paste into Excel spreadsheet
Paste Pastes a single column of copied data from another text editor or spreadsheet application into the selected column.
Removes the last pasted item in the Batch View. Undo Last Paste
Export to CSV File Opens the Save As dialog box where you can save the current sample list to a CSV file.
Edit Instrument Method Opens the Instrument Setup window where you can edit the parameters of the instrument method.
• When you edit an external method, the application updates the method in the …\Xcalibur\methods folder.
• When you edit an internal method, the application updates the method in the
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
…
\
batch
\Methods\
method
folder.
For detailed information about editing instrument methods, see
“Working with Instrument Methods” on page 113 .
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In the Compound Active Status pane, you can choose specific compounds to be active or inactive.
To set a compound as active or inactive
1. In the sample list, select a sample.
All compounds in the selected sample are listed in the Compound Active Status pane.
The default active/inactive status is determined by the identification settings in the local
.
• To display compounds alphabetically, right-click and choose
Sort by Compound
Name
from the shortcut menu.
• To display compounds from shorter to longer retention time, right-click and choose
Sort by Retention Time
from the shortcut menu.
2. Select or clear the
Active
check box for the compound.
For instructions about changing the active/inactive status in the Data Review view, see
“Inactive and Excluded Compounds” on page 466 .
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You can specify which compounds are active or inactive in the Local Method View or the
Batch View.
Figure 102.
Active and inactive compounds in the Local Method View
For details about setting the status on the Identification page, see “Identification” on page 158 .
Figure 103.
Active and inactive compounds in the Batch View
Thermo Scientific
For details about setting the status in the Batch View, see
“Compound Active Status Pane” on page 386 .
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In the Batch View, you can create a new batch.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
•
To insert samples into the list
•
To import samples into the list
•
To remove samples from the list
•
•
•
•
•
To customize the column display
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To create a new batch
1. Choose
File > New > Batch
from the main menu.
The Create New Batch dialog box opens, displaying all drives that contain projects. See
“Create New Batch” on page 396 .
2. Select a drive from the list.
Tip
The application displays all configured and enabled repositories.
3. Select the folder where you want to store your batch.
Tip
To activate the Create button, you must enter a unique batch name. If the Create button is not activated, you have entered a batch name that is already used.
To create a new folder for the storage location, see “Editing Folders for Batches” on page 398 .
4. Select either
Quan
or
Screening
from the Type list.
The batch list displays all batches in the selected folder. The Method list displays all methods for the selected type: quantitative or target screening.
5. Select a master method from the Method list.
The list displays all available methods of the selected type, either quantitative or target screening.
6. Click
Create
.
A new batch opens with one Specimen sample.
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The batch name in the title bar indicates that you are creating either a quantitative or a target screening batch.
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To add samples to the list
1. To add a single sample row, right-click the sample list and choose
Add Sample
from the shortcut menu.
2. To add multiple sample rows, select the number of rows and then click the
Add Sample
icon, .
The application adds the specified number of new, empty samples to the end of the sample list.
To insert samples into the list
Select the sample above which you will insert new, Specimen samples, and then do one of the following:
• To insert a single sample row, right-click and choose
Insert Sample
from the shortcut menu.
• To insert multiple sample rows, select the number of rows and then click the
Insert
Sample
icon .
The application inserts the Specimen samples above the selected sample.
Inserted samples
To import samples into the list
1. Choose
Batch > Import Samples
from the main menu, or click the
Import Samples
icon, .
The Sample Import Tool dialog box opens.
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From this dialog box, you can import samples from a CSV, an XML, or an SLD file.
2. Click
Browse
and select a CSV, an XML, or an SLD file that contains the samples to import.
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3. From the Imported Samples Will Be list, select
Appended to the End of the List
or
Inserted at the Selected Row
.
4. Click
Import
.
The Sample Import Tool dialog box closes, and the application adds the specified samples to the sample list.
When you import samples from an Xcalibur sequence file (SLD), the TraceFinder application makes the following column name substitutions:
Xcalibur column
Position
Inj Vol
Dil Factor
TraceFinder column
Vial Position
Injection Volume
Conversion Factor
When you import samples from an Xcalibur sequence file (.sld), the TraceFinder application makes the following sample type substitutions:
Xcalibur sample type
Blank
Std Bracket
TraceFinder sample type
Negative
Calibrator
5. (Optional) When using multiplexing, select a channel for each imported sample.
Imported samples default to Auto.
Note
The Channel column is available only when you have activated multiplexing in the Configuration console. See
To remove samples from the list
1. Select the samples that you want to remove.
Tip
Use the CTRL or SHIFT keys to select multiple samples.
2. Right-click and choose
Remove Selected Samples
from the shortcut menu.
To copy a sample
1. Select the sample that you want to copy.
2. Right-click and choose
Insert Copy Sample
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application inserts the copy above the selected sample.
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To reinject a sample
1. In the sample list, select the sample that you want to reinject.
2. Right-click and choose
Reinject This Sample
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application creates a copy of the selected sample and appends INJ001 to the file name. Additional reinjections of the sample are numbered INJ002, INJ003, and so forth. The application copies all parameter values from the original sample.
To edit sample values
1. For each sample, do one of the following:
Type a new file name over the current filename.
–or–
Double-click the Filename column and locate a raw data file to use for the sample.
–or–
Right-click and choose
Browse in Raw File
from the shortcut menu, and then locate a raw data file to use for the sample.
By default, the application sets the Sample Type to Unknown.
2. For each sample, click the Sample Type column and select a sample type from the list.
Available sample types
Specimen Hydrolysis
Unextracted Calibrator
Solvent
Negative
QC
3. For each Calibrator or QC sample, select a level from the Level list.
The sample levels are defined in the master method. If there are no levels to select in the
Level list, do the following: a. Return to the Method Development mode.
b. Open the method.
c.
Click the
Compounds
tab.
d. Click the
Calibration Levels
tab.
e.
Add the levels.
f.
Save the method.
g. Return to the Analysis mode, and then click
Update
.
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The application updates the local method with the new sample levels.
4. Type a vial position in the Vial Position column for each sample.
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5. Type a volume in the Injection Volume column for each sample.
The minimum injection volume value allowed is 0.1 μL; the maximum injection volume value allowed is 5000 μL.
6. (Optional) Type or edit the values for the remaining columns.
Note
When you use the scroll bar at the bottom of the sample list, the Status,
Filename, Sample Type, Groups, Qual Processing, Level, Sample ID, and Sample
Name columns stay fixed while the other columns scroll right and left.
For instructions to automatically copy or fill values in these columns, see Appendix C,
“Using Copy Down and Fill Down.”
To browse in raw data files
1. Do one of the following:
Double-click the Filename column.
–or–
Right-click and choose
Browse in Raw File
from the shortcut menu.
The What Raw File Would You Like to Use dialog box opens.
2. Select a raw data file to use for the sample or use the CTRL key to select multiple files, and then click
Open
.
The application overwrites the selected, unacquired sample in the batch with the first
“browsed in” file and adds any additional browsed in files below the selected sample.
For all browsed-in raw data files, the application sets the Status to Acquired, the Sample Type to Specimen.
, and sets
Note
You cannot overwrite an acquired sample. When you select a sample that is acquired, the application adds all browsed in files below the selected sample.
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To customize the column display
1. Right-click the Batch View sample list and choose
Modify Columns
from the shortcut menu.
The Modify Columns dialog box opens.
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Table 81.
Button descriptions for the Modify Columns dialog box
Button Description
Moves all columns to the Displayed Columns pane.
Moves the selected column to the Displayed Columns pane.
The following buttons apply to all columns, except for those that are fixed: Status,
Filename, Sample Type, Groups, Qual Processing, Level, Sample ID, and Sample
Name.
Moves the selected column to the Available Columns pane.
Moves all columns except those that are fixed.
Moves the selected column name in the Displayed Columns pane one row up in the column order.
Moves the selected column name in the Displayed Columns pane one row down in the column order.
Note
The application adds a Blank Subtraction column to the fixed columns for target screening batches only.
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2. Use the arrow buttons to move all the columns that you want displayed to the Displayed
Columns pane.
All the columns you select appear after the Status, Filename, Sample Type, Groups, Qual
Processing, Level, Sample ID, and Sample Name columns.
3. To arrange the order of the columns, do the following: a. In the Displayed Columns pane, select a column name.
b. Use
Up
or
Down
to move the selected column up or down in the list.
The first column in the list represents the leftmost column in the Batch View sample list, and the last column in the list represents the rightmost column in the Batch View sample list.
Note
You cannot move the Status, Filename, Sample Type, Groups, Qual
Processing, Level, Sample ID, or Sample Name columns.
4. To change the width of a column, do the following: a. In the Displayed Columns pane, select the column width.
b. Type a new value for the width.
5. When you have completed your changes, click
OK
.
The columns in the sample list immediately reflect your changes. The application uses these settings for all sample lists in the Batch View.
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Use the Create New Batch dialog box to select a folder and method for your batch and to name the new batch.
Table 82.
Create New Batch dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Create New Folder
Description
Adds one of the following:
• When a drive is selected, adds a new project-level folder to the drive.
• When a project folder is selected, adds a subproject-level folder to the selected project.
• When a subproject folder is selected, adds a lower-level folder to the subproject.
Delete Folder
Or, right-click and choose
Create Folder
from the shortcut menu.
With no confirmation prompt, immediately removes the selected folder.
You cannot delete a folder that contains lower-level folders; you must delete the lower-level folders first.
Or, right-click and choose
Delete
from the shortcut menu.
Renames the selected folder.
Or, right-click and choose
Rename
from the shortcut menu.
Rename Folder
Batch table
Batch
Type
Date Changed
Samples
Method
Size
Domain
Name of batches in the selected project.
Type of batch: Quan or Screening.
Date that the batch was last updated.
Number of samples in the batch.
Name of the method used to create the batch.
Size of the batch in megabytes.
TraceFinder domain in which the batch was created.
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Table 82.
Create New Batch dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
New batch parameters
New Batch
Description
Type
Method
Path
Buttons
Create
Cancel
Name of the new batch to create.
Note
If the Create button is not activated, you have entered a name that is already used or you have not selected a method.
Type of batch to create: Quan or Screening.
Method used to create the new batch.
Path to the project in the TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder where the batch is created.
Creates the specified batch and opens the Batch View for the new batch.
Closes the Create New Batch dialog box without creating a batch.
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From the Create New Batch dialog box, you can create new folders for your batches. You can also delete or rename folders.
Use these procedures:
•
•
•
To create new project folders
1. In the Create New Batch dialog box. select the folder for which you will create a new lower-level folder.
• You can select the main TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder and create a new folder under it.
• You can select one of the existing folders and create a lower-level folder under it.
2. Click the
Create Folder
icon, .
The application adds a new lower-level folder to the selected folder.
3. Select the new folder name and type a name for the folder.
Folder names are limited to 30 characters and can contain spaces and special characters, except for the following special characters: \ / : + ? ” < >
Note
After you add a lower-level folder, you cannot rename the parent folder.
To delete project folders
1. In the Create New Batch dialog box. select the folder to delete.
2. Click the
Delete Folder
icon, .
With no confirmation prompt, the application immediately removes the selected folder.
Note
You cannot delete folders that contains lower-level folders; you must delete the lower-level folders first.
To rename project folders
1. In the Create New Batch dialog box, select the folder to rename.
2. Click the
Rename Folder
icon, .
Note
You cannot rename folders that contain lower-level folders.
3. Type a new name for the folder and press ENTER.
The application saves the new folder name.
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In the Batch View, you can open a saved batch and edit the sample list. You can add samples, edit samples, or remove samples. If the batch has already been acquired, you can select specific samples for reinjection. If the batch has unacquired samples when you complete your edits, you can save it as a “ready to acquire” batch.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
•
•
To reinject a sample from a previously acquired batch
To open a saved batch
1. Choose
File > Open > Batch
from the main menu.
The Open Batch dialog box opens. See
.
2. Select a project and a subproject.
3. Select
Quan
,
Screening
, or
Any
from the Type list.
The batch list displays all batches created with the selected type of method.
4. Select a batch from the list.
5. Click
Open
.
The selected batch opens in the Batch View.
Figure 104.
Open Batch dialog box
Thermo Scientific
Table 83.
Open Batch dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Batch
Type
Date Changed
Description
Name of batches in the selected project.
Type of batch: Quan or Screening.
Date the batch was last updated.
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Table 83.
Open Batch dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Samples
Method
Size
Domain
Path
Description
Number of samples in the batch.
Name of the method used to create the batch.
Size of the batch in megabytes.
TraceFinder domain in which the batch was created.
Path to the project in the TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder where the batch is stored.
Buttons
Type
Open
Cancel
Type of batch to display in the Batch list: Quan, Screening, or
Any.
Opens the Batch View for the selected batch.
Closes the Open Batch dialog box without opening a batch.
To open a recent batch
Choose
File > Recent Files >
batch
from the main menu.
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The selected batch opens in the Batch View.
To edit samples in a batch
Use the commands described in “Working in the Batch View” on page 370
.
You can add new samples, edit samples, or delete samples.
To reinject a sample from a previously acquired batch
1. In the sample list, select the sample that you want to reinject.
2. Right-click and choose
Reinject This Sample
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application creates a copy of the selected sample and appends INJ001 to the file name. Additional reinjections of the sample are numbered INJ002, INJ003, and so forth. The application copies all parameter values from the original sample.
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A green status icon indicates previously acquired samples (acquired and processed), and the sample name is grayed out. A blue status icon indicates samples created for reinjection
(not acquired).
When you submit all samples in this batch, the application acquires all samples (including previously acquired samples).
3. To save this batch with the new samples for reinjection, choose
File > Save > Batch
from the main menu.
The batch is saved as a prepared batch that is ready to submit. You can open this batch from the Reinject Samples page in the Acquisition mode and submit the batch. The application acquires only the samples that have not been previously acquired.
Thermo Scientific
In the Batch View, you can submit an entire batch or only selected samples in the batch.
When you submit a batch for acquisition and processing, you can choose to create reports for
the submitted samples. See “Submit Options dialog box” on page 403 .
.
To submit samples in the batch
1. Do one of the following:
• To submit all samples in the batch, click the
Submit Batch
icon, .
• To submit specific samples, select the samples and click the
Submit Selected Samples
icon, .
The Submit Options dialog box opens. See
“Submit Options dialog box” on page 403 .
2. To acquire (or reacquire) the submitted samples, select the
Acquire Data
check box.
• When all submitted samples have been previously acquired, this option is not selected by default.
• When any of the submitted samples have not been acquired, this option is selected by default.
3. To process the submitted samples, select the
Process Data
check box.
You can process the data with or without performing peak detection. For example, you might want to turn off peak detection when reprocessing samples.
4. (Optional) Select the
Create Reports
check box.
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5. (Optional with multiplexing activated) Select the
Priority Sequence
check box.
The application acquires the priority batch on the next available channel or the assigned channel.
6. (Optional without multiplexing activated) Select the
Priority Sequence
check box and then select one of the following priority options to place the batch in the queue:
•
Next Available Batch
places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring batch.
•
Next Available Sample
places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring sample.
7. (Optional) Click
Show Details
to display additional Acquisition parameters.
8. Select the
Use
check box for the device that you want to use for this acquisition.
9. (Optional) Select the
Start Device
check box to indicate the device that will initiate the communication with the other instruments.
This is usually the autosampler.
10. (Optional) Select the
Start When Ready
check box to have all instruments start together when they are all ready.
When this is cleared, individual instruments can start at different times and then must wait for the last instrument to be ready.
11. To start the selected processes, click
OK
.
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Figure 105.
Submit Options dialog box
Acquire Data selected
Acquire Data not selected
Table 84.
Submit Options dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
User Name
Samples
Acquire Data
Process Data
With Peak Detection
Description
Name of the current user.
Range of samples to be submitted for acquisition, processing, or reporting.
Submits the current batch to acquisition.
• When all submitted samples have been previously acquired, this option is (by default) not selected.
• When any of the submitted samples has not been acquired, this option is (by default) selected.
(Default) Processes the data for the current batch.
(Default) Processes the data with peak detection.
Create Reports
When cleared, this option lets you reprocess samples without performing peak detection.
Creates reports for the current batch.
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Table 84.
Submit Options dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Priority Sequence
Description
With multiplexing activated, places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring batch.
Without multiplexing activated, specifies one of the following priority options to place the batch in the queue:
•
•
Next Available Batch
sample.
places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring batch.
Next Available Sample
places the batch immediately after the currently acquiring
Acquisition pane
Device Name Lists all configured instruments.
If the instrument that you want to use is not configured, close the TraceFinder application, configure the instrument, and then reopen the TraceFinder application. You cannot configure an instrument while the TraceFinder application is running.
Use
Start Device
Available only when the Acquire Data check box is selected.
Specifies the instruments used for this acquisition.
Available only when the Acquire Data check box is selected.
Specifies the instrument that initiates the communication with the other instruments. This is usually the autosampler.
Start When Ready
Available only when the Acquire Data check box is selected.
Starts the specified device when all the instruments are ready to acquire data. When this is cleared, individual instruments can start at different times and then must wait for the last instrument to be ready.
Specifies the system state after it acquires the last batch.
On (default), Standby, or Off.
Post-run System
State
Buttons
Hide/Show Details
OK
Cancel
Collapses or expands the acquisition details of the Submit Options dialog box.
Begins the selected processes.
Closes the Submit Options dialog box without submitting any tasks.
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You can move the current batch to a different project folder, or you can make a copy of the current batch and save the copy to a different project folder.
Follow these procedures:
•
To save a batch to another project folder
•
To move a batch to another folder
•
•
•
To save a batch to another project folder
1. Choose
File > Save > Save Batch As
from the main menu in the Analysis mode.
The Save Batch As dialog box opens. See
“Save Batch As Dialog Box” on page 407 .
2. Select a storage location.
The default storage location is C:\TraceFinderData\32\Projects.
3. Select or create a project folder.
4. Type a name for the new batch.
If you are saving the batch to a different folder, you must give it a unique name. You cannot overwrite an existing batch in a folder.
5. Click
Save
.
When you save the batch to a different folder, the reports reflect the original project folders and the application does not save the calibration history.
To move a batch to another folder
1. Choose
File > Save > Move Batch
from the main menu in the Analysis mode.
The Save Batch As dialog box opens. See
“Save Batch As Dialog Box” on page 407 .
2. Select a storage location.
The default storage location is C:\TraceFinderData\32\Projects.
3. Select or create a project folder.
4. Type a name for the new batch.
You must give the batch a unique name in the new subproject folder. You cannot overwrite an existing batch.
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5. Click
Save
.
When you move the batch, the reports reflect the original project and subproject folders and the application does not save the calibration history.
To create new project folders
1. In the Save Batch As dialog box. select the folder for which you will create a new lower-level folder.
• You can select the main TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder and create a new folder under it.
• You can select one of the existing folders and create a lower-level folder under it.
2. Click the
Create Folder
icon, .
The application adds a new lower-level folder to the selected folder.
3. Select the new folder name and type a name for the folder.
Folder names can contain spaces and special characters, except for the following special characters: \ / : + ? ” < >
Note
After you add a lower-level folder, you cannot rename the parent folder.
To delete project folders
1. In the Save Batch As dialog box. select the folder to delete.
2. Click the
Delete Folder
icon, .
With no confirmation prompt, the application immediately removes the selected folder.
Note
This feature is not available for folders that contain lower-level project or batch folders; you must first delete the lower-level project or batch folders.
To rename project folders
1. In the Save Batch As dialog box. select the folder to rename.
2. Click the
Rename Folder
icon, .
Note
This feature is not available for folders that contain lower-level project or batch folders; you must first delete the lower-level project or batch folders.
3. Type a new name for the folder and press ENTER.
The application saves the new folder name.
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Use the features on the Save Batch As dialog box to save a batch to a new name or to move a batch to a different project folder.
Figure 106.
Save Batch As dialog box
Table 85.
Save Batch As dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Create New Folder
Description
Adds one of the following:
• When a drive is selected, adds a new project-level folder to the drive.
• When a project folder is selected, adds a subproject-level folder to the selected project.
• When a subproject folder is selected, adds a lower-level folder to the subproject.
Delete Folder
Or, right-click and choose
Create Folder
from the shortcut menu.
With no confirmation prompt, immediately removes the selected folder.
You cannot delete a folder that contains lower-level project or batch folders; you must first delete the lower-level project or batch folders.
Rename Folder
Or, right-click and choose
Delete
from the shortcut menu.
Renames the selected folder.
You cannot rename a folder that contains lower-level project or batch folders; you must first delete the lower-level project or batch folders.
Or, right-click and choose
Rename
from the shortcut menu.
Batch table
Batch
Type
Date Changed
Samples
Method
Name of batches in the selected project.
Type of batch: Quan or Screening.
Date that the batch was last updated.
Number of samples in the batch.
Name of the method used to create the batch.
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Table 85.
Save Batch As dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Size
Domain
New batch parameters
New Batch
Description
Size of the batch in megabytes.
TraceFinder domain in which the batch was created.
Name of the new batch to create.
Note
If the Create button is not activated, you have entered a name that is already used or you have not selected a method.
Path to the project in the TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder where the batch is created.
Path
Buttons
Save
Cancel
Saves the batch to the specified name and folder and opens the Batch View for the new batch.
Closes the Save Batch As dialog box without saving the batch.
Shortcut menu commands
Create Folder
Delete Folder
Adds one of the following:
• When a drive is selected, adds a new project-level folder to the drive.
• When a project folder is selected, adds a subproject-level folder to the selected project.
• When a subproject folder is selected, adds a lower-level folder to the subproject.
Immediately removes the selected folder. There is no prompt to confirm that you want to delete the selected folder.
Rename Folder
You cannot delete a folder that contains lower-level project or batch folders; you must first delete the lower-level project or batch folders.
Renames the selected folder.
Expand Child Nodes
Collapse Child Nodes
You cannot rename a folder that contains lower-level project or batch folders; you must first delete the lower-level project or batch folders.
Expands all project and subproject folders in the Project tree.
Collapses all project and subproject folders in the Project tree.
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Working in the Batch View
The Auto Samples page identifies the Solvent or Negative samples to use for any Auto Sample or Auto Sample and Reinject failure actions as specified on the Intelligent Sequencing page of the method. See
“Editing the Intelligent Sequencing Page” on page 244 .
Each sample type that you specify for a failure action on the Intelligent Sequencing page must be defined in the samples list on the Auto Samples page.
To open the Auto Samples page
Click
Auto Samples
in the Batch View navigation pane.
The Auto Samples page opens. See
To add an auto sample type
1. Right-click and choose
Add Auto Sample
from the shortcut menu, or click the
Add New
Auto Sample
icon, .
The application adds a Solvent sample to the sample list.
You can add, insert, or remove samples from this list as you would any sample list. See
.
2. To change the sample type to a Negative, click the Sample Type column and select
Negative from the list.
3. In the Injection Volume column for the sample, type a volume.
The minimum injection volume value allowed is 0.1 μL; the maximum injection volume value allowed is 5000 μL.
4. In the Number of Injections column, type the number of injections available in the designated Solvent or Negative vial.
After auto sample injections have occurred, you can return to this page to view the number of Injections Used in each vial.
5. In the Vial Position column, type the vial position for the Solvent or Negative sample.
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Figure 107.
Auto Samples page
Table 86.
Auto Samples page parameters
Column
Sample Type
Injection Volume
Injections Used
Number of
Injections
Vial Position
Description
The sample type for the auto sample injection as specified on the
Intelligent Sequencing page—either Solvent or Negative.
Default: Solvent
The injection volume used for the sample acquisition as specified on the Samples page.
Range: 0.1 through 5000 μL
The number of times a vial has been used. The count is cumulative across all batches.
The number of injections available in the designated Solvent or
Negative vial.
Vial position for this sample type as specified on the Samples page.
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The Reference Samples page displays the reference samples that you selected for this batch.
To specify a chromatogram reference sample
1. In the Batch View, click
Reference Samples
.
An empty reference sample table opens.
2. Click the
Add Reference Sample
icon,
Reference Sample
from the shortcut menu.
, or right-click and choose
The Open Chromatogram Reference Sample dialog box opens.
Add
Thermo Scientific
Note
If you are using a new method, no reference samples appear here. You must first process a batch using the current method to see the reference samples in this list.
3. Select a project from the list of projects.
4. Select a subproject from the list of subprojects.
5. Select a batch from the list of batches.
The application displays only batches that were created using the current master method.
6. Select a sample from the list of processed samples.
The application displays all the processed samples in the selected batch. Before using a sample as a reference sample, you must have processed the sample with the current master method.
7. Click
Open
.
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For each group in a batch, you can specify a sample in the group as the threshold sample to use in the Comparative View.
To specify a threshold sample
1. In the Batch View, click
Threshold Samples
.
2. Click the Sample list for each group and select a sample in the group to be the threshold sample.
The Comparative View uses the threshold method and amount you specified in the method, the group you created on the Samples page, and the threshold sample you selected on this page to define the threshold guide that it displays on the sample peak plots.
For information about specifying the method to use for creating a threshold guide, see
For information about creating groups, see “Groups” on page 375
.
For information about using the threshold guide in the Comparative View, see
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Working in Data Review for Quantitation Methods
In the Data Review view, you can view the data generated by the quantitation master method.
Use Data Review to verify the data for a compound before you generate reports.
To open the Data Review view
1. Click
Analysis
in the navigation pane.
The Analysis navigation pane opens.
2. Click
Data Review
.
The Data Review navigation pane opens.
Choose from a Sample View, Compound View, Comparative View, or Qualitative View to analyze the data generated by the master method.
This section includes the following topics:
•
•
•
•
•
Features Common to All Data Review Pages
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Sample Peaks pane
The Sample View displays the following information in three different panes: a list of all samples in the current batch, the compound results for all compounds in the method, and peak plots for all compounds found in the currently selected sample.
These are the default panes and their locations:
Samples pane Compound Results pane
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When you select a sample in the
any compound with errors in the selected sample. The associated
displays the chromatogram, retention time, area, height, and signal-to-noise ratio for all compounds in the selected sample. The Sample Peaks pane highlights the compound selected in the
Compound Results pane.
The Sample View display includes the following features:
•
•
•
•
•
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Working in Data Review for Quantitation Methods
Use the Samples pane in the Sample View to select a specific sample. The associated
Compound Results Pane displays all compounds in the method and flags any compound with
errors in the selected sample.
To hide or display columns in the Samples pane
1. Click the
Field Chooser
icon, , in the upper left corner of the pane.
The Field Chooser displays all available columns of data for the Samples pane.
Thermo Scientific
Note
The Field Chooser also lists any custom columns that you defined in the
Configuration Console. See
“Creating Custom Columns” on page 63 .
2. Select the check box for each column that you want to display, or clear the check box for each column that you want to hide.
The application immediately displays or hides the column in the Samples pane.
3. When you are finished modifying the column display, click
Chooser.
to close the Field
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Figure 108.
Samples pane
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Selected sample
Compound error in the selected sample
No compound error in the selected sample
Table 87.
Samples pane columns
Column
Flags
Status
Description
Caution flag displayed when a compound in the sample has an
error. See “Caution Flags” on page 420
.
Sample is not acquired.
Sample Name
Sample Type
Comments
Excluded
Filename
Level
Sample ID
Sample is acquired but not processed.
Sample is acquired and processed.
Sample is currently acquiring.
A user-defined name that identifies a sample.
Defines how the TraceFinder application processes the sample data. Each sample is classified as one of the following sample types: Specimen, QC, Solvent, Calibrator, Hydrolysis,
Unextracted, or Negative.
User-defined comments for the sample.
Turns a compound on or off in the calibration curve in the
Compound Details pane.
A user-defined name that identifies a sample.
The level defined for a calibration sample or quality control sample.
A user-defined, alphanumeric string that identifies a sample.
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Use the Compound Results pane in the Sample View to select a specific compound in the
selected sample. The associated Sample Peaks Pane highlights the selected compound.
To hide or display columns in the Compound Results pane
1. Click the
Field Chooser
icon, , in the upper left corner of the pane.
The Field Chooser displays all available columns of data for the Compound Results pane.
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2. Select the check box for each column that you want to display, or clear the check box for each column that you want to hide.
The application immediately displays or hides the column in the Compound Results pane.
to close the Field 3. When you are finished modifying the column display, click
Chooser.
Figure 109.
Compound Results pane
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Table 88.
Compound Results pane columns
Column
Flags
Description
Caution flag displayed when the compound has an error. See
Compound
Compound Type
Compound names as identified in the library.
Specified compound type: Target Compound or Internal
Standard.
The remainder of the columns in the results list are common to the Compound Results pane in the Sample View and the Sample Results pane in both the Compound View and the
Comparative View. See “Common Column Parameters” on page 459 .
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The Sample Peaks pane in the Sample View displays the chromatogram, retention time, area, height, and signal-to-noise ratio for all compounds in the Compound Results pane. The application highlights the chromatogram for the compound that is currently selected in the
Compound Results pane.
To display details for a compound
Double-click the chromatogram in the Sample Peaks pane.
The Compound Details pane opens.
Thermo Scientific
The Compound Details pane displays information about the quantitative peak, calibration curve, confirming ion, internal standard, reference peak, ion overlay, and spectra for the compound.
For a detailed description of the available information in the Compound Details pane, see
“Compound Details” on page 468
.
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In the Sample View, the application displays caution flags in both the Samples pane and the
Compound Results pane.
This section includes the following topics:
•
•
Flags in the Compound Results Pane
•
Error Indicators in the Sample Peaks Pane
The Flags column in the Samples pane displays a caution flag if any compound in the sample is not in compliance with the method criteria.
Click the caution flag icon, , to display the details. Information in the pop-up box shows the compound that is in error and describes the exact error condition.
Error condition
Compound name
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The Flags column in the Compound Results pane displays a flag if the compound in the selected sample is not in compliance with the method criteria.
Thermo Scientific
Selected sample
Hold your cursor over the flag icon, sample.
Error condition of the Sulfisomidine compound in the selected sample
, to display details for the compound in the selected
Flags in the Compound Results pane indicate the following:
A red flag for compounds that have violated (or are activated by) any of the values set in the method. See
“Editing the QAQC Page” on page 230
.
An orange flag for compounds that are below the LOQ, below the LOD, or between the LOD and LOQ values specified in the method. For descriptions of these limits, see
A green flag for “found” compounds that are over the LOR amount specified in the
method. For a description of the LOR limit, see “Limits” on page 231 .
A yellow flag for compounds that are equal to or below the LOR amount specified in the method.
A yellow flag for compounds that are not found in Calibrator or QC sample types.
The Compound Results pane does not flag compounds that are not found in
Specimen sample types.
No flag for compounds that have no errors or where no report options are selected.
Note
These criteria for flag states do not apply to Negative sample types when the compound is an internal standard.
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In the Sample Peaks pane, peak plots are outlined with the color of their associated error flag.
In the following example, the FENTHION peak plot is highlighted in blue to indicate that
FENTHION is the selected compound, and the Sulfisomidine peak plot is outlined in red to indicate that the Sulfisomidine compound in the selected sample is outside the specified ion ratio range.
Figure 110.
Ion ratio failure flag
Red flag indicating ion ratio failure
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Selected peak Peak with ion ratio failure outlined in red
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The Sample View display uses multiple panes to display data: Sample Results, Compound
Results, Sample Peaks, and Compound Details. You can display, hide, or move any of these panes.
To display or hide a Sample View pane
From the View menu, choose from the following:
•
Compounds with Data
: Displays or hides the Compound Results pane.
•
Sample View Peaks
: Displays or hides the Sample Peaks pane.
•
Compound Details
: Displays or hides the Compound Details pane.
Note
The Sample Results pane is required for the Sample View display. You cannot hide the Sample Results pane.
Displayed panes are indicated with a check mark.
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All Data Review displays have the following procedures in common:
•
•
To make a pane floating or dockable
•
To change a pane from a docked pane to a tabbed pane
•
To move a docked pane
1. Grab the title bar of the pane and begin dragging the pane.
The application displays docking arrows.
2. Drag the pane over one of the arrows.
As you hold the cursor over a docking arrow, the application displays a blue region indicating where this arrow will place the pane.
3. Drop the pane onto one of the arrows.
This animation shows the various ways that you can use the docking mechanism to move a pane. To view the animation, click the filmstrip, and then right-click and choose
Full Screen
Multimedia
. To stop the animation, press ESC.
To make a pane floating or dockable
Do one of the following:
• To make a dockable pane floating, right-click the title bar of the pane and choose
Floating
.
While a pane is set as floating, you cannot use the docking arrows to dock it or make it a tabbed pane.
• To make a floating pane dockable, right-click the title bar of the pane and choose
Dockable
.
This animation shows how to switch a pane from docked to floating and back to docked. To view the animation, click the filmstrip, and then right-click and choose
Full Screen
Multimedia
. To stop the animation, press ESC.
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To change a pane from a docked pane to a tabbed pane
1. Grab the title bar of the pane and begin dragging the pane.
The application displays docking arrows.
Drop the pane on the center location to create a tabbed pane.
2. Hold the cursor over the center of the docking arrows to display a blue region indicating the location of the tabbed pane.
3. Drop the pane over the center of the docking arrows.
Note
To change a floating pane to a tabbed pane, you must first make the pane a dockable pane, and then you can make it a tabbed pane.
This animation shows how to change a pane from a docked pane to a tabbed pane and back to a docked pane. To view the animation, click the filmstrip, and then right-click and choose
Full Screen Multimedia
. To stop the animation, press ESC.
To restore the default layout
Choose
View > Restore Default Layout
.
The Sample View, Compound View, and Qualitative View each have their own defaults for which panes are displayed and in which location.
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The Compound View uses three different panes to display a list of all compounds available in the method, all samples in the current batch, and the peak plots for all compounds found in each sample.
Sample Peaks pane
These are the default panes and their locations:
Compounds pane Sample Results pane
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When you select a compound in the
flags any sample that contains errors associated with the selected compound. The
highlights the selected compound, displays the name of the sample in which the compound was found, and, for the compound, displays the chromatogram, retention time, area, height, and signal-to-noise ratio.
The Compound View includes the following features:
•
•
•
•
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Use the Compounds pane in the Compound View to select a specific compound. The Sample
displays all samples in the batch and flags any sample that contains errors associated with the selected compound.
To hide or display columns in the Compounds pane
1. Click the
Field Chooser
icon, , in the upper left corner of the pane.
The Field Chooser displays all available columns of data for the Compounds pane.
2. Select the check box for each column that you want to display, or clear the check box for each column that you want to hide.
The application immediately displays or hides the column in the Compounds pane.
3. When you are finished modifying the column display, click
Chooser.
Figure 111.
Compounds pane
to close the Field
Thermo Scientific
Selected compound
Error associated with the selected compound in this sample
No error associated with the selected compound in these samples
Table 89.
Compounds pane columns
Column
Flags
Description
Caution flag displayed when a compound has an error in any of the samples.
Compound Compound names as identified in the library. If there is no library selected in the method template, the compound name is identified as
Compound
Type
Specified compound type: Target Compound or Internal Standard.
Expected RT Expected retention time for the compound.
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Use the Sample Results pane in the Compound View to select a specific compound in a specific sample. The Sample Peaks pane highlights the selected compound and displays the name of the sample in which the compound was found and the following information about the compound: chromatogram, retention time, area, height, and signal-to-noise ratio. See
.
To hide or display columns in the Sample Results pane
1. Click the
Field Chooser
icon, , in the upper left corner of the pane.
The Field Chooser displays all available columns of data for the Sample Results pane.
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Note
The Field Chooser also lists any custom columns that you defined in the
Configuration Console. See
“Creating Custom Columns” on page 63 .
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2. Select the check box for each column that you want to display, or clear the check box for each column that you want to hide.
The application immediately displays or hides the column in the Sample Results pane.
3. When you are finished modifying the column display, click
Chooser.
Figure 112.
Sample Results pane
to close the Field
Thermo Scientific
Table 90.
Sample Results pane columns (Sheet 1 of 2)
Column
Acquisition Order
Flags
Flag Details
Description
Sequentially numbers the samples.
Caution flag displayed when a compound within the sample has an error.
Indicates the type of error:
• I: Confirming ion coelution failure or Ion ratio failure
• A: Amount error
• B: Matrix blank error
• H: Peak not found
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Table 90.
Sample Results pane columns (Sheet 2 of 2)
Column
Status
Description
Sample is not acquired.
Sample is acquired but not processed.
Sample is acquired and processed.
Filename
Sample Type
Sample is currently acquiring.
A user-defined name that identifies a sample.
Defines how the TraceFinder application processes the sample data. Each sample is classified as one of the following sample types:
Specimen, QC, Solvent, Calibrator, Hydrolysis, Unextracted, or
Negative.
The remainder of the columns in the Sample Results pane are common to both the Sample
View and the Compound View displays. See “Common Column Parameters” on page 459
.
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The Sample Peaks pane in the Compound View displays the compound chromatogram, retention time, area, height, and signal-to-noise ratio associated with the selected compound in each of the samples in the batch. The application highlights the compound chromatogram for the sample that is currently selected in the Sample Results pane.
To display details for a compound
1. Double-click the chromatogram in the Sample Peaks pane.
The application adds the Compound Details pane to the window.
Thermo Scientific
The Compound Details pane displays information about the quantitative peak, calibration curve, confirming ion, internal standard, reference peak, ion overlay, and spectra for the compound.
For details about the available information in the Compound Details pane, see “Compound
.
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In the Compound View, the application displays caution flags in both the Compounds pane and in the Sample Results pane.
This section includes the following topics:
•
•
Flags in the Sample Results Pane
•
Error Indicators in the Sample Peaks Pane
The Flags column in the Compounds pane displays a caution flag if the compound in any of the samples is not in compliance with the method criteria.
Selected Sulfisomidine compound Flags for the Sulfisomidine compound in each sample
Click the caution flag icon, , to display the details. Information in the pop-up box shows the sample where the compound is in error and describes the exact error condition.
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Error condition
Sample name
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The Flags column in the Sample Results pane displays a flag if the selected compound in the sample is not in compliance with the method criteria.
Hold your cursor over the flag icon, the sample.
, to display the details for the selected compound in
Flags in the Sample Results pane indicate the following:
Flag Description
A green flag for compounds that are over the LOR amount specified in the method.
A red flag for compounds that have violated (or are activated by) any of the values set in the method. See
“Editing the QAQC Page” on page 230
.
A red flag for compounds that are outside the specified ion ratio range. See Ion ratio failure flag
.
An orange flag for compounds that are not found in Calibrator or QC sample types.
“Not found” compounds are below the LOQ, below the LOD, or between the
LOD and LOQ values specified in the method. The Sample Results pane does not flag compounds that are not found in Specimen sample types.
No flag for compounds that have no errors or where no report options are selected.
Note
These criteria for flag states do not apply to Negative sample types when the compound is an internal standard.
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In the Sample Peaks pane, peak plots are outlined with the color of their associated error flag.
In the following example, the peak plot is highlighted in blue to indicate that Benzo_25557 is the selected sample and outlined in red to indicate that the FENTHION compound in the selected sample is outside the specified ion ratio range.
Figure 113.
Ion ratio failure flag
Red flag indicating ion ratio failure
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Selected peak Peak with ion ratio failure
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The Compound View display uses multiple panes to display data: Compounds, Sample
Results, Sample Peaks, and Compound Details. You can display, hide, or move any of these panes.
To display or hide a Compound View pane
From the View menu, choose from the following:
•
Samples with Data
: Displays or hides the Sample Results pane.
•
Compound View Peaks
: Displays or hides the Sample Peaks pane.
•
Compound Details
: Displays or hides the Compound Details pane.
Note
The Compounds pane is required for the Compound View display. You cannot hide the Compounds pane.
Displayed panes are indicated with a check mark.
For procedures about creating docked, floating, or tabbed panes, see “Data Review Pane
.
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The Comparative View uses three panes to display a list of all compounds available in the method, all samples in the current batch, and the sample peak plots for all compounds found in the samples with the horizontal threshold guide.
These are the default panes and their locations:
Sample Peaks pane Compounds pane Sample Results pane
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The panes in the Comparative View are identical to the Compound View with the addition of the Group column. This column identifies any groups that a sample belongs to, as specified in the Batch View.
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The following factors define the threshold guide that the Comparative View displays on the sample peak plots:
• The threshold method and amount that you specified in the method
• The group that you created on the Sample page
• The threshold sample that you selected on the Threshold Samples page
Horizontal guide indicates the threshold value as specified in the method.
This section includes the following topics:
•
Configuring Sample Peaks Display Settings
•
For information about specifying the method to use for creating a threshold guide, see
For information about creating groups, see “Groups” on page 375
.
For information about specifying a threshold sample, see
“Threshold Samples Page” on page 412 .
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The Sample Peaks pane in the Comparative View displays one row per compound and one column per sample. The Sample Peaks pane displays all samples in a group when you select any of the samples belonging to that group.
For information about creating groups, see “Groups” on page 375
.
To change the Sample Peaks pane display
1. From the View menu, choose
Chromatogram Pane Settings
.
The Chromatogram Plot Settings dialog box opens. See “Chromatogram Plot Settings
2. To change the number of rows or columns to fit in the Sample Peaks pane, type new values in the Number of Rows or Number of Columns boxes.
These values do not change the number of rows (compounds) and columns (samples) that are available in the Sample Peaks pane. These values determine how many rows and columns you want to view at one time in the display. The default is three rows and three columns.
In the following examples, the Number of Rows and Number of Columns are set to 1
( Number of Rows equals 1 and Number of Columns equals 1
) and the Number of Rows
and Number of Columns are set to 4 ( Number of Rows equals 4 and Number of
Figure 114.
Number of Rows equals 1 and Number of Columns equals 1
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Figure 115.
Number of Rows equals 4 and Number of Columns equals 4
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Because there are only three samples, this column is empty.
3. To change the display type for the
y
-axis scale, select one of the following:
•
Relative
: Displays the
y
-axis scale from 0 to 100.
Horizontal bar indicates the threshold value as specified in the method.
Vertical bars indicate the expected retention time and window, as specified in the method.
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•
Absolute
: Displays the
y
-axis scale from 0 to the actual value of the most intense peak in the group.
•
Label in Scientific Notation
: Displays the
y
-axis scale in scientific notation.
Note
The Sample Peaks pane displays a
y
axis only on the first chromatogram in each row. The limits of the scale are determined by the most intense peak in the group.
4. Specify which labels you want to display in the sample peak plots.
For an example of all available peak plot labels, see
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Use the Chromatogram Plot Settings dialog box to change the Sample Peaks pane display.
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Table 91.
Chromatogram Plot Settings dialog box parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Number of Rows
Description
Specifies the number of rows visible in the Sample Peaks pane.
When Number of Rows equals 1, the application scales the height of all chromatograms to fill the Y dimension of the Sample Peaks pane.
Number of Columns
Default: 3
Specifies the number of columns visible in the Sample Peaks pane.
When Number of Columns equals 1, the application scales the width of all chromatograms to fill the X dimension of the Sample
Peaks pane.
Default: 3
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Table 91.
Chromatogram Plot Settings dialog box parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Y-Axis Type
Peak Plot Labels
Description
Displays the
y
-axis scale as Relative (to the most intense peak),
Absolute, or in scientific notation.
Displays or hides the following peak labels:
• RT
• Area
• Height
• Filter
• Threshold
• Show All Apex Times
• Sample Filename
• Compound Name
• to Noise
Example with all peak labels displayed:
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Use the manual integration feature to manually add a peak. You can manually add a peak in a chromatogram plot only when the application fails to identify a peak.
To manually integrate a peak
1. In the Sample Peaks plot, click the
Manual Integration
icon.
Manual integration icon
The cursor changes to look like this:
2. To integrate a peak, do the following: a. Drag the cursor to describe the beginning and ending base points for the new peak.
Note
You must drag the cursor inside the
x
axis and
y
axis.
b. Click outside the plot to refresh the display.
Thermo Scientific
Click the first base point, and then drag to the second base point.
Click outside the plot to refresh the view.
The application identifies the peak and indicates the manual integration in the labels.
3. To zoom in on an area, do the following: a. Drag the cursor below the
x
axis or to the left of the
y
axis.
The plot zooms to fit the described X or Y dimension into the entire pane. The application zooms all compounds in the row to the same scale.
b. To return to the original view, right-click and choose
Reset Scaling
from the shortcut menu.
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The Qualitative View uses several different panes to display qualitative information for the
selected sample. See Displaying Qualitative View Panes .
If the application finds no detected peaks for the selected sample, you can manually add peaks.
To see processed data for a sample in the Qualitative View, you must select the Qual
Processing parameter for that sample in the Batch View before you process the batch. See
“Batch View Sample List” on page 381 .
These are the default panes and their locations:
Samples pane Peaks pane
Sample chromatogram pane
Peak Details pane Spectrum pane Library Hits pane
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The Qualitative View displays data in the following panes:
•
•
•
•
•
Spectrum Pane (Library and Data)
•
The Qualitative View display uses multiple panes to display data: Samples, Peaks, Sample
Chromatogram, Peak Details, Spectrum, and Library Hits. You can display, hide, or move any of these panes.
To display or hide a Qualitative View pane
From the View menu, choose to display or hide the following:
• Peaks
• Sample Chromatogram
•
Peak Chromatogram
: Displays or hides the Peak Details pane.
• Spectrum
• Library Hits
Note
The Samples pane is required for the Qualitative View display. You cannot hide the Samples pane.
Displayed panes are indicated with a check mark.
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For procedures about creating docked, floating, or tabbed panes, see “Data Review Pane
.
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Use the Samples pane in the Qualitative View to select a specific sample. The associated
displays all peaks found in the selected sample.
To hide or display columns in the Samples pane
1. Click the
Field Chooser
icon, , in the upper left corner of the pane.
The Field Chooser displays all available columns of data for the Samples pane.
2. Select the check box for each column that you want to display, or clear the check box for each column that you want to hide.
The application immediately displays or hides the column in the Samples pane.
3. Click to close the Field Chooser.
Figure 116.
Samples pane
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Table 92.
Samples pane columns (Sheet 1 of 2)
Column
Acquisition
Order
Flags
Status
Description
Sequentially numbers the samples.
Caution flag displayed when a compound in the sample has an error. See
Sample is not acquired.
Sample is acquired but not processed.
Sample is acquired and processed.
Sample is currently acquiring.
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Table 92.
Samples pane columns (Sheet 2 of 2)
Column
Filename
Sample
Type
Description
A user-defined name that identifies a sample.
Defines how the TraceFinder application processes the sample data. Each sample is classified as one of the following sample types: Solvent, Specimen,
QC, Calibrator, Hydrolysis, Unextracted, or Negative.
The Peaks pane in the Qualitative View works with the Samples pane to display graphical values for a unique sample and peak combination. For detailed descriptions of parameters in the Peaks pane, see
.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
•
To display peaks for a specific compound
To hide or display columns in the Peaks pane
To display peaks for a specific compound
1. From the Samples pane, select a sample.
The Peaks pane displays the retention times for peaks identified in the selected sample, the values for the best match methods for each peak, and the library match.
The method specifies which technique to use for identifying peaks: peaks within a specific retention time range, as a minimum percentage of the height or area of the largest peak, or as a minimum percentage of the nearest internal standard peak. You can change the
method for identifying peaks in the Method Template Editor. See “Creating a Method
2. In the Peaks pane, select a peak in the sample.
Thermo Scientific
The TraceFinder application displays the selected peak in the
pane, displays the Qual Data and Qual Library sections in the
Spectrum pane, and locates the selected
peak in the
pane.
• The Qual Data section shows spectrum data for the peak in the raw data file.
• The Qual Library section shows actual spectrum for the identified library compound.
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Figure 117.
Peak Details pane
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Note
When you select a data-dependent sample, the peak can be from either a full scan or a QED spectrum of an SRM-filtered chromatogram.
Figure 118.
Spectrum pane
Reference spectrum from the library
Actual spectrum data for the compound
Figure 119.
Selected peak in the Sample Chromatogram pane
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To remove a peak
1. Select a peak in the Sample Chromatogram pane.
2. Right-click the Peak Details pane and choose
Remove Qual Peak
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application removes the selected peak from all Qualitative View panes.
Note
There is no undo for this action, but you can manually add a peak to redefine a removed peak. See
“Sample Chromatogram Pane” on page 451 .
To hide or display columns in the Peaks pane
1. Click the
Field Chooser
icon, , in the upper left corner of the pane.
The Field Chooser displays all available columns of data for the Peaks pane.
2. Select the check box for each column that you want to display, or clear the check box for each column that you want to hide.
The application immediately displays or hides the column in the Peaks pane.
3. When you are finished modifying the column display, click
Chooser.
to close the Field
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Use the features in the Peaks pane to display graphical values for each sample and peak combination.
Figure 120.
Peaks pane
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Table 93.
Peaks pane parameters
Parameter
Filter
Description
Filter used to identify the peaks. Specified in the raw data file or the master method.
When your raw data file is data-dependent, the filter indicates this with a “d”.
Peak RT
SI
RSI
MP
Est Amt
Library Hit
Data-dependent filter
Peak retention time. The time after injection when the compound elutes. The total time that the compound is retained on the column.
Search index method used to search the NIST library.
(Reverse search index) A method used to search the NIST library.
A reverse search compares a library entry to an unknown compound (a forward search compares the mass spectrum of an unknown compound to a mass spectral library entry).
Match probability.
Estimated amount of the compound.
Library compound that matches the identified peak.
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The Sample Chromatogram pane in the Qualitative View displays all peaks in the selected sample. The peak selected in the Peaks pane displays a red marker. See
Chromatogram Pane” on page 452 .
To zoom in on a peak
1. In the Sample Chromatogram pane, drag the cursor to delineate a rectangle around the peak.
The delineated area expands to fill the view.
2. To restore the default view, right-click the Sample Chromatogram pane and choose
Reset
Scaling
from the shortcut menu.
To manually add a peak
1. Zoom in to better identify which peak to add to the results set.
2. Right-click the Sample Chromatogram pane, and choose
Add Qual Peak
from the shortcut menu.
3. Click to indicate the left and right base points for the peak.
The TraceFinder application marks the peak in the Sample Chromatogram pane.
Thermo Scientific
The TraceFinder application places the peak delimiter tags at the base point locations and
automatically updates the peak values in the Peaks pane and Peak Details pane. See Peak
Details pane with a manually added peak
.
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Figure 121.
Peak Details pane with a manually added peak
Manually added base points
Use the features on the Sample Chromatogram pane to display peaks in the selected sample.
Figure 122.
Sample Chromatogram pane
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Table 94.
Sample chromatogram pane shortcut menu commands
Command
Add Qual Peak
Reset Scaling
Description
Select the beginning and ending base points for a new qualitative peak. Available only when no peak is detected.
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
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The Peak Details pane in the Qualitative View displays the selected peak. For a description of commands on the shortcut menu, see
“Peak Details Pane” on page 455
.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
•
•
To switch between method and manual integration modes
•
To change the displayed information for detected peaks
To zoom in on a peak
1. In the chromatogram plot, drag the cursor to delineate a rectangle around the peak.
The delineated area expands to fill the view.
2. To restore the default view, right-click the chromatogram plot and choose
Reset Scaling
from the shortcut menu.
To manually add a peak
1. Right-click anywhere in the Peak Details pane, and choose
Add Qual Peak
from the shortcut menu.
If a peak is already detected, the Add Qual Peak command is not activated.
2. Click to indicate the left and right base points for the peak.
The TraceFinder application places the peak delimiter tags at these locations and automatically updates the peak values (area, height, and so forth) in the result set.
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Manually added base points
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To remove a peak
Right-click the Peak Details pane, and choose
Remove Qual Peak
from the shortcut menu.
The TraceFinder application removes the peak displayed in the Peak Details pane. All data for this peak are removed from the Qualitative View panes.
To switch between method and manual integration modes
Right-click the Peak Details pane and choose
Method Integration
or
Manual
Integration
from the shortcut menu.
Initially, the method and manual integration settings that are stored for a compound and file are identical. When you switch modes, the saved result set does not change. However, when manual data are available, the Peak Details plots and the result set update as you switch between method and manual modes.
As you switch between modes, each pane reflects the changes. The generated reports for these data identify the manual modifications.
To change the displayed information for detected peaks
1. Right-click the Peak Details pane and hold the cursor over
Peak Labels
.
2. Choose to display labels for the peak retention time (RT), peak height (AH), peak area
(AA), or signal-to-noise (SN).
Label not displayed in chromatogram
Label displayed in chromatogram
3. To remove a label, select the label type again to clear it.
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Use the features in the Peak Details pane to display the selected peak.
Figure 123.
Peak Details pane
Table 95.
Peak Details pane shortcut menu commands
Command
Reset Scaling
Method Integration
Manual Integration
Peak Labels
Remove Qual Peak
Description
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
Displays method integration settings.
Displays manual integration settings.
Displays or hides the peak labels (Label Area, Label
Retention Time, Label Height, or Label to Noise).
Available only for manually added peaks. Removes the peak displayed in the Peak Details pane.
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The Spectrum pane in the Qualitative View displays the reference spectrum from the library and the spectrum data for the selected sample. The top pane displays the spectrum for the identified compound found in the reference library; the bottom pane displays the actual spectrum data for the selected peak.
Figure 124.
Spectrum pane
Reference spectrum from the library
Actual spectrum data for the compound
To zoom in on a peak
1. In either spectrum plot, drag the cursor to delineate a rectangle around the peak.
The delineated area expands to fill the view.
2. To restore the default view, right-click the spectrum plot and choose
Reset Scaling
from the shortcut menu.
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The Library Hits pane in the Qualitative View displays the best library matches for the selected peak. Use this pane to select a different library entry for the peak. For detailed
descriptions of the Library Hits pane parameters, see Library Hits pane .
When you select a library entry other than the original entry, the TIC Report and TIC
Summary Report indicate this with a “P” flag:
P flag
To change the library entry for a selected peak
In the Library Hits pane, select the check box for the library entry that you want to use to identify the selected peak.
• In the Spectrum pane, the reference spectra change to show the spectra for the selected library entry.
• In the Peaks pane, the SI, RSI, MP, and Compound values update to reflect the selected library entry.
Selected library entry in the Library Hits pane
Reference spectra for Hexanone
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Peak list for
Hexanone
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Figure 125.
Library Hits pane
Table 96.
Library Hits pane parameters
Parameter
<Check box column>
Rank
SI
RSI
MP
Library Entry
Description
Indicates selected library entries for the selected peak.
Indicates the order of best matches between the selected peak and library entries.
(Search index) A method used to search the NIST library.
(Reverse search index) A method used to search the NIST library. A reverse search compares a library entry to an unknown compound (a forward search compares the mass spectrum of an unknown compound to a mass spectral library entry).
Match probability.
Library compound that matches the identified peak.
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The following features are common to all quantitative batch data review pages.
•
•
Inactive and Excluded Compounds
•
•
Table 97.
Common parameters for Compound Results and Sample Results tables (Sheet 1 of 7)
Column
%CV
%Diff
%RSD
Active
Description
Coefficient of Variance. Standard deviation of the multiple samples of one level, multiplied by 100, and divided by the average of the multiple samples of that level. This calculation is based on the areas of the peaks.
The calculated amount minus the expected amount, divided by the expected amount, and then multiplied by 100.
Standard deviation of the multiple samples of one level, multiplied by 100, and divided by the average of the multiple samples of that level. This calculation is based on the calculated amounts.
Note
This RSD value is not the same as the RSD value used with the Average RF curve
type in the method. See “Calibration” on page 215 .
The application uses this %RSD value in Data Review and in the Compound Calibration
Report when you acquire multiple samples for the same QC or Calibrator samples.
Displays or hides a compound for a particular sample.
• When a compound is marked inactive, the application does not remove its data and calculated values from the result set. Instead, the TraceFinder application masks the appearance of that compound for that particular sample and grays the compound in the compounds list.
• When a calibration standard is marked inactive, the application no longer uses the data file’s calibration point for the calibration and removes it from the graphical view of the calibration curve displayed in the Compound Details pane. It is no longer part of the result set.
Acquisition Order
In a Sample View, the Active parameter is in the Compound Results pane.
In a Compound View, the Active parameter is in the Sample Results pane.
Sequentially numbers the samples.
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Table 97.
Common parameters for Compound Results and Sample Results tables (Sheet 2 of 7)
Column
Actual RT
Adduct
Area
Calculated Amt
Channel
Confirm
Expected RT
FI
Description
Actual retention time for the compound. Retention time is the time after injection when a compound elutes and the total time that the compound is retained on the chromatograph column.
The most intense adduct for the retention time for a compound.
The area obtained by integrating peak intensities from the start to the end of the peak.
When the Response Ratio is specified as Area, this column displays an asterisk (*Area).
The amount present in the sample, as determined using the calibration curve and the response ratio.
Specifies the channel on which the sample was run. If the sample is not acquired, the value is
Pending. The Channel column is available only when you have activated multiplexing in the
Configuration console. See
The number of criteria confirmed out of the total number specified in the method.
Expected retention time for the compound.
Fragment Ions flag. The application displays one of these indicators:
• A green circle (pass) when the measured
m/z
value of any of the fragments is within the mass tolerance specified in the method. On the Isotopes page in the Spectrum pane, the
All Isotopes and Multi-Isotopes flags are also green.
• A red square (fail) when the measured
m/z
value of none of the fragments is within the mass tolerance specified in the method. On the Isotopes page in the Spectrum pane, the
All Isotopes and Multi-Isotopes flags are also red.
• A blank when there are no fragments detected.
To display a list of fragments and their pass/fail status, hold your cursor over the indicator.
Filename
Final Units
Name of the raw data file that contains the sample data.
Specifies the calculated amount.
Default: 1
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Table 97.
Common parameters for Compound Results and Sample Results tables (Sheet 3 of 7)
Column
Flag Details
Description
Indicates all errors found in the compound.
Flags
Formula
Fragment
n
Type of error:
• I: Confirming ion coelution failure
• A: Amount error
• B: Matrix blank error
• PK: Peak not found
• LS: Library matching error
• IP: Isotope error
• FI: Fragment ions error
• IR: Ion ratio error
Caution flag displayed when a compound within the sample has an error.
The formula for the peak as specified in the compound database.
Displays the measured
m/z
for the fragment ion. The application displays a separate column for each found fragment.
• For each fragment found in the compound database that passes the filter in the method, the Compounds table displays the
m/z
value in green text.
• For each fragment found in the compound database that does not pass the filter in the method, the Compounds table displays the
m/z
value in red text.
• For each fragment that is not found in the compound database, the Compounds table displays N/S (none specified).
Fragment
n
(Delta
(ppm/mmu))
Group
Height
Integration Mode
Fragment not found in the compound database
Fragment found but does not meet method parameters
Fragment found and meets method parameters
Note
Compounds can have a maximum of five fragments, and the Compounds table has a maximum of five Fragment columns. When a compound contains fewer than five fragments, all remaining Fragment columns display N/S.
The difference between the expected fragment ion
m/z
from the compound database and the measured fragment ion
m/z
.
The application displays a separate delta column for each identified fragment.
Threshold group to which a sample belongs. You can view samples by group in the
Comparative View of Data Review.
The distance from the peak maximum to the peak base, measured perpendicular to the ordinate. When the Response Ratio is specified as Height, this column displays an asterisk
(*Height).
Integration mode specified in the method. See “Quan Peak” on page 470 .
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Table 97.
Common parameters for Compound Results and Sample Results tables (Sheet 4 of 7)
Column
IP
Description
Isotopic Pattern flag. The application displays one of these indicators:
• A green circle (pass) when the score percentage is higher than the specified fit threshold percentage.
• A red square (fail) when the score percentage is lower than the specified fit threshold percentage.
• A blank when the parameter is not scored.
To display the score of matched isotopes, hold your cursor over the indicator.
IR
Isotopic Pattern Score
(%)
ISTD Amt
ISTD Response
Lib Match Name
Ion Ratio flag. The application displays one of these indicators:
• A green circle when the ion ratio is within the acceptable ion ratio range.
• A red square when the ion ratio is not within the acceptable ion ratio range.
The percentage of the number of total isotopes to the number of matched isotopes.
Amount of internal standard.
Response of the internal standard.
The name of the best matching compound in the library search. When the application finds a match in the library, this column displays the matching library entry with the highest score.
• When the application does not perform a library search, this column displays “N/A” in black text.
• When the application does not perform an MS/MS scan, this column displays “N/A” in red text.
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Table 97.
Common parameters for Compound Results and Sample Results tables (Sheet 5 of 7)
Column
Library Match Rank
Description
Displays the ranking of the library match. When the application finds a match in the library, this column displays the library entry’s relative rank, in the format “x of y”, where
• x = the rank of the highest scoring library match.
• y = the total number of library matches from the list of matches for a particular adduct that contains the highest scoring match.
Library Score (%)
Results are as follows when the application performs both a library search and an MS/MS scan and both the library entry and the formula match the target compound:
• The criteria passes when the library score is higher than or equal to the score threshold.
The values in this column are in green text.
• The criteria fails when the library score is lower than the score threshold. The values in this column are in red text.
When the application does not perform a library search, this column displays “N/A” in black text.
When the application does not perform an MS/MS scan, this column displays “N/A” in red text.
The score from the library fit. When the application finds a match in the library, this column displays the highest score associated with the Lib Match Name parameter.
Results are as follows when the application performs both a library search and an MS/MS scan and both the library entry and the formula match the target compound:
• The criteria passes when the library score is higher than or equal to the score threshold.
The values in this column are in green text.
• The criteria fails when the library score is lower than the score threshold. The values in this column are in red text.
LS
m/z
(Apex)
When the application does not perform a library search, this column displays “N/A” in black text.
When the application does not perform an MS/MS scan, this column displays “N/A” in red text.
Range: 1 to 100%
Library Search flag. The application displays one of these flags:
• A green circle when the library search is successful.
• A red square when the library search is not successful.
Mass-to-charge ratio found in the spectra for the peak. Assumes that the charge is 1.
When the application successfully integrates the peak, this column displays the charged
m/z
value for the compound, which is the highest intensity in the apex scan.
When the application cannot successfully integrate the peak, this column displays N/F.
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Table 97.
Common parameters for Compound Results and Sample Results tables (Sheet 6 of 7)
Column
m/z
(Delta (mmu))
Description
Difference between the
m/z
(Expected) and
m/z
(Apex). Assumes that the charge is 1.
m/z
(Expected)
When the
m/z
(Apex) column displays
m/z
value for the compound, this column displays the delta
m/z
corresponding to the highest intensity in the apex scan.
• When the mass tolerance is specified in ppm in the master method, then
m/z
(Delta) = 1 000 000 × ([
m/z
(Apex) –
m/z
(Expected)] ×
m/z
(Expected)).
• When the mass tolerance is specified in mmu in the master method, then
m/z
(Delta) = 1000 ×
m/z
(Apex) –
m/z
(Expected)).
Mass-to-charge ratio from the compound database. Assumes that the charge is 1.
• When an adduct is found, the application displays the neutral mass value for the compound (calculated from the neutral formula) ± the mass of the most intense adduct ion found for the compound.
• When no adduct is found, the application displays the neutral mass value for the compound ± the mass of the first adduct entered in the compound database.
For details about defining adducts for the compound database, see
“Specifying Adducts” on page 52
.
For details about adding adducts to compounds, see
“Editing Compounds in the Database” on page 89
.
Note
When the adduct is a gain, the adduct mass is a positive number. When the adduct is a loss, the adduct mass is a negative number. The resulting mass value after adding or subtracting the adduct mass is always a positive number.
Num Isotopes Matched The number of isotopes matched in the expected calculated isotope spectra relative to the total number of isotopes used in the score calculation, in the format “x of y”, where
• x = the number of isotopes matching the elemental composition used for the Isotopic
Pattern Score calculation.
• y = the total number of isotopes considered in the Isotopic Pattern Score calculation.
This is the number of isotope peaks expected to be above the spectral noise.
PK Peak found
Response Ratio
RT Delta
The application displays one of these flags:
• A green circle when the peak is found.
• A red square when the peak is not found.
The ratio of the Response value to the IS Response value. If the Response is specified as Area in the processing method, the units of both Response and IS Response are counts-sec. If the
Response is specified as Height in the processing method, the units of both Response and IS
Response are counts.
Difference between the expected retention time and the measured retention time.
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Table 97.
Common parameters for Compound Results and Sample Results tables (Sheet 7 of 7)
Column
Sample Amt
Sample Type
Status
Description
The injected volume multiplied by the conversion factor. For example, if you have
1000 ng/mL of a substance that is too concentrated for the mass spectrometer, you can dilute it by 1000. Then your injection volume is 1, your conversion factor is 1000, and your sample amount is 1000.
Defines how the TraceFinder application processes the sample data. Each sample is classified as one of the following sample types: Specimen, QC, Solvent, Calibrator, Hydrolysis,
Unextracted, or Negative.
Status indicators for each sample indicate if the sample is currently acquiring, not acquired, acquired, or processed.
Sample is not acquired.
Theoretical Amt
Excluded
Sample is acquired but not processed.
Sample is acquired and processed.
Sample is currently acquiring.
Theoretical amount of the compound expected in the sample.
Turns a compound on or off in the calibration curve in the Compound Details pane.
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Use the Active and Excluded columns to control which compounds are used for calculating the calibration curve and for reporting.
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Follow these procedures:
•
To make a sample active or inactive
•
To exclude a calibration point
To make a sample active or inactive
1. Select the sample in the Sample Results pane.
All compounds in the selected sample appear in the Compounds pane. Inactive compounds are grayed out.
2. In the Compounds pane, select the compound whose active/inactive status you want to change.
• When a compound it marked inactive, the application does not remove its data and calculated values from the result set. Instead, the TraceFinder application masks the appearance of that compound for that particular sample and grays the compound name in the compounds list.
• When a calibration standard is marked inactive, the application no longer uses the data file’s calibration point for the calibration and removes it from the graphical view of the calibration curve displayed in the Qualification pane. The calibration point is no longer part of the result set.
3. In the Sample Results pane, select or clear the
Active
check box.
Use the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the table to scroll to the Active column.
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To exclude a calibration point
In the sample list, select the
Excluded
check box for the sample.
Note
Only calibration samples have the Excluded check box available.
Use the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the table to scroll to the Excluded column.
The application displays a value that is no longer used for calibration as an empty box in the graphical view of the calibration curve.
Excluded calibration point
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Use the Compounds Details pane to display any of the following types of data:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To open the Compound Details pane
1. Double-click the chromatogram in the Sample Peaks pane.
The Compound Details pane opens.
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By default, the first display pane shows the quantitative peak for the selected compound.
2. In the second pane, select the additional type of data that you want to display.
Follow these procedures to change the display of the peak data in either of the panes:
•
•
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To change the peak panes
In any of the peak panes, click to view a list of commands.
Command
Make All Panels the
Same Size
Move Panel Left
Move Panel Right
Add a Panel
Description
Evenly divides the area to make all panes the same width.
This command does not change the pane height.
Moves the current panel one space to the left. This command is not available when the current pane is the leftmost pane.
Moves the current panel one space to the right. This command is not available when the current pane is the rightmost pane.
Adds an empty peak pane to the display. You can display a maximum of four peak panes.
To zoom in on a peak
1. In any of the views, drag your cursor to delineate a rectangle around the peak or spectra.
The delineated area expands to fill the view.
2. To restore the default view, right-click the chromatogram plot and choose
Reset Scaling
from the shortcut menu.
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A compound can have multiple quantitative peaks. You can switch between quantitative peaks, but you cannot view multiple quantitative peaks at the same time. The indicator in the upper right corner of the Quan Peak pane displays which of the multiple quantitative peaks you are viewing. The Quan Peak pane uses a unique shortcut menu. See
“Quan Peak pane shortcut menu commands” on page 474 .
Figure 126.
Quantitative peak pane with multiple quantitative peaks
Peak 1 of 2
Peak 2 of 2
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Follow these procedures to modify the quantitative or confirming ion peak data:
•
•
To remove a manually created peak
•
To switch between method and manual integration modes
•
To change the displayed information for detected peaks
•
To modify the peak detection settings
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To manually add a peak
1. Right-click anywhere in the quantitative peak pane, and choose
Add Quan Peak
from the shortcut menu.
2. Click the left base of the peak you want to identify.
3. Drag to the right base and release the mouse.
The application places the peak delimiter tags at these locations and automatically updates the peak values (area, height, and so forth) in the result set.
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Manually added right and left base points
To remove a manually created peak
Right-click the pane, and choose
Cancel Add Peak
from the shortcut menu.
The application cancels the Add Peak operation. If you have already completed adding the peak, select the peak and then choose
Remove Quan Peak
from the shortcut menu.
To manually integrate a quantitative peak
1. Hold your cursor over one of the two peak delimiter tags in the peak pane.
When the tag can be selected, the cursor changes to a crosshair-style cursor. You can zoom in on the baseline to make it easier to select the tag.
Crosshair cursor
2. Drag the peak delimiter tag to another location and automatically update the peak values
(area, height, and so forth) into the result set.
The generated reports for these data identify the manual modifications.
You can store two peak value sets (method and manual integration settings) with each compound in each file. These settings can result in a different set of stored values. The application originally calculates the method values based on the processing method parameters. The manual values are a result of what you have edited.
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To switch between method and manual integration modes
Right-click the chromatogram view and choose
Method Integration Settings
or
Manual
Integration Settings
from the shortcut menu.
Initially, the method and manual integration settings that are stored for a compound and file are identical. When you switch modes, the saved result set does not change. However, when manual data are available, the chromatogram plots and the result set update as you switch between method and manual modes.
As you switch between modes, each pane reflects the changes. The generated reports for these data identify the manual modifications.
To change the displayed information for detected peaks
1. Right-click the peak pane and hold the cursor over
Peak Labels
.
2. Choose to display labels for the peak retention time, peak height, peak area, or signal to noise.
The label types in the list are selected for displayed labels and are cleared for labels that are not displayed.
3. To remove a label, select the label type again and clear it.
Label settings are globally applied to quantitative peaks, confirming ion peaks, and internal standard peaks.
Tip
The labels do not always update on all peak displays. To update all labels, select a different compound, and then reselect the compound whose labels you changed.
To modify the peak detection settings
1. Right-click the chromatogram view and choose one of the following from the shortcut menu:
•
Peak Detection Settings > Edit Local Method Peak Detection Settings
: Makes changes to the selected compound for all samples in this batch.
•
Peak Detection Settings > Edit User Defined Peak Detection Settings
: Makes changes to the selected compound for only the selected sample. The TraceFinder application saves these changes with the batch and stops applying the local method detection settings to the compound for this sample only.
The Peak Detection Settings dialog box opens where you can adjust detection settings that were specified in the method. The title bar of the dialog box lists the selected compound and indicates whether you are making changes to only the selected sample or to the local method.
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Figure 127.
Peak Detection Settings dialog box
Editing all samples in the batch
Editing only the selected sample
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2. Edit any of the detection settings.
For detailed descriptions of all detection settings, see “Detection” on page 160 .
3. To save your changes to this compound, click
Apply
.
• When you are editing a single sample, the application makes changes to the selected compound for this sample. If the sample is a calibration sample type, this update changes the calibration curve which, in turn, affects all calculated amounts.
• When you are editing the local method, the application makes changes to the selected compound for all samples in this batch.
Note
The Peak Detection Settings commands are also available on the Confirming Ions pane.
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Table 98.
Quan Peak pane shortcut menu commands (Sheet 1 of 2)
Command
Method Integration Settings
Description
Use Local Method Peak Detection Settings
: Applies the local method integration settings to the selected compound.
Manual Integration Settings
Add Quan Peak
–or–
Remove Quan Peak
–or–
Cancel Add Peak
Confirming Ion List
To edit these peak detection settings, use the Peak
Detection Settings > Edit Local Method Peak Detection
Settings command.
Use User Peak Detection Settings
: Applies the user-customized method integration settings to the selected compound.
To edit these user-customized settings, use the Peak
Detection Settings > Edit User Defined Peak Detection
Settings command.
Displays manual integration settings.
Adds a peak, removes a peak, or cancels an add peak operation in progress.
Send RT to Method
Peak Labels
Select the confirming ions to be viewed. Not available for analog compounds.
Sets the current retention time as the expected retention time for the compound in the local method.
Displays or hides the peak labels (Label Area, Label
Retention Time, Label Height, or Label to Noise).
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Table 98.
Quan Peak pane shortcut menu commands (Sheet 2 of 2)
Command
Show Peak Info
Description
Displays peak information for the selected compound, as in this example:
Reset Scaling
Peak Detection Settings
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
Edit User Defined Peak Detection Settings
: Opens the
Peak Detection Settings dialog box where you can make changes to the selected compound for this sample.
Edit Local Method Peak Detection Settings
: Opens the
Peak Detection Settings dialog box where you can make changes to the selected compound for all samples in this batch.
After you apply either of these updates, the application does not retain manual integration settings.
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The Confirming Ions pane displays a graphical view of all qualifying/confirming ions for the selected compound and displays calculated ion ratios and ion ratio acceptance windows. A red border indicates that an ion ratio is outside of its window. The Confirming Ions pane uses a
unique shortcut menu. See Confirming Ions pane shortcut menu commands .
Note
For compounds with an analog detection type, the application displays “No
Confirming Ions are Enabled” in the Confirming Ions pane.
Figure 128.
Quantitative peak with multiple confirming ions
Figure 129.
Confirming ion with coelution failure
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To manually integrate a confirming ion peak
1. Hold your cursor over one of the two peak delimiter tags in the peak pane.
When the tag can be selected, the cursor changes to a crosshair-style cursor. You can zoom in on the baseline to make it easier to select the tag.
2. Drag the peak delimiter tag to another location and automatically update the peak values
(area, height, and so forth) into the result set.
The generated reports for these data identify the manual modifications.
You can store two peak value sets (method and manual integration settings) with each compound in each file. These settings can result in a different set of stored values. The application originally calculates the method values based on the processing method parameters. The manual values are a result of what you have edited.
Note
Because a Blank Report displays only the quantitation mass, when you manually integrate a confirming ion, the manual integration flag in the report is displayed on the quantitation mass.
Table 99.
Confirming Ions pane shortcut menu commands
Command
Method Integration
Settings
Manual Integration
Settings
Add/Remove/Cancel
Quan Peak
Range Calc Method:
Manual
Range Calc Level
Target Ratio
Window Type
Window
Peak Labels
Show Peak Info
Reset Scaling
Peak Detection
Settings
Description
Displays the method integration settings.
Displays the manual integration settings.
Adds a quantitation peak, removes a peak, or cancels an add peak operation in progress.
Selects the method used to calculate the ion ratio range windows:
Manual, Average, Weighted Average, or Level.
Displays the range based on the calibration level.
Specifies the theoretical ratio of the confirming ion's response to the quantification ion's response.
Specifies the Absolute or Relative calculation approach for determining the acceptable ion ratio range.
Specifies the acceptable ion ratio range as a percentage.
Displays or hides the peak labels (Label Area, Label Retention
Time, Label Height, or Label to Noise).
Displays peak information for the selected compound.
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
Opens the Peak Detection Settings dialog box for the selected compound.
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The Calibration Curve pane displays a graphical view of the calibration curve for the selected compound and key statistical values for evaluating the quality of the calibration. The
Calibration Curve pane uses a unique shortcut menu. See
Calibration Curve pane shortcut menu commands
.
Figure 130.
Quantitative peak with a calibration curve plot
To manually exclude a calibration point
In the sample list, select the
Excluded
check box for the sample.
Use the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the table to scroll to the Excluded column.
When a value is no longer used for calibration, it is displayed as an empty box in the graphical view of the calibration curve.
Excluded calibration point
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Table 100.
Calibration Curve pane shortcut menu commands
Command
Standard Type
Calibration Curve Type
Response Via
Weighting
Origin
Units
Done with Settings
Reset Scaling
Description
Sets the standard type to External or Internal.
Sets the calibration curve type to one of the following:
• Linear: Allows all settings with this exception: When Origin is set to Include, all Weighting values are grayed out and
Weighting is set to Equal.
• Quadratic: Allows all settings with this exception: When
Origin is set to Include, all Weighting values are grayed out and Weighting is set to Equal.
• Average RF: Allows no Weighting or Origin selections. All
Weighting and Origin values are grayed out. Weighting is set to Equal, and Origin is set to Ignore.
Sets the response to Area or to Height.
Sets the weighting to equal, 1/X, 1/X^2, 1/Y, or 1/Y^2.
Sets the origin to Ignore, Force, or Include.
Sets the units.
Saves the calibration curve settings.
Resets the original scale in the calibration curve pane.
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The Ion Overlay pane represents an overlay of the entire ion set—quantification and qualifying/confirming—for the selected compound. Use this pane to graphically review the peak apex alignment and coeluting peak profiles.
Note
For compounds with an analog detection type, the application displays “No Data” in the Ion Overlay pane.
Figure 131.
Quantitative peak with confirming ion overlay
The ISTD pane displays the internal standard specified for the compound in the method. See
“To specify an internal standard type for a compound” on page 215
.
Figure 132.
Quantitative peak with an internal standard
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The Reference Peak pane displays the reference peak as specified in the method.
Figure 133.
Quantitative peak with a reference peak
To specify a chromatogram reference peak
1. In the Batch View task pane, click
Reference Sample
.
An empty reference sample table opens.
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2. Click the
Add Reference Sample
icon,
Reference Sample
from the shortcut menu.
, or right-click and choose
Add
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The Open Chromatograph Reference Sample dialog box opens.
Note
If you are creating a new method, you will not see any reference samples here.
You must create and save a batch using the current method to see the reference samples in this list.
3. Select a project from the list of projects.
4. Select a subproject from the list of subprojects.
5. Select a batch from the list of batches.
The TraceFinder application displays only batches that were created using the current master method.
6. Select a sample from the list of processed samples.
The TraceFinder application displays all the processed samples in the selected batch. To use a sample as a reference sample, the sample must have been processed with the current master method.
7. Click
Open
.
The selected sample is displayed as the chromatogram reference sample in the Method
View in the Method Development mode.
Tip
To clear the reference sample from the master method, select
None
in the Set
Chromatogram Reference Samples pane.
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The Spectra pane displays a comparison of the spectra found in the data and the method reference.
Note
For compounds with an analog detection type, the application displays “Not
Available” in the Spectra pane.
Figure 134.
Quantitative peak with data and reference spectra
The Library Match pane displays all library matches for the selected compound.
Figure 135.
Library Match for selected compound
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If you have no matches for any of your compounds, make sure you have completed all of the following:
• You installed a library.
• You enabled Library Matching in the method. See “To activate library matching” on page 205 .
The Isotope pane displays all isotopes for the selected compound.
Note
When you select different samples, the current compound remains selected (as long as that compound is found in the sample).
The isotopes pane displays isotopic pattern results for all adducts of a compound according to the threshold and deviation parameters defined in the method.
To identify or confirm the presence of a compound, the resulting score percentage from isotopic pattern matching must be higher than the specified fit threshold percentage.
• An isotope peak is not found if its intensity, relative to the monoisotopic ion’s intensity, is more than the specified intensity deviation percentage away from the theoretical relative intensity of the isotope ion.
• An isotope peak is found if its measured
m/z
is less than the specified mass deviation amount away from its expected
m/z
.
To specify isotopic criteria in a method, see “Isotopes” on page 207 .
Figure 136.
Isotopes for the selected compound
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Table 101.
Isotopes pane shortcut menu commands
Command
Reset Scaling
Copy to Clipboard
Display Overlay Spectra
Display Stack Spectra
Show/Hide Noise Label
Description
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
Copies the graphic display to the Clipboard.
Overlays the two spectrum displays, or stacks the simulated spectrum and the peak apex spectrum.
Adds a noise label to each peak. Expected isotope peaks
(displayed in blue) do not display a noise label.
Show/Hide Resolution
Label
Adds a resolution label to each peak. Expected isotope peaks
(displayed in blue) do not display a resolution label.
The Fragments pane displays a composite of all fragments found in the compound. The application displays the measured peak as a solid red line and displays the expected peak as a dashed blue line.
Figure 137.
Fragments for the selected compound
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You can export compound data to an Excel spreadsheet, to a CSV file, to a compound database, or to a new quantitation method. These export commands are available from the
File menu in the Sample View, Compound View, and Comparative View.
Follow these procedures:
•
To export compounds to an Excel spreadsheet
•
To export compounds to a CSV file
To export compounds to an Excel spreadsheet
1. Choose
File > Export Data To > CSV or Excel
from the main menu.
The Data Review Export dialog box opens.
2. Click
Browse
and, in the Export Data to Excel dialog box, locate the folder where you want to save the file.
3. Type a file name for the XLSX file and click
Save
.
4. In the File Format area, in the Data Review Export dialog box, select the
Excel
option.
5. In the Sheet Layout area, select one of the following file formats for the spreadsheet.
•
Multiple Worksheets
: Writes one sample to each Excel worksheet tab.
•
Single Worksheet
: Writes all samples to a single Excel worksheet tab.
6. In the Data to Export area, select one of the following sets of data to export.
•
Export Visible Columns Only
: Writes data from only the displayed columns to the specified worksheet format.
•
Export All Batch Data
: Writes data from all columns (displayed or hidden) of all samples to the specified worksheet format.
7. Click
Export
.
The application saves the specified compound data to an Excel spreadsheet and opens the folder where you saved the file. The application names the file
Batch
.xlsx.
To export compounds to a CSV file
1. Choose
File > Export Data To > CSV or Excel
from the main menu.
The Data Review Export dialog box opens.
2. Click
Browse
and, in the Export Data to Excel dialog box, locate the folder where you want to save the file.
3. Type a file name for the CSV file and click
Save
.
4. In the File Format area, in the Data Review Export dialog box, select the
CSV
option.
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5. In the Sheet Layout area, select one of the following file formats for the spreadsheet.
•
Multiple Files
: Writes one sample to each CSV file.
•
Single File
: Writes all samples to a single CSV file.
6. In the Data to Export area, select one of the following sets of data to export.
•
Export Visible Columns Only
: Writes data from only the displayed columns to the specified worksheet format.
•
Export All Batch Data
: Writes all data from all samples in the batch to the specified worksheet format.
7. Click
Export
.
The application saves the specified compound data to a CSV spreadsheet.
When you selected to create multiple files, the application opens the folder where you saved the files. The application names each file
Batch_Compound
.csv.
When you selected to create a single file, the Excel application opens, displaying the exported data for all samples. The application names the file
Batch
.csv.
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The Data Review view displays the data generated by the target screening master method. Use
Data Review to verify the data for a compound before you generate reports.
To open the Data Review view
1. Click
Analysis
in the navigation pane.
The Analysis navigation pane opens.
2. Click
Data Review
.
The Data Review navigation pane opens.
In the target screening display, the panes show a list of all samples in the current batch, the compound results for all compounds in the method, and chromatogram and spectrum plots for all compounds found in the currently selected sample.
To display or hide a pane on the Target Screening page
From the View menu, choose to display or hide the following:
•
Samples
•
Target Screening Results
: Displays or hides the Compounds pane.
•
Chromatogram
•
Spectrum
Displayed panes are indicated with a check mark.
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Figure 138.
Target Screening panes
Chromatogram pane
Samples pane Compounds pane
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Spectrum pane
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When you select a sample in the Samples pane, the associated Compounds pane flags any compound with errors in the selected sample. The associated Chromatogram pane displays the chromatogram, retention time, area, height, and signal-to-noise ratio for all compounds in the selected sample. The Spectrum pane highlights the compound selected in the Compounds pane. You can display, hide, or move any of these panes.
For procedures about creating docked, floating, or tabbed panes, see “Data Review Pane
.
The target screening display includes the following features:
•
•
•
•
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Use the Samples pane to select a specific sample in the batch. The associated
displays all compounds in the method and flags any compound with errors in the selected sample.
Flags in the Samples pane indicate one of the following:
A green circle when the sample/compound/peak combination is identified and fully confirmed.
A yellow triangle when the sample/compound/peak combination is identified but not fully confirmed.
A red square when the sample/compound/peak combination is not identified.
Figure 139.
Samples pane
Table 102.
Samples pane shortcut menu commands
Command
Sort by Alphabetical
Sort by Import Order
Description
Sorts the samples alphabetically by sample name.
Sorts the samples in the order they were processed.
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The Compounds pane displays all found peaks in the selected sample and flags any compound with errors. The compounds table reflects the identified compounds found in the
compound database and the results of the method processing criteria. See “Compounds Pane
The Compounds pane uses color-coded text to indicate the following:
• Green—Indicates that the measured value of scoring and confirmations pass the criteria specified in the method.
• Red—Indicates that the measured or calculated value does not pass the criteria specified in the method.
When the TraceFinder application finds multiple adducts at the same retention time in a sample, the Compounds pane displays the adducts on separate rows in the table.
Use the functions on the File menu to export data to an Excel spreadsheet, a CSV file, a compound database, or a new quantitation method.
Follow these procedures:
•
To export compounds to an Excel spreadsheet
•
•
•
To export compounds to a CSV file
To export compounds to a compound database
To create a new quantitation method with the selected compounds
•
To create a new quantitation method and update the compound database
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To export compounds to an Excel spreadsheet
1. For each compound that you want to export to an Excel spreadsheet, select the check box in the Selected column.
2. Choose
File > Export Data To > CSV or Excel
from the main menu
The Data Review Export dialog box opens.
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3. Click
Browse
and, in the Export Data to Excel dialog box, locate the folder where you want to save the file.
4. Type a file name for the XLSX file and click
Save
.
5. In the File Format area, select the
Excel
option.
6. In the Sheet Layout area, select one of the following file formats for the spreadsheet.
•
Multiple Worksheets
: Writes one sample to each Excel worksheet tab.
•
Single Worksheet
: Writes all samples to a single Excel worksheet tab.
7. In the Data to Export area, select one of the following sets of data to export.
•
Export Filtered and Selected Rows (Visible Columns Only)
: Writes data from the displayed columns of selected samples to the specified worksheet format.
•
Export All Batch Data
: Writes data from all columns (displayed or hidden) of all samples to the specified worksheet format.
8. Click
Export
.
The application saves the specified compound data to an Excel spreadsheet and opens the folder where you saved the file.
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To export compounds to a CSV file
1. For each compound that you want to export to a CSV file, select the check box in the
Selected column.
2. Choose
File > Export Data > To CSV or Excel
from the main menu.
The Data Review Export dialog box opens.
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3. Click
Browse
and, in the Export Data to Excel dialog box, locate the folder where you want to save the file.
4. Type a file name for the CSV file and click
Save
.
5. In the File Format area, select the
CSV
option.
6. In the Sheet Layout area, select one of the following file formats for the spreadsheet.
•
Multiple Files
: Writes one sample to each CSV file.
•
Single File
: Writes all samples to a single CSV file.
7. In the Data to Export area, select one of the following sets of data to export.
•
Export Filtered and Selected Data Only
: Writes data from the selected compounds to the specified worksheet format.
•
Export All Batch Data
: Writes all data from all samples in the batch to the specified worksheet format.
8. Click
Export
.
The application saves the specified compound data to an CSV spreadsheet and opens the folder where you saved the file.
To export compounds to a compound database
1. For each compound that you want to export to a compound database, select the check box in the Selected column, including any adducts that you want to export.
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2. Choose
File > Export Data To > Compound Database
from the main menu.
The Export Compounds to CDB dialog box opens.
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3. Do one of the following:
• Accept the default target database.
• Click
Create
and type the name for a new compound database.
• Click
Browse
and select from the list of compound databases.
4. Click
Import
.
• When you export compounds to a database that already contains these compounds, the application updates the retention times in the database.
• When you add compounds to a database that does not contain these compounds, the application adds all the compound data to the database.
When you export only one adduct for a compound, the application uses the selected adduct as the peak in the updated or new compound database. When you export multiple adducts for export, the application uses the adducts in the order of intensity.
The application uses the measured retention time value for the compound in the updated or new compound database.
The application uses the expected
m/z
value for the compound in the updated or new compound database.
The application exports all found fragments to the updated or new compound database.
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To create a new quantitation method with the selected compounds
1. For each compound that you want to export to a new quantitation method, select the check box in the Selected column including any adducts that you want to export.
2. Choose
File > Export Data To > New Quantitation Method
from the main menu.
The Acquisition page of a new quantitation method opens.
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3. From the Instrument Method list, select a method (.meth) file to use for acquiring the data.
4. Choose
File > Save
from the main menu.
5. In the Save Master Method dialog box, type a name for the method and click
OK
.
6. Click
Compounds
in the Method View navigation pane. Observe that the application exported the selected compounds from the screening method to the new quantitation method.
The application uses data from the selected compounds as follows:
• Exports quantitation peaks in the order of intensity.
• Exports measured retention time value for the compounds in the new method.
• Exports expected
m/z
value for the compounds in the new method.
• Exports all found fragments to the new method.
• Adds a filter for both quantitative peaks and confirming ions.
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To create a new quantitation method and update the compound database
1. For each compound that you want to export, select the check box in the Selected column, including any adducts that you want to export.
2. Choose
File > Export Data > Update Compound Database and Create New
Quantitation Method
from the main menu.
The Import Compounds to CDB dialog box opens.
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The dialog box lists all compounds selected in the screening batch.
3. Do one of the following:
• Accept the default target database.
• Click
Create
and type the name for a new target database.
• Click
Browse
and select from the list of compound databases.
The compounds list indicates which compounds already exist in the target compound database and which do not.
4. When any of the compounds already exist in the target database, choose one of the following options:
•
Update Retention Times
: Updates only the retention times for the duplicate compounds in the target database.
•
Overwrite
: Overwrites all compound data for the duplicate compounds in the target database.
•
Skip
: Does not write any data from the duplicate compounds to the target database.
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5. Click
Import
.
The Acquisition page of a new quantitation method opens.
6. From the Instrument Method list, select a method (.meth) file to use for acquiring the data.
7. Choose
File > Save
from the main menu.
8. In the Save Master Method dialog box, type a name for the method and click
OK
.
9. Click
Compounds
in the Method View navigation pane and observe that the new method uses the specified compound database and that the application exported the selected compounds (with the specified options) from the screening method to the new quantitation method.
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The columns of data in the Compounds pane display all parameter values associated with
each compound in the selected sample. See Compounds Pane Parameters
.
To hide or display columns in the Compounds pane
1. Click the
Field Chooser
icon, , in the upper left corner of the pane.
The Field Chooser displays all available columns of data for the Compounds pane.
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2. Select the check box for each column that you want to display, or clear the check box for each column that you want to hide.
The application immediately displays or hides the column in the Compounds pane.
3. When you are finished modifying the column display, click
Chooser.
to close the Field
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The Compounds pane displays all parameter values associated with each compound in the selected sample.
Figure 140.
Compounds pane
Table 103.
Compounds pane parameters (Sheet 1 of 6)
Column Description
Displays the current compound database. When you have multiple screening databases, the application lists the results for each database separately.
Expand the list of found compounds in the screening database.
Selected
MZ
Identifies individual compounds for export. To select all compounds for export, select the check box in the first column.
Selects all compounds in the
Compounds pane.
Selects the compound for export.
Mass-to-charge ratio flag. The application displays one of these indicators:
• A green circle (pass) when the measured
m/z
value is within the specified threshold.
• A red square (fail) when the measured
m/z
value is not within the specified threshold.
• A blank when the mass-to-charge value is unavailable.
To display the expected, measured, and delta
m/z
, hold your cursor over the indicator.
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Table 103.
Compounds pane parameters (Sheet 2 of 6)
Column
RT
Description
Retention Time flag. The application displays one of these indicators:
• A green circle (pass) when the measured retention time value is within the RT
Window value specified in the compound database.
• A red square (fail) when the measured retention time value is not within the RT
Window value specified in the compound database. In turn, this results in a failure flag for the
m/z
value because the application cannot identify an
m/z
value that meets the retention time.
• A blank when the retention time value is unavailable. When the retention time is selected as “confirm” and the
m/z
is not detected, there is no flag.
Or, you can set a different retention time window in the method. See “Editing the
.
To display the expected, measured, and delta retention times, hold your cursor over the indicator.
IP Isotopic Pattern flag. The application displays one of these indicators:
• A green circle (pass) when the score percentage is higher than the specified fit threshold percentage.
• A red square (fail) when the score percentage is lower than the specified fit threshold percentage.
• A blank when the parameter is not scored.
To display the score of matched isotopes, hold your cursor over the indicator.
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Table 103.
Compounds pane parameters (Sheet 3 of 6)
Column
FI
Description
Fragment Ions flag. The application displays one of these indicators:
• A green circle (pass) when the measured
m/z
value of any of the fragments is within the mass tolerance specified in the method. On the Isotopes page in the Spectrum pane, the All Isotopes and Multi-Isotopes flags are also green.
• A red square (fail) when the measured
m/z
value of none of the fragments is within the mass tolerance specified in the method. On the Isotopes page in the Spectrum pane, the All Isotopes and Multi-Isotopes flags are also red.
• A blank when there are no fragments detected.
To display a list of fragments and their pass/fail status, hold your cursor over the indicator.
LS
Flag
Compound Name
Match Result Name
Formula
Adduct
Confirmed
Library Search flag. The application displays one of these flags:
• A green circle when the library search is successful.
• A red square when the library search is not successful.
Indicates the status of the identification and confirmation criteria.
• A green circle when the sample/compound/peak combination is identified and fully confirmed.
• A yellow triangle when the sample/compound/peak combination is identified but not fully confirmed.
• A red square when the sample/compound/peak combination is not identified.
The compound name match in the compound database.
The compound name match in the compound database and the retention time.
The formula for the peak as specified in the compound database.
The most intense adduct for the retention time for a compound.
The number of criteria confirmed out of the total number specified in the method.
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Table 103.
Compounds pane parameters (Sheet 4 of 6)
Column
m/z
(Expected)
Description
Mass-to-charge ratio from the compound database. Assumes the charge is 1.
• When an adduct is found, the application displays the neutral mass value for the compound (calculated from the neutral formula) ± the mass of the most intense adduct ion found for the compound.
• When no adduct is found, the application displays the neutral mass value for the compound ± the mass of the first adduct entered in the compound database.
For details about defining adducts for the compound database, see
“Specifying Adducts” on page 52 .
m/z
(Apex)
For details about adding adducts to compounds, see
.
Note
When the adduct is a gain, the adduct mass is a positive number. When the adduct is a loss, the adduct mass is a negative number. The resulting mass value after adding or subtracting the adduct mass is always a positive number.
Mass-to-charge ratio found in the spectra for the peak. Assumes the charge is 1.
When the application successfully integrates the peak, this column displays the charged
m/z
value for the compound, which is the highest intensity in the apex scan.
When the application cannot successfully integrate the peak, this column displays N/F.
Difference between the
m/z
(Expected) and
m/z
(Apex). Assumes the charge is 1.
m/z
(Delta)
When the
m/z
(Apex) column displays
m/z
value for the compound, this column displays the delta
m/z
corresponding to the highest intensity in the apex scan.
• When the mass tolerance is specified in ppm in the master method, then
m/z
(Delta) = 1 000 000 × ([
m/z
(Apex) –
m/z
(Expected)] ×
m/z
(Expected)).
RT (Expected)
RT (Measured)
RT (Delta)
Measured Area
• When the mass tolerance is specified in mmu in the master method, then
m/z
(Delta) = 1000 ×
m/z
(Apex) –
m/z
(Expected).
The retention time for the peak as specified in the compound database.
The found retention time for the peak apex.
Difference between the expected and measured retention time for the peak.
The AA value from the chromatogram pane.
Isotopic Pattern Score (%) The percentage of the number of total isotopes to the number of matched isotopes.
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Table 103.
Compounds pane parameters (Sheet 5 of 6)
Column
Num Isotopes Matched
Lib Match Name
Description
The number of isotopes matched in the expected calculated isotope spectra relative to the total number of isotopes used in the score calculation, in the format “x of y”, where
• x = the number of isotopes matching the elemental composition used for the
Isotopic Pattern Score calculation.
• y = the total number of isotopes considered in the Isotopic Pattern Score calculation.
This is the number of isotope peaks expected to be above the spectral noise.
The name of the best matching compound in the library search. When the application finds a match in the library, this column displays the matching library entry with the highest score.
• When the application does not perform a library search, this column displays “N/A” in black text.
Library Score (%)
• When the application does not perform an MS/MS scan, this column displays
“N/A” in red text.
The score from the library fit. When the application finds a match in the library, this column displays the highest score associated with the Lib Match Name parameter.
When the application performs both a library search and an MS/MS scan and both the library entry and the formula match the target compound:
• The criteria passes when the library score is higher than or equal to the score threshold. The values in this column are in green text.
• The criteria fails when the library score is lower than the score threshold. The values in this column are in red text.
When the application does not perform a library search, this column displays “N/A” in black text.
When the application does not perform an MS/MS scan, this column displays “N/A” in red text.
Range: 1 to 100%
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Table 103.
Compounds pane parameters (Sheet 6 of 6)
Column
Library Match Rank
Description
Displays the ranking of the library match. When the application finds a match in the library, this column displays the library entry’s relative rank, in the format “x of y”, where
• x = the rank of the highest scoring library match.
• y = the total number of library matches from the list of matches for a particular adduct that contains the highest scoring match.
Fragment
n
When the application performs both a library search and an MS/MS scan and both the library entry and the formula match the target compound:
• The criteria passes when the library score is higher than or equal to the score threshold. The values in this column are in green text.
• The criteria fails when the library score is lower than the score threshold. The values in this column are in red text.
When the application does not perform a library search, this column displays “N/A” in black text.
When the application does not perform an MS/MS scan, this column displays “N/A” in red text.
Displays the measured
m/z
for the fragment ion. The application displays a separate column for each found fragment.
• For each fragment found in the compound database that passes the filter in the method, the Compounds table displays the
m/z
value in green text.
• For each fragment found in the compound database that does not pass the filter in the method, the Compounds table displays the
m/z
value in red text.
• For each fragment that is not found in the compound database, the Compounds table displays N/S (none specified).
Fragment
n
(Delta
(ppm/mmu))
S/N
Left RT
Right RT
Fragment not found in the compound database
Fragment found but does not meet method parameters
Fragment found and meets method parameters
Note
Compounds can have a maximum of five fragments, and the Compounds table has a maximum of five Fragment columns. When a compound contains fewer than five fragments, all remaining Fragment columns display N/S.
The difference between the expected fragment ion
m/z
from the compound database and the measured fragment ion
m/z
.
The application displays a separate delta column for each identified fragment.
The signal-to-noise ratio calculated for the found peak.
The time point of the left leading edge of the integrated peak.
The time point of the right trailing edge of the integrated peak.
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Use the Chromatogram pane to display all extracted chromatograms of all adducts of the selected compound.
The first tab displays the most intense target adduct for the peak result. Additional (optional) tabs display extracted ion chromatograms for other adducts for the target compound at the same retention time in order of intensity. If no signal exists for an adduct, it displays the XIC of the expected
m/z
within the specified retention and chromatogram windows. When you do not specify a retention time or window, the application displays the full time range.
For each adduct, the Spectrum pane displays the spectrum, isotopes, fragments, and library matches. See
.
Figure 141.
Chromatogram pane
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Table 104.
Chromatogram pane shortcut menu commands
Command
Reset Scaling
Copy to Clipboard
Description
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
Copies the graphic display to the Clipboard.
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Use the Spectrum pane to display the spectrum, isotopes, fragments, and library search information for the selected adduct in the Chromatogram pane. The Spectrum pane displays only the identification and confirmation criteria specified in the method. The confirmations
are based only on the most intense adduct. See “Editing the Processing Page” on page 279
.
The Spectrum pane includes the following pages of information (when available) for each selected sample/compound/peak combination:
•
•
•
•
The application displays the neutral loss (NL) and compound/peak name information on the right side of the Spectrum page. When data is available, the plot width is the full mass range in the raw data file. Otherwise, the application scales the width to the scan range.
Figure 142.
Spectrum page
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Table 105.
Spectrum page shortcut menu commands
Command
Reset Scaling
Copy to Clipboard
Description
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
Copies the graphic display to the Clipboard.
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The isotopes page displays isotopic pattern results for all adducts of a compound according to the threshold and deviation parameters defined in the screening method.
To identify or confirm the presence of a compound, the resulting score percentage from isotopic pattern matching must be higher than the specified fit threshold percentage.
• An isotope peak is not found if its intensity, relative to the monoisotopic ion’s intensity, is more than the specified intensity deviation percentage away from the theoretical relative intensity of the isotope ion.
• An isotope peak is found if its measured
m/z
is less than the specified mass deviation amount away from its expected
m/z
.
To specify threshold and deviation parameters, see
“Editing the Processing Page” on page 279 .
The Isotopes page displays the isotopes in one of three ways:
•
•
•
All isotopes pages use a shortcut menu to specify how you want the data displayed. See
“ Isotopes page shortcut menu commands” on page 512
.
The All Isotopes view displays a composite of all isotopes found in the compound. The application scales the window with respect to the most intense isotope. The most intense isotope is usually the first isotope unless you are using halogenated compounds. The application displays the measured peak as a solid red line; the application displays the expected peak as a dashed blue line.
The application displays these headers for the All Isotopes view:
Processing filter
File name
Scan range for the isotopes
Retention time range for all scans
Number of averaged scans
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Figure 143.
Isotopes page with stacked spectra for all isotopes
Expected
m/z
of the isotope
Measured spectrum
Figure 144.
Isotopes page with overlaid spectra for all isotopes
Expected spectrum
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Expected spectrum in blue Measured spectrum in red
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The Multi-Isotopes view displays individual plots for each isotope. You can individually stack or overlay the plots for each isotope.
The application displays these headers for the Multi-Isotopes view:
Scan range for the isotopes
Retention time range for all scans
Number of averaged scans
Figure 145.
Isotopes page with overlaid spectra for multi-isotopes
Expected spectrum in blue Measured spectrum in red
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Figure 146.
Isotopes page with stacked spectra for multi-isotopes
Expected spectrum in blue Measured spectrum in red
Figure 147.
Isotopes page with stacked and overlaid spectra for multi-isotopes
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Expected spectrum in blue Measured spectrum in red
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The individual isotopes view displays the expected and measured peaks for a single isotope.
The application displays these headers for the individual isotopes view:
Scan range for the isotopes
Retention time range for all scans
Number of averaged scans
Expected
m/z
for isotope 5
Measured
m/z
for isotope 5
Delta between expected and measured
m/z
Figure 148.
Isotopes page with overlaid spectra for a single isotope
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Expected spectrum in blue Measured spectrum in red
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Figure 149.
Isotopes page with stacked spectra for a single isotope
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Expected spectrum in blue Measured spectrum in red
Table 106.
Isotopes page shortcut menu commands
Command
Reset Scaling
Copy to Clipboard
Display Overlay Spectra
Display Stack Spectra
Show/Hide Noise Label
Description
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
Copies the graphic display to the Clipboard.
Overlays the two spectrum displays, or stacks the simulated spectrum and the peak apex spectrum.
Adds a noise label to each peak. Expected isotope peaks
(displayed in blue) do not display a noise label.
Show/Hide Resolution
Label
Adds a resolution label to each peak. Expected isotope peaks
(displayed in blue) do not display a resolution label.
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The Fragments page displays the maximum number of fragments as specified in the screening method. See
“Editing the Processing Page” on page 279 .
If there are no fragments defined in the screening library for the compound, you can add
fragments to the screening library. See “To add a fragment to a target peak” on page 96
.
The Fragments page displays the fragments in one of two ways:
•
•
The All Fragments view displays a composite of all fragments found in the compound. The application displays the measured peak as a solid red line; the application displays the expected peak as a dashed blue line.
The application displays these headers for the All Fragments view:
Minimum number of fragments specified in the method
Processing filter
File name
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Figure 150.
Fragments page with overlaid spectra for all fragments
Figure 151.
Fragments page with stacked spectra for all fragments
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The individual fragments view displays the expected and measured peaks for a single fragment.
The application displays these headers for the individual fragments view:
Minimum number of fragments specified in the method
Expected
m/z
for fragment 1
Measured
m/z
for fragment 1
Delta between expected and measured
m/z
Figure 152.
Fragments page with overlaid spectra for a single fragment
Intensity threshold specified in the method
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Figure 153.
Fragments page with stacked spectra for a single fragment
Table 107.
Fragments page shortcut menu commands
Command
Reset Scaling
Copy to Clipboard
Display Overlay Spectra
Display Stack Spectra
Description
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
Copies the graphic display to the Clipboard.
Overlays the two spectrum displays, or stacks the simulated spectrum and the peak apex spectrum.
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The Library page displays the matching library spectrum (in blue) and the experimental spectrum (in black). The resulting score percentage from a library search match must be higher than your specified threshold value to identify or confirm the presence of a compound.
See
“Editing the Processing Page” on page 279
.
The application scales both the matched library spectrum and the highest peak in the experimental spectra at 100 percent intensity and displays the resulting neutral loss (NL) value for the matched library entry name on the right of the plot.
The application displays these headers for the individual adducts:
Library match name Library score percentage
Adduct Formula
Figure 154.
Library page with stacked spectra
Library match rank
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Figure 155.
Library page with overlaid spectra
Table 108.
Library page shortcut menu commands
Command
Reset Scaling
Copy to Clipboard
Display Overlay Spectra
Display Stack Spectra
Description
Resets the original scaling after a zoom operation.
Copies the graphic display to the Clipboard.
Overlays the two spectrum displays, or stacks the simulated spectrum and the peak apex spectrum.
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Working in the Local Method View
A local method is a copy of a master method associated with a batch. You can edit only the local copy of the method, or you can edit the master method and overwrite the local copy with the edited master method.
In the Local Method view, you can edit the local method parameters. A local method is a copy of a master method associated with a batch. Local methods are named
Batch_MasterMethod
.
To open the Local Method View
1. Click
Analysis
in the navigation pane.
2. In the Analysis navigation pane, click
Local Method
.
The Local Method view for the currently selected batch opens.
You can edit many of the method parameters in a local method. Editing the local method does not affect parameters in the master method.
For detailed descriptions of quantitation method parameters, see “Editing a Master
(Chapter 5).
For detailed descriptions of target screening method parameters, see
(Chapter 6).
3. Enter any local changes to the method.
4. When you have finished editing the local method, choose
File > Save
.
5. To process the batch or create new reports with the edited local method, return to the
Batch View and submit the batch.
To overwrite the local method with the master method in the Batch View
In the Batch View, click
Update
.
The application overwrites the local method with the master method of the same name.
You can use this feature to overwrite an edited local method with the original master method or to overwrite the local method with an updated master method.
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Figure 156.
Local Method view of a quantitation method
Figure 157.
Local Method View of a screening method
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Working in the Report View
The Report View displays example reports for the current batch. You must have an open batch to use the features in the Report View.
Follow these procedures:
•
•
•
To generate a report as a PDF, an Excel, or a CSV file
•
•
•
•
To create a new report template
To open the Report View
Click
Report View
in the navigation pane.
The application opens the Reporting view. For detailed descriptions of all parameters, see
.
To preview a report
1. In the Template pane, select a report template.
The template list shows all the report templates that you configured in the Configuration
console. See “Specifying the Reports” on page 72 .
Figure 158.
Example template list
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2. Click
Preview
, .
The application opens the Report Designer, showing the report information for the current batch in the selected report template format.
For details about using the Report Designer, see
“Working in the Report Designer” on page 527 .
To generate a report as a PDF, an Excel, or a CSV file
1. In the Template pane, select a report template.
2. Select the check box for each of the file types that you want to create:
,
Excel
, or
CSV
.
3. Click
Generate
, .
The application does the following:
• Displays a green progress bar as it generates the reports.
• Creates a report for the current batch as a PDF, an Excel, or a CSV file, using the selected report template format.
• Adds information about the generated report to the Generated Reports pane.
For details about the Generated Reports pane, see
• Saves the report files to the …\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
batch
\ReportOutput folder.
To print a report
1. In the Template pane, select a report template.
2. Select the check box for the
file format.
3. Click
Generate
, .
The application does the following:
• Creates a report for the current batch using the selected report template format.
• Prints the report to your default printer.
• Adds information about the generated report to the Generated Reports pane.
For details about the Generated Reports pane, see
• Saves the report files to the …\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
batch
\ReportOutput folder.
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To display a generated report
In the Generated Reports pane, click
View
for the report you want to see.
Figure 159.
Generated Reports pane showing a PDF report
Opens the generated file.
The application opens the output file.
To edit a report template
1. In the Template pane, select a report template.
2. Click
Design
, .
The application opens the Report Designer showing the template in an Excel spreadsheet.
Figure 160.
Report Designer showing the template for the selected report
Thermo Scientific
3. Use the features in the Report Designer to edit the template.
See
“Working in the Report Designer” on page 527
.
4. When you finish your changes, choose
File > Save
from the Report Designer menu bar.
To create a new report template
1. Click
New
, .
The application opens the Report Designer showing an empty template in an Excel spreadsheet.
The Report Type is None.
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In the left pane, the spreadsheet lists all samples in the current batch and all compounds in the method used for the batch.
Figure 161.
Report Designer showing a new, empty template
2. Use the features in the Report Designer to create the report template.
See
“Working in the Report Designer” on page 527
.
3. When you finish your changes, choose
File > Save
from the Report Designer menu bar.
The Save Template dialog box opens.
Figure 162.
Save Template dialog box
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4. Type a name for the new report template and click
OK
.
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Figure 163.
Report View
Use the features in the Report View to display example reports for the current batch.
Table 109.
Report View parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Template
Description
Displays all report templates.
Rules
Sheet Name Specifies each sheet in the report.
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Table 109.
Report View parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Rules
Description
Specifies the type of data used in each sheet in the selected report.
• Batch
• EachSample
• SampleType:
SampleType
• CompoundType:
CompoundType
• SampleCustomFormula:
Buttons
View Report
Templates
Displays the C:\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\ReportTemplates folder that contains all report templates.
Opens the selected report template in the Report Designer.
Excel
CSV
Opens a blank report template in the Report Designer.
Opens the Report Designer showing the report information for the current batch in the selected report template format.
Writes the generated report to a PDF file in the
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
batch
\ReportOutput folder.
Writes the generated report to a PDF file in the
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
batch
\ReportOutput folder.
Saves the generated report as a PDF file in the
…\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
batch
\ReportOutput folder.
When the report contains multiple sheets, the application writes each sheet as a separate
CSV file.
Prints the generated report to your default printer.
Generates the selected type of reports for the current batch using the selected report template.
Generated Reports
Template
Rule
Sample
Output
Report template used for the report. See
“Example template list” on page 521 .
Type of data used in each sheet of the report. See Rules
.
For sample-level reports, the name of each sample in the report.
Type of output specified for the report: PDF, Excel, CSV, or Print.
Generated Report File
View
Lists the output file name for each report in the …\TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder.
Displays the generated output file.
View Generated Reports Displays the C:\TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder that contains all report outputs.
Clear Removes all reports from the Generated Reports display. This does not delete the reports from the C:\TraceFinderData\32\Projects folder.
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Working in the Report Designer
Use the features in the Report Designer to create or edit report templates.
The Report Designer supports reports from previous versions of the TraceFinder application.
Use one of the Excel template files (in C:\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\ReportTemplates).
Each template has an XLS file and a metadata file to support report generation. These templates can support file sizes up to 70 MB that provide the following:
• A live preview of data
• Excel-like features:
– Formulas
–
–
Text formatting
Rich content, including images, shapes, and charts
– User interface layout with worksheet tabs and a ribbon
To create a report, combine the output from the Report Data Manager with the template file using the Report Generator. After you have combined the data with the template, you can print, preview your print job, or create a PDF or an Excel file.
With the Report Designer, you can do any of the following to create or edit a report template:
• Make changes to the template as you would in the Excel application.
• Add or remove graphics.
• Add repeated frames of many types.
• Format fonts, colors, and so forth.
• Add or edit formulas.
• Edit template text, headers, and so forth.
In addition to the procedures in this section, you can view video instructions at http://mytracefinder.com/plugins/reporting/ .
This section includes the following topics:
•
•
•
Note
To edit or create a template, you must have an open batch.
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Choose what type of report you want and which samples to include in the report, and then use the Report View to combine the samples and templates into a report.
Use the following procedures:
•
To insert graphics into a report template
•
•
•
To format header text in the spreadsheet
•
To format data in the report grid
•
To format cells in the report grid
•
To insert graphics into a report template
1. Select cells where you want to place the item.
2. Click the
Insert
tab.
The Insert page displays the available objects for insertion.
3. Select an item from the toolbar to insert into the cells on the template.
• When you select a series of cells across rows and columns, the application inserts the item into the selected area.
• When you select a single row of cells, the application inserts the graphic at a default size.
Figure 164.
Example of inserted graphic
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To insert a table
1. Select a row in the report grid where you want to insert the table.
2. Click the
Insert
tab and then click the
Table
icon, .
The Insert Table dialog box opens.
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The left pane lists choices for the type of data that you want to include in the table. You can select only one item from this list.
The right pane lists the specific parameters that you want to include for that type of data.
You can select as many parameters as you want. The table displays each selected parameter as a table column.
For example, when you select to display data for a Sample
,
you can then select sample parameters to include in the table, such as the raw data file name or sample type.
3. Select a data item in the left pane and then select the parameters for that data type that you want to include in the table.
4. To edit the header for a table column, select the parameter in the parameters list on the right, and then type new header text in the Header box in the Field Details area.
The default header name is the same as the parameter name.
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5. To move a column left or right in the table, select the parameter name and click the
Up
or
Down
arrow.
The Up arrow moves the column one position to the left.
The Down arrow moves the column one position to the right.
6. To find the formula for a parameter, select the parameter.
The application displays the formula in the Formula box.
Parameter not selected
Parameter selected (blue background)
Details for selected parameter
7. To switch rows to columns for easier access to large amounts of data, create a pivot table as follows: a. Select the
Pivot Table
check box.
The Pivot Table area expands to display the pivot table options.
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Use Key
check box for the row label. c. Select the
Use Key
check box for the column label. d. Select the operation that you want to use to calculate the aggregate value.
8. When you have made all your table selections, click
OK
.
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To make changes to a table
1. Select the table in the report template.
2. Click the
Insert
tab, and then click the
Table
icon, .
The Edit Table dialog box opens, displaying all of the available fields for the selected template. The Edit Table dialog box is virtually identical to the Insert Table dialog box.
Thermo Scientific
3. Edit the parameters for the table and click
OK
.
Follow the instructions in
“To insert a table” on page 529
.
To format header text in the spreadsheet
1. Select the header in the spreadsheet table.
To change all headers, select an entire header row.
To change a single header, select only a single header cell.
Tip
You can also use the SHIFT key to select sequential cells or the CTRL key to select nonsequential cells anywhere in the grid.
2. Click the
Home
tab.
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3. Use the Font icons to change the font format.
To format data in the report grid
1. Select the data you want to format.
To format all rows in a column, select only the first cell of data. Do not select the header row.
To format a single cell of data, select only that cell.
Tip
You can also use the SHIFT key to select sequential cells or the CTRL key to select nonsequential cells anywhere in the grid.
2. Click the
Home
tab and use the toolbar icons to edit the font or cells as appropriate:
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• Change the font or font size.
• Make the selected text bold.
• Make the selected text italics.
• Underline the selected text.
• Apply borders to the currently selected cells.
• Increase or decrease font size.
• Apply color to the background for selected cells.
• Change the font color.
To format cells in the report grid
1. Select the cells you want to modify:
To change all cells in a row, select the entire row.
To change a single cell, select only that cell.
Tip
You can also use the SHIFT key to select sequential cells or the CTRL key to select nonsequential cells.
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2. Click the
Home
tab and use the Alignment or Cells toolbar icons to edit the cells.
3. To align the cell text to the top, center, or bottom of the cell, click .
4. To align the cell text to the left, center, or right of the cell, click
5. To make all contents visible within a cell, click
Wrap Text
.
6. To join selected cells into one cell, click
Merge Cells
.
7. To insert cells, rows, or columns into the template, click
Insert
.
8. To delete rows or columns from the template, click
Delete
.
.
9. To change the row height or column width, organize sheets, or protect or hide cells, click
Format
.
10. To highlight or emphasize useful cells based on specific criteria, click
Conditional
Formatting
to use data bars, color scales, or icon sets.
11. To show formulas for selected cells instead of the resulting value, click
Show Formulas
.
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To add repeated frames
1. To define a repeat area, select the cells that you want to repeat.
You can repeat only one area per worksheet, but you can repeat it many times. You cannot
insert data tables beneath a repeated area. See “Example of repeated frames” on page 535
.
2. Click the
Insert
tab and then click
Repeat
.
The Repeat Area Definition dialog box opens.
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3. To filter the repeat area according to the filter criteria, type the string syntax in the Filter
String box.
4. Select to repeat for each compound, for each sample, or for both.
5. Define whether the repeat area repeats first for samples or first for compounds:
• To have the repeat area repeat first for samples and then for compounds, clear the
Compound Centric
check box.
• To have the repeat area repeat first for compounds and then for samples, select the
Compound Centric
check box.
6. To define the number of times to repeat horizontally before wrapping to the next row, type a number in the Max Horizontal Repeats box.
7. To define the number of times to repeat vertically before inserting an auto-page break, type a number in the Max Vertical Repeats Per Page box.
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8. To define the maximum suggested number of repeats, type a number in the Repeats in
Design Mode box.
This maximum number of repeats is intended to increase performance. When generating an actual report, the application does not enforce this limit.
Figure 165.
Example of repeated frames
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The Report Designer includes three tabs that display toolbars.
•
•
•
Use the options on the Home toolbar to modify fonts, align cell data, and format cells.
Table 110.
Home toolbar options (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Clipboard
Paste
Description
Paste the contents of the Clipboard. You can also paste only formating or only a formula.
Copy text or graphics to use in another place.
Copy
Font
Font and size
Bold
Italic
Underline
Border
Font size
Fill color
Font color
Alignment
Change the font or font size.
Make the selected text bold.
Make the selected text italics.
Underline the selected text.
Apply borders to the currently selected cells.
Increase or decrease font size.
Apply color to the background for selected cells.
Change the font color.
Wrap text
Merge cells
Align the cell text to the top, center, or the bottom of the cell.
Align the cell text to the left, center, or the right of the cell.
Make all contents visible within a cell.
Join selected cells into one cell.
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Table 110.
Home toolbar options (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
Cells
Insert
Delete
Format
Conditional Formatting
Show Formulas
Description
Insert cells, rows, or columns into a template.
Delete rows or columns from a template.
Change the row height or column width, organize sheets, or protect or hide cells.
Based on specific criteria, highlight or emphasize useful cells using data bars, color scales, and icon sets.
Show formulas for selected cells instead of the resulting value.
Use the options on the Insert toolbar to add graphics, plots, and other objects to a template or report. You can also set up repeating objects and define functions.
Table 111.
Insert toolbar options (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Table
Table
Field
Repeat
Repeat
Refresh
Plots
Description
Create a table to manage and analyze data.
Edit the formula for a field by choosing functions and editing arguments.
Repeat text, cell, or graphic elements.
Update the view to reflect recent changes.
Add a sample TIC.
Add a peak chromatogram.
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Table 111.
Insert toolbar options (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter Description
Add an ion overlay.
Add a spectral plot.
Add a comparative spectral plot.
Add a calibration curve.
An isotope plot displays the number of isotopes found, the score, a pass/fail flag, and a plot of the isotopes.
Add a fragment plot.
Illustrations
Pictures
Insert a picture from a file.
Use the options on the Page Layout toolbar to adjust margins, orientation, paper size, and page breaks. To see your changes, click
Print Preview
.
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Table 112.
Page Layout toolbar options (Sheet 1 of 2)
Command
Print Preview
Page Setup
Margins
Description
View your report as the application will print it.
Define page details.
Select page margins for the current view or the entire document.
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Table 112.
Page Layout toolbar options (Sheet 2 of 2)
Command
Orientation
Size
Breaks
Template Properties
Description
Switch the pages from portrait to landscape view.
Choose a page size for the current view or the entire document.
Specify where a new page begins in the printed copy.
Opens the SpreadsheetGear Workbook Explorer where you can specify template options.
To insert items in Report Designer
• Insert a data table when the selected cell is above or below any other table, but not in the same row as a field. You cannot insert tables in repeat areas.
• Insert a data field when the selected cell is not on the same row as a table.
The Insert toolbar provides these options:
• Table – insert or edit data table
• Field – insert or edit data field
• Use these shortcut keys:
CTRL+T
CTRL+T
CTRL+SHIFT+T
CTRL+R
Insert a table.
Edit a table when the selected cell is inside a table.
Insert or edit a field.
Insert or edit a repeating area.
To format cells and group headers
Because the first row of a data table retains formatting information, edit the formatting of the first row.
The application copies the formatting to all other rows.
For group header items, the application copies the formatting of the first group header to the remaining group headers.
To sort fields
Select a field, then click
A-Z
to sort on that field.
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This chapter includes instructions about using the features of the Audit Viewer. For detailed
descriptions of parameters in the Audit Viewer, see “Audit Viewer” on page 550
.
The TraceFinder application records all user access, including logging in, logging out, data creation and editing (batches, methods, and templates), and manual integration. You can use the Audit Viewer to view the resulting log files to track modifications to the data. When an event requires confirmation (as specified in the Administrator Console), the Audit Viewer records who confirmed each change to a batch, method, or template. When no confirmation is required, then the Audit Viewer records the user who was logged in when the change occurred.
In the Administration Console, a user with Auditing permissions can configure the auditing service by specifying which events are logged, which events require confirmation, a list of default reasons for a specific event, and whether a user can submit a custom reason. To use the auditing administration tools, refer to the instructions in the
TraceFinder Administrator
Console User Guide
.
The application creates the following audit trail log files:
• Application: Records all user access, such as starting and stopping the application, logging in, logging out, or accessing or saving data in batches and methods. The application saves the data in the following log file: C:\Thermo\TraceFinder\3.2\Logs\AuditLog.adb.
• Master Method: Records all user interactions with master methods, such as creating, opening, or editing a master method. The application saves the data in the following log file: C:\TraceFinderData\32\Methods\
MasterMethodName
\AuditLog.adb.
• Batch Template: Records all user interactions with batch templates, such as creating, opening, or editing a batch template. The application saves the data in the following log file: C:\TraceFinderData\32\Templates\Batches\
BatchTemplateName\
AuditLog.adb.
• Batch: Records all user interactions with batches, such as creating, opening, editing, acquiring, processing, or generating reports for a batch. The application saves the data in the following log file:
C:\TraceFinderData\32\Projects\
SubFolder
\
BatchName\
AuditLog.adb.
The Audit Viewer displays all saved audit log files, and you can filter and sort the audit data.
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Use the following procedures:
•
•
•
To view only application, method, batch, or batch template events
•
To create a filter for audit log events
•
•
To create a filter for an audit log history
•
To display the history for an event
To access the Audit Viewer
Choose
Tools > Audit Trail
from the TraceFinder main menu or click the
Audit Viewer
icon, .
The Audit Viewer opens. For detailed descriptions of parameters in the Audit Viewer, see
Note
The Tools > Audit Trail menu command always opens to application log files, whereas the Audit Viewer icon is context sensitive and opens to the appropriate type of log files (application, method, batch, or batch template).
To select an audit log
1. Click the
Open Audit Log
icon, .
The application opens the Audit Log Selection dialog box.
2. Expand a log folder to select an application, batch, method, or batch template audit log file, and click
OK
.
The Audit Viewer displays the contents of the selected audit log file, as in this example for a method.
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To view only application, method, batch, or batch template events
1. In the Active Log list, select an Active Log file.
• Application logs include application and security events.
• Method logs include application and method events.
• Batch logs include application, method, and batch events.
• Batch template logs include application and batch template events.
The Audit Viewer displays icons for each of the event types included in the log file.
2. Click an icon to turn the display on or off.
In this example, the Events pane displays Batch and Method events and hides Application events.
Note
There is no icon for security events in an application log file. You cannot hide the display of security events.
To create a filter for audit log events
1. In the Events pane, click the
Create New Filter
icon, .
The Filter Editor dialog box opens.
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2. In the View box, type a name for the new filter.
You can also leave the View box empty when you enter your filter criteria. When you finish adding conditions and click OK (step 8), the application filters the current events list based on the filter criteria you specify, but the filter is not saved. The Filter list in the viewer identifies this filter as (Custom).
3. Click the
Add
icon, .
The application adds a new, undefined condition to the Condition list.
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4. In the Field list, select one of the following field types.
5. In the Operator list, select one of the available operators.
The available operators depend on the field type that you selected.
6. In the Value box, type a value or select a value from the list.
• For the Date/Time field, type a numerical value in the Value box.
• For the User, Reason, Context, or Details field, type the appropriate text in the Value box. This value is case sensitive.
• For the Type of Event field, select one of the following values.
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Note
You can also click the Tokens icon, , and select a token for the Value.
Tokens are predefined values, such as dates and sample or compound identifiers.
The Filter at the bottom of the dialog box displays the complete definition for the filter.
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each condition that you want to include in your filter.
8. When you have added all your conditions, click
OK
.
The application creates the new filter with the specified conditions.
To view audit event details
In the Events pane, select an event.
The Details pane displays key values based on the type of log you select.
Details for batch log files include the name of the batch.
Details for method log files include the name of the method and the method type.
Details for batch template log files include the name of the batch template, the location of the data repository, and the subproject folder where the template was created.
Details for Application log files include whether the events are for a batch or method, the location of the data repository, and, for a batch, the subproject folder where the batch was created.
Details for Security log files include the authentication method used (Windows Active Directory or local machine) and the location of the administrator repository.
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To create a filter for an audit log history
1. In the History pane, click the
Create New Filter
icon, .
The Filter Editor dialog box opens.
2. In the View box, type a name for the new filter.
You can also leave the View box empty when you enter your filter criteria. When you finish adding conditions and click OK (step 8), the application filters the current history list based on the criteria you specify, but the filter is not saved. The Filter list in the viewer identifies this filter as (Custom).
3. Click the
Add
icon, .
The application adds a new, undefined condition to the Conditions list.
4. In the Field list, select one of the following field types.
5. In the Operator list, select from
equals
,
less than/greater than
, or
contains
.
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The available operators depend on the field type that you selected.
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6. In the Value list, type or select a value from the list.
• For the Name, Context, or Details field, type the appropriate text in the Value box.
This value is case sensitive.
• For the OldValue or NewValue field, type a numerical value in the Value box.
• For the ChangeType field, select one of the following values.
• When the selected Field is
ItemType
, select one of the following values.
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Note
You can also click the Tokens icon, , and select a token for the Value.
Tokens are predefined values, such as dates and sample or compound identifiers.
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The Filter at the bottom of the dialog box displays the complete definition for the filter.
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each condition that you want to include in your filter.
8. When you have added all your conditions, click
OK
.
The applications created the new filter with the specified conditions.
To display the history for an event
1. In the Events pane, select an event that has a selected check box in the History column.
Select an event that has the
History check box selected.
The History pane displays all unsaved (queued) actions for the selected event.
2. To limit the actions in the history list, select a filter from the Filter list.
See “To create a filter for an audit log history” on page 546 .
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Figure 166.
Example History filter
When you select this filter, the History pane displays only these actions for the selected event:
9
Using the Audit Viewer
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Use the Audit Viewer to view the audit log files to track user access and modifications to the data.
Figure 167.
Application log in the Audit Viewer
Figure 168.
Batch log in the Audit Viewer
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Table 113.
Audit Viewer parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)
Parameter
Active Log
Description
Name of the current audit log file.
Opens the Audit Log Selection dialog box where you can open a different audit log file.
You can select from these audit log files: application, batch, method, or batch template.
Refreshes the current audit log file in the viewer.
Show
Events
Filter
Select to display only specific types of events in the Events list. The selected log file can contain batch, method, and application events.
Select a filter view to use for displaying the event log entries.
Log
Date/Time
User
Computer Name
Event Type
Context
Opens the Filter Editor dialog box where you can create a filter view.
Opens the Filter Editor dialog box where you can edit the current filter view.
Deletes the current event filter view.
Indicates an event that occurred at the main TraceFinder application level, such as logging in or opening a batch.
Indicates an event that occurred in the Administration Console.
Indicates an event that occurred in a method template.
Indicates an event that occurred in a method.
Indicates an event that occurred in a batch.
Time stamp of the event.
When an event requires confirmation (as specified in the Administrator Console),
User
is the user who confirmed each change to a batch, method, or template.
When no confirmation is required,
User
is the user who was logged in when the change occurred.
Name of the computer on which the application recorded the event.
Specific event that triggered the log file entry. For a complete list of event types, refer to the
TraceFinder Administration Console User Guide
.
Name of the sample, batch, method, or application version where the event occurred.
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Table 113.
Audit Viewer parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)
Parameter
History
Reason
Details
Key/Value
History
Filter
Description
Indicates that there is a history log of queued actions for the event.
Default or custom reason that the user entered for the event.
Identifying parameters and their values for the selected auditing event. These key parameters are different for each type of auditing event.
Select a filter view to use for displaying the change history.
Opens the Filter Editor dialog box where you can create a filter view.
Opens the Filter Editor dialog box where you can edit the current filter view.
Order
Change Type
Context
Deletes the current history filter view.
The sequence of actions that occurred.
One of the predefined ChangeType values. See ChangeType
.
Name of the specific value on which the action occurred.
Item Type
Item Name
One of the predefined ItemType values. See ItemType
.
A user-defined name for the filter.
Old Value/New Value Original parameter value and the changed value.
Details
Key/Value
Identifying parameters and values for the selected history event.
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Use the quick acquisition feature to quickly submit samples from any mode in the application.
Note
The Quick Acquisition feature is available only when you activate it in the
Configuration console. See
“Quick Acquisition” on page 56 .
To run a quick acquisition
1. Choose
Tools > Quick Acquire Sample
from the main menu or click the
Quick Acquire
Sample
icon, .
The TraceFinder Quick Acquisition window opens.
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2. To create the sequence of samples that you want to acquire, do any of the following:
• Use the Sequence buttons on the toolbar to open and save Xcalibur sequence (.sld) files.
Icon Description
Replaces the current sequence with a new sequence that contains one Unknown sample.
Opens the Open dialog box where you can open a saved SLD file.
Saves the current sequence as an SLD file in the
C:\TraceFinderData\Sequences folder.
Opens the Save As dialog box where you can save the current sequence to a new file name or location.
• Use the Samples buttons on the toolbar to create a sequence of samples.
Icon Description
Adds the specified number of new, empty samples to the end of the sample list.
Inserts a new, empty sample or samples above the selected sample.
Removes the selected samples from the sample list.
• (Optional) Use the Tools buttons on the toolbar to open a qualitative browser or the
NIST library browser.
Icon Description
Opens the qualitative explorer that you configured as your default qualitative explorer in the Configuration console. See
“Launching a Qualitative Explorer” on page 16 .
Opens the NIST library browser. See “Launching the NIST
.
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Using Quick Acquisition
3. When you have completed your sequence of samples, click either of the Acquire buttons.
Icon Description
Submits only the selected samples for acquisition, processing, or report generation.
Submits the sequence for acquisition, processing, or report generation.
The application submits the samples for acquisition, processing, and report generation.
See
“Acquisition Page” on page 351
.
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The TraceFinder application calculates an isotopic pattern score based on the settings in the method. The application displays this score in the Data Review view. This appendix describes the isotopic distribution concepts and provides calculation details with examples for the isotopic pattern score.
Contents
•
Isotopic Distribution in Exact Mass Spectra
•
Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
To determine the elemental compositions, the TraceFinder application uses an isotopic pattern matching algorithm that considers the isotope accurate mass and intensity ratios.
Using a single exact mass, usually the monoisotopic mass of a measured isotope pattern, the application calculates all possible elemental compositions that lie within a mass tolerance window. You can filter this list of possible elemental compositions and narrow the results by using the natural isotopic distribution of elements.
The following table lists the natural isotopic distribution of the most common elements.
Table 114.
Natural isotopic distribution (Sheet 1 of 2)
Element
Hydrogen
Carbon
Nitrogen
Isotope
1
2
H
H
12
13
14
15
C
C
N
N
Isotope order
A0
A1
A0
A1
A0
A1
Exact mass
1.0078
2.014102
12.0
13.003355
14.003074
15.00109
Mass difference
+1.006302
+1.003355
+0.998016
Abundance (%)
99.9985
0.015
98.890
1.110
99.634
0.366
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Table 114.
Natural isotopic distribution (Sheet 2 of 2)
Element
Oxygen
Fluorine
Phosphorus
Sulfur
Isotope
31
P
32
S
33
S
34
S
36
S
16
O
17
O
18
O
19
F
A1
A2
A4
A2
A0
A0
A0
Isotope order
A0
A1
Exact mass
15.994915
16.999132
17.999161
18.99840
30.971459
31.972071
32.971459
33.967867
35.967081
Mass difference Abundance (%)
+1.004217
+2.004246
+0.999388
+1.995796
+3.995010
99.762
0.038
0.200
100
100
95.020
0.750
4.210
0.020
where:
• A0 represents the monoisotopic peak, which is the most abundant and usually the isotope with the lowest mass.
For example:
1
H,
12
C,
14
N,
16
O,
19
F,
31
P, and
32
S
• A1 represents the isotope where one atom in the molecule is statistically replaced by another atom approximately 1 amu heavier.
For example:
2
H,
13
C,
15
N,
17
O, and
33
S
• A2 represents the isotope where:
Two atoms in the molecule are statistically replaced by two other atoms, each approximately 1 amu heavier.
–or–
One atom is replaced by another atom approximately 2 amu heavier.
For example:
18
O and
34
S
• A3 represents the isotope where:
Three atoms in the molecule are statistically replaced by three other atoms, each approximately 1 amu heavier.
–or–
One atom is replaced by another atom approximately 1 amu heavier and one atom is replaced by another atom approximately 2 amu heavier.
–or–
One atom is replaced by another atom approximately 3 amu heavier.
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Isotopic Pattern Details
Isotopic Distribution in Exact Mass Spectra
• A4 represents the isotope where:
Four atoms in the molecule are statistically replaced by four other atoms, each approximately 1 amu heavier.
–or–
Two atoms are replaced by two other atoms, each approximately 1 amu heavier, and one atom is replaced by another atom approximately 2 amu heavier.
–or–
Each atom of the two atoms is replaced by another atom approximately 2 amu heavier.
–or–
One atom is replaced by another atom approximately 1 amu heavier, and one atom is replaced by another atom approximately 3 amu heavier.
–or–
One atom is replaced by another atom approximately 4 amu heavier.
For example:
36
S
• Mass difference is the difference in mass between the A0 isotope and another isotope (A1,
A2, A3, A4, and so on) of the same element.
• Abundance is the percentage of occurrence of each isotope normally in nature.
In the following figure, the
x
axis shows the mass difference of A1 relative to the monoisotopic peak (A0) of the
13
C,
15
N, and
33
S isotopes. The
y
axis shows relative abundance in intensity.
Figure 169.
Mass difference and abundance of A1 relative to A0
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Isotopic Pattern Details
Isotopic Distribution in Exact Mass Spectra
In the following figure, the
x
axis shows the mass difference of A2 relative to the monoisotopic peak (A0) of the
18
O,
34
S, and
13
C2 isotopes. The
y
axis shows relative abundance in intensity.
Figure 170.
Mass difference and abundance of A2 relative to A0
Note
For a particular isotopic spectrum, the mass difference is always the same between the A0 isotope and the other isotopes (A1, A2, and so on) of each specific element, but the intensity varies according to the composition of the molecule—that is, the number of each element in the molecule.
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Isotopic Pattern Details
Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
The TraceFinder application follows the same isotopic distribution logic as described in
“Isotopic Distribution in Exact Mass Spectra” on page 557
, but in a different order and with numerical limits and scores to optimize automatic processing. After the TraceFinder application determines the possible elemental compositions for a particular compound of interest, it calculates a expected isotope pattern for each elemental composition candidate and an isotopic pattern score to represent the fit between the expected and measured isotope patterns.
The following example describes the isotopic pattern score data and provides the score calculation details for one specific data set.
This example uses the
Metribuzin
target compound in an
Apple_PosHCD__40_5_01
sample.
For this compound, note that the Isotopic Pattern Score column shows 90% and the Num
Isotopes Matched column shows “2 of 3” in the Compounds pane in the Data Review. The compound’s formula is C8H14N4OS and its adduct is H, so the modeled isotopic pattern is
C8H15N4OS.
Figure 171.
Isotopic data for Metribuzin
In the Spectrum pane, click the Isotopes tab and zoom in to view the expected isotopic pattern spectrum compared to the acquired, measured spectrum. The resulting isotopic pattern score should correlate to a visual inspection of the difference between the expected isotope display and the measured display for the target compound.
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Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
Figure 172.
Isotopic pattern spectra (stacked)
Expected spectrum
Measured spectrum
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For this example, the processing method used to process the data contains the following isotopic pattern settings for target screening:
• Fit threshold = 90%
• Allowed Mass Deviation = 5 ppm
• Allowed Intensity Deviation = 10%
• Use Internal Mass Calibration = Cleared
The data for the
Metribuzin
compound is as follows:
Measured
A0
m/z
= 215.09602
A0 Noise = 1482
A0 intensity = 4.75E4
Expected
A0
m/z
= 215.09611
–
A0 intensity = 8.55E5
Because the measured and the expected spectra have different intensities, the spectral noise threshold must proportionally apply to the expected spectrum to decide which peaks are expected in the measured data.
Noise threshold (expected) =
Noise of A0 (measured)
Intensity of A0 (expected)
Intensity of A0 (measured)
Following the previous formula, the expected noise threshold is 1482
8.55E5
4.75E4 =
2.6676E4.
The expected ions in the measured spectrum are those whose intensities are above the expected noise threshold. The following tables lists the ions in the expected spectrum. A “
” in the Above Threshold column indicates the expected ions.
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Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
Table 115.
Ions in expected spectrum
Isotope order
A0
A1
A2
A3
m/z
(expected)
215.09611
216.09945
217.09191
218.09521
Intensity
(expected)
8.55E5
7.50E4
3.86E4
3.39E3
Above threshold
Present in measured spectrum
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
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Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
The expected number of ions is 3, as shown by those ions with a “
” in the Above Threshold
column of the Ions in expected spectrum table. These are the ions you focus on for the
scoring calculations. This number “3” shows as the value of
y
in the Num Isotopes Matched column of the Compounds pane in the Data Review. It indicates the number of expected isotopic pattern peaks based on the Fourier transform (FT) noise in the spectrum.
In this case, you expect to see the three most intense expected peaks in the measured spectrum. The masses of those peaks are (in order of intensity from high to low): 215.09611,
216.09945, and 217.09191. When the measured spectrum is more intense or the noise level is lower, you find more peaks passing the noise threshold and expected in the measured spectrum, eventually including other isotopic peaks.
The following table shows the mass deviation (delta
m/z
) data for each of the expected ions.
Table 116.
Mass deviation data for the expected ions
Isotope order
A0
A1
A2
m/z
(expected)
215.09611
216.09945
217.09191
m/z
(measured)
215.09602
216.09879
217.09712
Delta
m/z
(ppm)
–0.42
–3.05
24 where:
Delta
m/z
(ppm) = 1 000 000
([
m/z (measured)
–
m/z (expected)
]
m/z (expected)
)
For example:
1 000 000
([216.09879 – 216.09945]
216.09945)] = –3.05 ppm
Tip
You can see the expected, measured, and delta
m/z
values on the Isotopes page of the
Spectrum pane. The MS page (see
“Isotopic pattern spectra (stacked)” on page 562 )
displays the profile measured
m/z
values, whereas the Isotopes page displays the centroid measured
m/z
values, which might be different.
If you want more precision, you can see extra decimal digits for the A0
m/z
values in an exported data file.
If the absolute value of the Delta
m/z
is less than 5 ppm (the Allowed Mass Deviation value set in the processing method), the TraceFinder application determines that this ion is found—that is, the ion is present in the measured spectrum. For this data set example, the application finds only the A0 and A1 ions, so “2” shows as the value of
x
in the Num Isotopes
Matched column of the Compounds pane in the Data Review. The application does not find the A2 expected ion because the absolute value of its Delta
m/z
of 24 ppm is much higher than 5 ppm.
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Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
Note
You can see from zooming in on the isotopic pattern spectra (see
“Isotopic pattern spectra (stacked)” on page 562
) that there are measured peaks in the measured spectrum closely corresponding to the first two expected ions, but there is not a measured peak closely corresponding to the 217.09191 expected ion.
The following table lists the intensity deviation (delta intensity) data for each of the expected ions, relative to the A0 ion’s expected intensity of 8.55E5 and measured intensity of 4.75E4.
Table 117.
Intensity deviation data for the expected ions
Isotope order
A0
A1
A2
m/z
(expected)
215.09611
216.09945
217.09191
Intensity
(expected)
8.55E5
7.50E4
3.86E4
Relative intensity
(expected, %)
100
8.77
4.51
Intensity
(measured)
4.75E4
8.75E3
3.47E4
Relative intensity
(measured, %)
100
18.42
73.05
Delta intensity
0
9.65
68.54
where:
• Relative intensity (expected and measured) values are derived from the isotopic pattern spectra (see
“Isotopic pattern spectra (stacked)” on page 562 ). Each value is a percentage
of the isotope’s intensity relative to the A0 ion’s intensity.
For example: 7.50E4
8.55E5 = 8.77%
• Delta intensity =
Relative intensity (measured)
–
Relative intensity (expected)
For example: 18.42 – 8.77 = 9.65
In this example, the absolute values of the Delta
m/z
for the A0 and A1 ions (see
“ Mass deviation data for the expected ions” on page 564 ) are both less than the Allowed Mass
Deviation of 5 ppm; therefore, the application considers that these two ions are present in the measured spectrum. The delta intensity of the A1 isotope ion is close to the Allowed Intensity
The TraceFinder application determines the isotopic pattern score value from a combination of the mass and intensity deviations between the expected and the measured spectra. In this case, the application reduces the isotopic pattern score value down to 90 from 100 to reflect the marginal quality of the intensities of the A1 and A2 isotopes and to penalize for not finding the A2 isotope.
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Isotopic Pattern Details
Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
To score the fit for an isotopic pattern, the TraceFinder application calculates each expected ion’s fit and then combines the individual fit scores, weighted by their expected intensities.
For each expected ion peak, the application measures the
m/z
and intensity differences between the expected and the measured patterns. It then normalizes those differences
(normalized deviation values) to the maximum allowed mass and intensity deviation values set in the processing method. The application then sums the normalized differences by vector addition (see
Vector sum of intensity (I) and mass (M) deviations ).
Figure 173.
Measured and expected patterns
Figure 174.
Vector sum of intensity (I) and mass (M) deviations
Vector sum
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This example starts first with the intensity deviations. The Allowed Intensity Deviation value set in the processing method is 10, so this is the normalization value. As shown in
“ Intensity deviation data for the expected ions” on page 565
, the delta intensity value for the A1 isotope is close to 10%, resulting in a normalized intensity deviation close to 1.0.
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Isotopic Pattern Details
Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
The following table lists the normalized intensity deviation data for each of the expected ions.
Table 118.
Normalized intensity deviation data for the expected ions
Isotope order
A0
A1
A2
m/z
(expected)
215.09611
216.09945
217.09191
Delta intensity
0
9.65
68.54
Allowed intensity deviation (%)
10
10
10
Normalized intensity deviation
0
10 = 0.0
9.65
10 = 0.965
68.54
10 = 6.854
Next are the mass deviations. For mass deviations, you can control two settings in the processing method:
• The first setting is the Allowed Mass Deviation that functions as an outer limit in the same way as the Allowed Intensity Deviation functions as a limit for the intensity.
• The second setting is the Use Internal Mass Calibration check box. If you do not select this check box in the method, then the application considers any mass value within
2 ppm of the expected
m/z
as a perfect match (no deviation). If you select this check box, then the application considers only a mass value within 1 ppm of the expected
m/z
as a perfect match.
In this example, the Allowed Mass Deviation value set in the processing method is 5 ppm and the Use Internal Mass Calibration check box is cleared. The mass normalization is a bit more complex than the intensity normalization because mass values < 2 ppm (Use Internal Mass
Calibration setting) from the expected
m/z
are considered to have no deviation from theory; however, for values between 2 and 5 ppm (Allowed Mass Deviation value) from the expected
m/z
, the normalized deviation varies from 0 to 1.
The calculated normalized mass deviation value is as follows:
• 0 if absolute value (
Delta m/z)
< 2 ppm where 2 ppm is the value from the Use Internal Mass Calibration setting.
• [absolute value (
Delta m/z
)
–
2 ppm] absolute value (
Delta m/z)
2 ppm
(5 ppm – 2 ppm) if where 2 ppm is the value from the Use Internal Mass Calibration setting and 5 ppm is the
Allowed Mass Deviation value.
In this case, the absolute value of the mass deviation for the A0 ion is less than 2 ppm; therefore, its normalized mass deviation value is 0.
TraceFinder User Guide
567
B
Isotopic Pattern Details
Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
The following table lists the normalized mass deviation data for each of the expected ions.
Table 119.
Normalized mass deviation for each of the expected ions
Isotope order
A0
A1
A2
m/z
(expected)
215.09611
216.09945
217.09191
m/z
(measured)
306.10356
307.10691
308.11324
Delta
m/z
(ppm)
–0.42
–3.05
24
2
2
Internal calibration (ppm)
2
5
5
Allowed mass deviation (ppm)
5
Normalized mass deviation
0
0.35
7.33
For example: [(24
–
2)]
(5 – 2) = 7.33
To calculate the combined deviations, the application uses the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the vector sum of the normalized deviations. The calculation for the vector sum is as follows:
Vector sum = Square root [(
Normalized intensity deviation
)
2
+ (
Normalized mass deviation
)
2
].
However, if the vector sum > 1, then set it to 1.
The following table lists the vector sum data for each of the expected ions.
Table 120.
Calculated vector sum
Isotope order
A0
A1
A2
m/z
(expected)
215.09611
216.09945
217.09191
Normalized intensity deviation
0
0.965
6.854
Normalized mass deviation
0
0.35
7.33
Vector sum
0
1
1
To calculate the final score, you must weigh the vector sum values and then express the result as a percentage value. Each ion’s weighting contribution to the final isotopic pattern score is proportional to its intensity.
568
TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
Thermo Scientific
B
Isotopic Pattern Details
Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
The following table lists the weighting factor of each of the three expected ions.
Table 121.
Weighting factor calculations
Isotope order
A0
A1
A2
m/z
(expected)
215.09611
216.09945
217.09191
Intensity (expected)
8.55E5
7.50E4
3.86E4
Sum = 9.686E5
Weighting factor for final score
0.8827
0.0774
0.0399
Sum = 1.000
The weighting factor of each individual ion =
Intensity of each ion
Sum of intensities of all expected ions
For example: 8.55E5
9.686E5 = 0.8827
When not all of the expected ions are present in the measured spectrum, the application applies a penalty value (1, 2, or 4) to the weighted deviation of each missing ion, lowering the final isotopic pattern score even further. The penalty value depends on how strong the ion signal is expected to be in the measured spectrum. For the A2 ion that is not found, the
). In this case, it is the same number, but for other cases, the penalty value might be different from the vector sum value.
The following table lists the calculated isotopic pattern score using the weighting factors.
Table 122.
Calculated isotopic pattern score
Isotope order
A0
A1
A2
m/z
(expected)
215.09611
216.09945
217.09191
Deviation (vector sum or penalty)
0 (vector sum)
1 (vector sum)
1 (penalty)
Weighting factor
0.8827
0.0774
0.0399
Weighted deviation
0
0.0774
0.0399
Sum = 0.12
where:
• Weighted deviation of each individual ion =
Deviation
Weighting factor
For example: 1
0.0774 = 0.0774
• Isotopic pattern score = 100%
(1.0 –
Sum of all weighted deviation values
)
For this example, the calculated isotopic pattern score of 100%
(1.0 – 0.12) is 88, which is close to the 90 score displayed in the application.
TraceFinder User Guide
569
B
Isotopic Pattern Details
Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
Note
Use these calculations to approximate the score displayed in the application.
The calculated score might not match exactly the score in the application because some internal calculation details are not listed here or there is a discrepancy due to decimal digit rounding.
In certain cases, closely matching isotopes exist because heavier isotopes contribute to the isotopic pattern observed in the mass spectra. For example, the isotopes 206.0941 and
206.1006 result from the contribution of one heavier isotope of carbon and one heavier isotope of nitrogen, respectively, together making up the split A1 isotopic peak. When the application performs isotopic pattern scoring, this situation appears as a main isotopic peak with a smaller peak to the side whose
m/z
is included in the calculations.
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TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
B
Isotopic Pattern Details
Isotopic Pattern Score Calculations
To find the noise value associated with a mass spectral peak
1. On the Isotopes page of the Spectrum pane, to view the expected spectrum stacked above the measured spectrum, right-click the spectrum plot area and choose
Display Stack
Spectra
from the shortcut menu.
2. Zoom in to the peak of interest.
As an example, see “Isotopic pattern spectra (stacked)” on page 562
for the compound
Metribuzin
.
3. To view the averaged noise value (N) for a peak in the measured spectrum, right-click the spectrum plot area and choose
Show Noise Label
from the shortcut menu.
Noise
In this example, the averaged noise value for the peak is 1579.
Thermo Scientific TraceFinder User Guide
571
C
This appendix describes the Copy Down and Fill Down commands that you can use to make entering column values easier.
• Use the Fill Down command for the Filename, Sample Name, Sample ID, and Vial
Position columns.
• Use the Copy Down command for the Sample Type, Vial Position, Injection Volume,
Conv Factor, Level, Comment, and other columns.
Follow these procedures:
•
To automatically copy column values
•
To automatically enter sequential column values
•
To use Copy Down or Fill Down for a range of samples
To automatically copy column values
1. Select the cell whose value you want to copy to all cells below it.
Observe the difference between a selected and nonselected cell.
Selected
Not selected
2. Right-click and choose
Copy Down
from the shortcut menu.
The value is copied to all rows below the selected row.
To automatically enter sequential column values
1. Enter a value for the first row of the fill down sequence.
This does not have to be the first sample row. You can begin the fill down procedure from any row in the sequence.
Thermo Scientific TraceFinder User Guide
573
C
Using Copy Down and Fill Down
2. Select the cell whose value is the first in the fill down sequence.
Observe the difference between a selected and nonselected cell.
Selected
Not selected
3. Right-click and choose
Fill Down
from the shortcut menu.
The application enters sequential column values starting with the value in the selected row and ending with the last row in the column.
You can repeatedly use the Fill Down command to create multiple sequences.
When you use the Fill Down command for the Vial Position column with an autosampler configured, the TraceFinder application knows the number of vial positions configured in your autosampler and numbers the positions accordingly.
574
TraceFinder User Guide Thermo Scientific
C
Using Copy Down and Fill Down
To use Copy Down or Fill Down for a range of samples
1. To select a range of sample values, do one of the following:
Drag your cursor to select a contiguous group of sample values.
–or–
Hold down the SHIFT key to select a contiguous group of sample values.
2. Right-click and choose the appropriate command from the shortcut menu.
The column values are copied or entered sequentially starting with the value in the first selected row and ending with the last selected row.
Thermo Scientific TraceFinder User Guide
575
I
Symbols
.cdb, defined
.csv, defined
.db, defined
.meth, defined
.pmd, defined
.raw, defined
.xml, defined
# Background Scans parameter
Detect page
Genesis peak detection
,
% Test parameter
%CV parameter
%Diff parameter
%RSD parameter
A
Acquire a New Raw Data File parameter
Acquisition command
Acquisition page editing
Injection Volume parameter
Batch View
method development
Instrument Method parameter
Ion Range Calc Method parameter
Mass Precision parameter
,
Method View
Active parameter
Data Review sample list
Identification page
Actual RT parameter
Add Compound command
Add Compound from Compound Database command
Add Group command
Add Sample command
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
Thermo Scientific
Add This Mass as New Confirming Ion command
Add This Mass to Existing Quan Mass Ranges command
Adduct parameter
Adduct parameter, Compound Database, target peak
Allowed Intensity Deviation parameter
Allowed Mass Deviation parameter
Amount parameter
Amplifier parameter
Analysis command
Application Configuration command
Area Noise Factor parameter
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
Area parameter
Area Scan Window parameter
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
Area Tail Extension parameter
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
Area Threshold, event type
Assay Type parameter
Method View quantitation method
screening method
Associate a Raw Data File dialog box
Auto TSRM Update parameter
Autocalc Initial Events parameter, Avalon
automated background subtraction options
Automatically Create the Master Method parameter
Avalon detection algorithm
Avalon Event List dialog box
B
background subtraction options
Background Subtraction Range Option parameter
Barcode Actual parameter
Barcode Expected parameter
TraceFinder User Guide
577
Index:
C
Baseline Window parameter
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
Batch Selection view
Batch view
batches
Acquisition mode
Analysis mode
calibration
Best Match Method parameter
Browse in Raw File command
Bunch Factor, event type
,
C
cal1-cal
n
parameter
Calculate Concentration As parameter
Calculated Amt parameter
Calculation Type parameter
Calibration Curve Type command
Calibration Levels page, Method View
Calibration Method parameter
Calibration page
Compounds page
QAQC page
Calibration parameter
Calibrator sample type, defined
Carryover Limit parameter
CAS No parameter, Identification page
CAS parameter, Compound Database
Category parameter, Compound Database
caution flags
Channel parameter
Batch View
Data Review
Charge State parameter, Compound Database
Chromatogram View Width parameter
Collision Energy parameter, Compound Database
color codes, Sample Definition view
commands
Acquisition
Add Compound
Add Compound from Compound Database
Add Group
Add Sample
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
Add This Mass as New Confirming Ion
Add This Mass to Existing Quan Mass Ranges
Analysis
Application Configuration
578
TraceFinder User Guide
Apply to All Peaks in Compound
Avalon
Genesis
ICIS
Apply to All Peaks in Method
Avalon
Genesis
ICIS
Apply to All Peaks with Like Sensitivity Settings
Avalon
Genesis
ICIS
Browse in Raw File
Calibration Curve Type
Confirming Ion List
Copy Down
Copy with Headers
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
Delete Compound from Method
Display Retention Time Column
Export Mass List
Export to CSV File
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
Fill Down
Import Compounds
Import Published Method
,
Import Samples
Insert Copy Sample
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
Insert Sample
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
Log Off
Manual Integration Settings
Map Raw Files to Samples
Method Integration Settings
Methods
Modify Columns, Batch View sample list
,
,
Pause Queue
Peak Detection Settings
Peak Labels
Reactivate All
Real Time Status
Reinject Selected Samples
Acquisition mode
Batch view sample list
Remove Pending Batch
Remove Pending Batches
Remove Pending Samples
Thermo Scientific
Remove Selected Samples
Acquisition mode
Batch view sample list
Send RT to Method
Set This Mass as a New Quan Peak
Set This Mass as Quan Mass
Show Peak Info
Stop Active Batch
Stop All Batches
Stop Batch
Turn Device Off
Turn Device On
Turn Device Standby
Update Confirming Ion Ratios with This Spectrum
comma-separated values, defined
Comment parameter
Batch View
Data Review
Compound parameter
Calibration page
Compound Database
QC levels page
Compound Type parameter
Calibration
Identification page
compound types internal standards
Detection page
Identification page
quan
Detection page
Identification page
target
Detection page
Identification page
Compounds page, Method View
compounds, importing to compound database
Confirming Ion List command
Constrain Peak Width parameter
Genesis
Detect page
peak detection
ICIS
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
,
contacting us
Conversion Factor parameter
Copy Down command
Copy with Headers command
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
Create Blank Quantitation Method parameter
Thermo Scientific
Index:
D
Create PDF parameter
Method view
Create XML parameter
Method View quantitation method
screening method
Curve Type parameter
Calibration page
Method Template Editor
Cutoff parameter
CV Test (%) parameter
Calibration page
Chk Std page
ISTD page
D
Data Review view
Decimal Places to be Reported parameter
Delete Compound from Method command
Detection Algorithm parameter
Avalon
Genesis
ICIS
,
Detection Method parameter
Avalon
Detect page
peak detection
Genesis
Detect page
peak detection
ICIS
Detect page
peak detection
Detection page, Method View
Detection Type parameter, Times page
Detector parameter, Signal page
Device Name parameter
Acquisition mode
Batch View
dialog boxes
Add Library
Associate a Raw Data File
Audit Log Selection
Avalon Event List
Filter Editor
Import an Xcalibur Method
Open Chromatograph Reference Sample
Select Compounds from Database
Select Compounds to Add
Thermo Library Manager
Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup
Thermo Xcalibur Roadmap
Dilution Factor parameter
TraceFinder User Guide
579
Index:
E
Disable Cluster Off, event type
Disable Cluster On, event type
,
Display Compounds Above Set Limit parameter
Display Retention Time Column command
E
Enable parameter, Ratios page
Enable Peak Threshold parameter
Enable Tune Time Tracking parameter
Enable Valley Detection parameter
Genesis peak detection
,
method development
End RT parameter, Times page
End Threshold, event type
Energy Ramp parameter, Compound Database
Estimation Method parameter
Event parameter
Event types
,
Exclude Matching Quan Peaks parameter
Excluded parameter
Exclusion Window parameter
Expected RT parameter
Expected RT parameter, Times page
Expected Width parameter
Genesis peak detection
,
method development
Experiment parameter, Compound Database
Export Mass List command
Export to CSV File command
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
Extracted Ion Chromatogram
Extracted Mass parameter, Compound Database confirming peak
fragments
F
feature summary
file types, supported
Filename parameter, Batch View
Fill Down command
Filter parameter
Detection
Signal page
Final Units parameter
Batch View
Data Review
Finish view
Fit Threshold parameter
580
TraceFinder User Guide
Flag Values Above Carryover parameter
Flag Values Above LOR parameter
Flag Values Above ULOL parameter
Flag Values Below LOD parameter
Flag Values Below LOQ parameter
Flag Values Between LOD and LOQ parameter
Flags parameter
Compound Results pane
Compounds pane
Sample Results pane
,
Samples pane
Force Cluster Off, event type
Force Cluster On, event type
Fragment Ions parameter
G
Genesis detection algorithm
Groups page, Method View
H
Height parameter
Hydrolysis page, Master Method View
Hydrolysis sample type, defined
I
ICIS detection algorithm
Identification page, Method View
Ignore if Not Defined parameter
Import an Xcalibur Method dialog box
Import Compounds command
Import Published Method command
Import Samples command
Include Compound Peak Spectrum as Reference Spectrum parameter
Include Confirming Ions parameter
Include Data Dependent Filters parameter
Injection Amount parameter
Injection Volume parameter
Batch View
method development
Insert Copy Sample command
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
Insert Sample command
Acquisition mode
Batch View sample list
installing NIST and QED libraries
Thermo Scientific
Instrument Method parameter
Acquisition page
,
Batch View
Method Forge
instrument status indicators
Instrument view
Integration Mode parameter
intensity ratios
Intensity Threshold parameter
Ion Coelution parameter common peak detection
Ratios page
Ion Range Calc Method parameter
Ionization parameter, Compound Database
isotope accurate mass
isotopic distribution
Isotopic Pattern parameter
isotopic pattern, score calculations
ISTD Amt parameter
ISTD Matching parameter
ISTD page, Method View
ISTD parameter
ISTD Resp parameter
L
Lab Name parameter
Lens parameter, Compound Database, target peak
Level parameter
Batch View
QC Levels page
Library Search parameter
licenses, types of
Limit Library Hits parameter
Limit the Retention Time Range parameter
Limits page, Method View
Linked Compound parameter
Local Method view
LOD (Detection Limit) parameter
Log Off command
Login parameter
LOQ (Quantitation Limit) parameter
M
m/z
(Apex) parameter
,
m/z
(Delta) parameter
m/z
(Expected) parameter
Manual Injection parameter
Manual Integration Settings command
Thermo Scientific
Map Raw Files to Samples command
Mass parameter, Compound Database
Mass Precision parameter
,
Mass Tolerance parameter
Master Method View
Hydrolysis page
Negative page
Max Amt Diff (%) parameter
Max Conc parameter
Max Recovery (%) parameter, ISTD page
Max RF Diff (%) parameter
Max RSD (%) parameter, Calibration page
Max RT (+min) parameter, ISTD page
Method Integration Settings command
Method parameter
Matrix Blank page
Solvent Blank page
Method Template Editor
Method View
Acquisition page
Calibration Levels page
Calibration page
Compounds page
QAQC page
Compounds page
Detection page
Groups page
Identification page
ISTD page
Limits page
Processing page
QAQC page
QC Levels page
Ratios page
Real Time Viewer page
Reports page
Solvent Blank page
Spectrum page
Suitability page
methods importing Xcalibur
instrument
local
Method Template Editor
update TSQ method
Methods command
Min Peak Height (S/N) parameter
Genesis
ICIS
Index:
L
TraceFinder User Guide
581
Index:
N
Min Peak Width parameter
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
Min recovery (%) parameter, ISTD page
Min RF parameter
Min RT (–min) parameter
Min. # of Fragments parameter
modes, choosing
Modify Columns command, Batch View sample list
,
MS Order parameter, Compound Database confirming peak
target peak
Multiplet Resolution parameter
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
Multiplexing Channels parameter
N
Name the Master Method parameter
Negative page, Master Method View
Negative Peaks, event type
Negative sample type, defined
Neutral Mass parameter, Compound Database
NIST library, installing
Noise Method parameter
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
noise value
Number of Confirming Ions parameter
Number of Scans to Subtract parameter
O
Only Select Top Peaks parameter
Open Chromatograph Reference Sample dialog box
,
Origin parameter
Calibration
Method Template Editor
P
parameters
# Background Scans
Detect page
Genesis peak detection
% Test
%CV
%Diff
%RSD
Acquire a New Raw Data File
582
TraceFinder User Guide
Active
Data Review sample list
Identification page
Actual RT
Adduct
Adduct, Compound Database, target peak
Allowed Intensity Deviation
Allowed Mass Deviation
Amount
Amplifier
Area
Area Noise Factor
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
,
Area Scan Window
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
,
Area Tail Extension
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
,
Assay Type
Method View quantitation method
screening method
Auto TSRM Update
Autocalc Initial Events, Avalon
Automatically Create the Master Method
Background Subtraction Range Option
Barcode Actual
Barcode Expected
Baseline Window
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
,
Best Match Method
cal1-cal
n
Calculate Concentration As
Calculated Amt
Calculation Type
Calibration
Calibration Method
Carryover Limit
CAS No, Identification page
CAS, Compound Database
Category, Compound Database
Channel
Batch View
Data Review
Charge State, Compound Database
Chromatogram View Width
Collision Energy, Compound Database
Comment
Batch View
Data Review
Thermo Scientific
Compound
Calibration page
Compound Database
–
QC levels page
Compound Type
Calibration
Identification page
Constrain Peak Width
Genesis
Detect page
peak detection
ICIS
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
Conversion Factor
Create Blank Quantitation Method
Create PDF
Method view
Create XML
Method View quantitation method
screening method
Curve Type
Calibration page
Method Template Editor
Cutoff
CV Test (%)
Calibration page
Chk Std page
ISTD page
Decimal Places to be Reported
Detection Algorithm
Avalon
Genesis
ICIS
,
Detection Method
Avalon
Detect page
peak detection
Genesis
Detect page
peak detection
ICIS
Detect page
peak detection
Detection Type, Times page
Detector
Device Name
Acquisition mode
Batch View
Dilution Factor
Display Compounds Above Set Limit
Enable Peak Threshold
Enable Tune Time Tracking
Thermo Scientific
Index:
P
Enable Valley Detection
Genesis peak detection
,
method development
Enable, Ratios page
End RT, Times page
Energy Ramp, Compound Database
Estimation Method
Event
Exclude Matching Quan Peaks
Excluded
Exclusion Window
Expected RT
Expected RT, Times page
Expected Width
Genesis peak detection
,
method development
Experiment, Compound Database
Extracted Mass, Compound Database confirming peak
fragments
Filename, Batch View
Filter
Filter, Detection
Final Units
Batch View
Data Review
Fit Threshold
Flag Values Above Carryover
Flag Values Above LOR
Flag Values Above ULOL
Flag Values Below LOD
Flag Values Below LOQ
Flag Values Between LOD and LOQ
Flags
Compound Results pane
Compounds pane
Sample Results pane
,
Samples pane
Fragment Ions
Height
Ignore if Not Defined
Include Compound Peak Spectrum as Reference
Spectrum
Include Confirming Ions
Include Data Dependent Filters
Injection Amount
Injection Volume
Batch View
method development
Instrument Method
Acquisition page
,
Batch View
Method Forge
Integration Mode
TraceFinder User Guide
583
Index:
P
Intensity Threshold
,
Ion Coelution common peak detection
Ratios page
Ion Range Calc Method
Ionization, Compound Database
Isotopic Pattern
ISTD
ISTD Amt
ISTD Matching
ISTD Resp
Lab Name
Lens, Compound Database, target peak
Level
Batch View
QC levels page
Library Search
Limit Library Hits
Limit the Retention Time Range
Linked Compound
LOD (Detection Limit)
Login
LOQ (Quantitation Limit)
m/z
(Apex)
m/z
(Delta)
m/z
(Expected)
Manual Injection
Mass Precision
Mass Tolerance
Mass, Compound Database
Max Amt Diff (%)
Max Conc
Max Recovery (%), ISTD page
Max RF Diff (%)
Max RSD (%), Calibration page
Max RT (+min), ISTD page
Method
Matrix Blank page
Solvent Blank page
Min Peak Height (S/N)
Genesis
ICIS
Min Peak Width
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
,
Min recovery (%), ISTD page
Min RF
Min RT (–min)
Min. # of Fragments
MS Order, Compound Database confirming peak
target peak
584
TraceFinder User Guide
Multiplet Resolution
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
,
Multiplexing Channels
Name the Master Method
Neutral Mass, Compound Database
Noise Method
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
,
Number of Confirming Ions
Number of Scans to Subtract
Only Select Top Peaks
Origin
Calibration
Method Template Editor
Password, login screen
Path
Peak Height (%)
Genesis
Detect page
peak detection
ICIS method development
peak detection
Peak Noise Factor
ICIS peak detection
,
method development
Peak S/N Cutoff
Detect page
Genesis peak detection
Percentage
Polarity, Compound Database
Post-run System State
Precursor Mass, Compound Database
Priority Sequence
Product Mass, Compound Database confirming peak
target peak
Product Mass, confirming peak
QC1-QC
n
Qualitative Peak Processing Template
R^2 Threshold
Ranges, compound detection
Raw Filename
Reference Compound, Identification page
Report Concentration
Report Name
Report Noise As
Detect page
Genesis peak detection
Response Ratio
Response Threshold, Compound Database
Thermo Scientific
Response Via
Calibration
Method Template Editor
RMS
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
,
RT
Calibration
Calibration levels
Calibration page
Chk Std page
Compound Database
Hydrolysis page
Identification page
ISTD page
Limits page
Matrix Blank page
QC levels page
Solvent Blank page
S/N Ratio Threshold
S/N Threshold
Genesis peak detection
method development
Sample Amt
Sample Comment
Sample ID, Batch View
Sample Name
Batch View
Data Review
Sample Type
Batch View
Data Review
Sample Volume
Sample Weight
Score Threshold
Sensitivity
Avalon
Genesis
ICIS
Method Template Editor
Separate Ion Overlay Display
Set Ion Ratio to All Confirming Peaks in Compound
Set Ion Ratio to All Confirming Peaks in Method
Set Peak Windows Settings to All Peaks in Compound
Set Peak Windows Settings to All Peaks in Method
Shade Row when Sample is Outside of Evaluation
Criteria
Show Chromatogram on Quantitation Report
Show Quan Peaks Only
Thermo Scientific
Index:
P
Smoothing
Avalon
Detect page
peak detection
Genesis
Detect page
peak detection
ICIS
Detect page
peak detection
Specify Default Ion Ratio Ranges
Standard type
Start Device
,
Start RT, Times page
Start When Ready
Status, Batch View
Reference Sample
sample list
Stepoff Value
System Shutdown Method
System Startup Method
System Status
Tailing Factor
Genesis method development
peak detection
ICIS method development
peak detection
Target Ratio
Theoretical Amt
Threshold Override
Threshold/Lower Limit
Time
Time Range Peak, Compound Database
Time/Event/Value, Avalon peak detection
Trace, Detection
Tune File Lifetime
ULOL (Linearity Limit)
Units
Upper Limit
Hydrolysis page
Solvent Blank page
Use Alternate Calibration Report Format
Use an Existing Raw Data File
Use as RT Reference, Identification page
Use Autosampler
Use Data Dependent Scans
Use Genesis Algorithm for Qual Processing
Use Internal Mass Calibration
Use Matrix Blank
Use Method Forge
,
,
Use Reverse Library Searching Only
Use RT Limits
Use Source CID Scans
TraceFinder User Guide
585
Index:
P
Use These Libraries
Valley Rise (%)
Detect page
Genesis peak detection
Valley S/N
Genesis peak detection
method development
Value
,
Vial Position
Batch View
Method Forge
View Width peak detection
Times page
Weighting
Calibration
Method Template Editor
Window
Compound Database, target peak
ion ratio
Ratios page
retention time
Times page
Window Override
Window Type peak detection
Ratios page
XIC
Password parameter, login screen
password, administrator
Path parameter
Pause Queue command
Peak Detection Settings command
Peak Height (%) parameter
Genesis
Detect page
peak detection
ICIS method development
peak detection
Peak Labels command
Peak Noise Factor parameter
ICIS peak detection
method development
Peak S/N Cutoff parameter
Detect page
Genesis peak detection
,
Percentage parameter
Polarity parameter, Compound Database
Post-run System State parameter
P-P Threshold, event type
Precursor Mass parameter, Compound Database
586
TraceFinder User Guide
Priority Sequence parameter
procedures
Access the Audit Viewer
acquisition mode access real-time display
add samples to the sample list
assign a specific channel to a sample
create a batch template
import samples into the sample list
insert samples into the sample list
pause all batches in a queue
re-inject a sample from
remove a batch from a queue
remove a pending batch from a queue
remove a pending sample from a queued batch
remove a single batch from a queue
remove all batches in a queue
remove all pending batches in a queue
remove pending samples from a queued batch
remove samples from the sample list
save a to-be-run batch
select a previously acquired batch
select a ready-to-acquire batch
select a reference sample
specify a calibration batch
specify device states
specify startup or shutdown methods
start a new batch
start an acquisition
update TSRM data
view output files
analysis mode access the Analysis mode
add samples to the samples list
change the displayed information for detected peaks qualitative peak
quantitative peak
Data Review
method development
change the library entry for a selected peak
change the peak panes display
copy a sample in the samples list
create a new batch
customize the column display, Batch View
display peaks for a specific compound, qualitative view
edit samples in a batch
exclude a calibration point
insert samples in the samples list
make a compound active or inactive
manually add a peak chromatogram pane
qualitative peak pane
quantitation peak
Thermo Scientific
manually exclude a calibration point
manually integrate a confirming ion peak
manually integrate a quantitative peak
modify the peak detection settings
open a recent batch
open a saved batch
open the Batch View
open the Data Review view
open the Local Method View
reinject a sample
reinject a sample from a previously acquired batch
remove a manually created peak
remove a peak from the peak list
remove a peak from the qualitative peak pane
remove samples from the samples list
scroll the samples list
submit all samples in the batch
switch between method and manual integration qual mode
quan mode
zoom in on a peak chromatogram navigation
qual peak
quantitation peak
spectra pane
audit viewer access the Audit Viewer
create an audit log events filter
create an audit log history filter
select an audit log
view audit event details
view only application, method, batch, or batch template events
Configuration console add a quantitation peak to a compound
import compounds
open the Defaults view
remove a compound
specify common detection parameters
specify default laboratory and instrument names
specify default mass precision and intensity scale
getting started choose a node
display a log of instrument errors
install the NIST library
install the QED library
log in to the TraceFinder application
monitor the instrument status
start the TraceFinder application
method development mode
access the Method Development mode
add a compound to the database
add a mass as a new compound
Thermo Scientific
Index:
P add a mass as a new confirming ion peak
add a mass to the existing quan mass ranges
add a quan peak
add a quan peak to an existing compound
add compounds to the method
add confirming ions to an existing compound
add ions to get an accumulated signal
automatically select compounds to create a new method
calibrate the compounds
change the compound reference spectrum
change the quantitation mass used for a quan peak
create a blank method
create a group
create a new instrument method
create a new multiplexing instrument method
create a target screening method
export mass list data to an XML file
filter the displayed compounds
,
identify the peaks
import a master method
,
import an instrument method
import an Xcalibur method
manually select compounds to create a new method
open an instrument method
open the Instrument View
replace a confirming ion peak
replace a quantitation mass
replace a quantitative peak with a confirming ion peak
save the method template
save the new method
select compounds from the compound database
set a confirming ion peak as an additional quantitative peak
set automated background subtraction options
specify a chromatogram reference sample
specify an internal standard for a compound
–
specify general information for a master method
specify ion ratio criteria
specify mass tolerance
specify peak criteria
specify QC levels and concentrations
specify qualitative peak processing
specify quantitation flag options
specify quantitation limits
specify ranges of ions for detection and integration
specify report types and output formats
,
specify the maximum concentration as a percentage
TraceFinder User Guide
587
Index:
Q specify user interface options
track the use of the tune file
update confirming ion ratios
zoom in the chromatogram or spectrum displays
Select an audit log
Processing page
Background Subtraction Range Option
editing
Include Data Dependent Filters parameter
Mass Tolerance parameter
Method View
Number of Scans to Subtract parameter
Qualitative Peak Processing Template parameter
Stepoff Value parameter
Product Mass parameter, Compound Database confirming peak
target peak
Product Mass parameter, confirming peak
Q
QAQC page, Method View
QC Levels page, Method View
QC1-QC
n
parameter
QED library, installing
Qualitative Peak Processing Template parameter
quality check (QC) sample type, defined
quan report settings, specifying
R
R^2 Threshold parameter
Ranges parameter, compound detection
Ratios page, Method View
Raw Filename parameter
Reactivate All command
Real Time Status command
Real Time Viewer page, Method View
Reference Compound parameter, Identification page
reference spectra
Reinject Selected Samples command
Acquisition mode
Batch view sample list
Remove Pending Batch command
Remove Pending Batches command
Remove Pending Samples command
Remove Selected Samples command
Acquisition mode
Batch view sample list
Report Concentration parameter
report formats, specifying
Report Name parameter
,
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TraceFinder User Guide
Report Noise As parameter
Detect page
Genesis peak detection
Report selection view
reports
Acquisition mode
listed
Reports page, Method View
Response Ratio parameter
Response Threshold parameter, Compound Database
Response Via parameter
Calibration
Method Template Editor
RMS parameter
Detect page
ICIS peak detection
RT parameter
Calibration
Calibration levels
Calibration page
Chk Std page
Compound Database, target peak
Hydrolysis page
Identification page
ISTD page
Limits page
Matrix Blank page
QC levels page
Solvent Blank page
S
S/N Ratio Threshold parameter
S/N Threshold parameter
Genesis peak detection
method development
Sample Amt parameter
Sample Comment parameter
Sample definition view
Sample ID parameter, Batch View
,
Sample Name parameter
Batch View
Data Review
Sample Type parameter
Batch View
Data Review
sample types, defined
Sample Volume parameter
Sample Weight parameter
Score Threshold parameter
score, isotopic pattern
Select Compounds from Database dialog box
Thermo Scientific
Select Compounds to Add dialog box
Selected Reaction Monitoring
Send RT to Method command
Sensitivity parameter
Avalon
Genesis
ICIS
Method Template Editor
Separate Ion Overlay Display parameter
Set Ion Ratio to All Confirming Peaks in Compound parameter
Set Ion Ratio to All Confirming Peaks in Method parameter
Set Peak Windows Settings to All Peaks in Compound parameter
Set Peak Windows Settings to All Peaks in Method parameter
Set This Mass as a New Quan Peak command
Set This Mass as Quan Mass command
Shade Row when Sample is Outside of Evaluation Criteria parameter
Shoulders On, event type
Show Chromatogram on Quantitation Report parameter
Show Peak Info command
Show Quan Peaks Only parameter
Single Ion Monitoring
Smoothing parameter
Avalon
Detect page
peak detection
Genesis
Detect page
peak detection
ICIS
Detect page
peak detection
Solvent Blank page, Method View
Solvent sample type, defined
Specify Default Ion Ratio Ranges parameter
Specimen sample type, defined
spectral noise threshold
Spectrum page, Method View
SRM experiment type
Standard type parameter
Start Device parameter
Start RT parameter, Times page
Start Threshold, event type
–
,
–
Start When Ready parameter
status color codes, Sample Definition view
Thermo Scientific
Index:
T
Status parameter, Batch View
Reference Sample
sample list
Stepoff Value parameter
Stop Active Batch command
Stop All Batches command
Stop Batch command
Suitability page, Method View
supported file types, defined
System Shutdown Method parameter
System Startup Method parameter
System Status parameter
T
Tailing Factor parameter
Genesis method development
peak detection
ICIS method development
peak detection
Tangent Skim, event type
Target Ratio parameter
templates batch
method
Tension, event type
,
Theoretical Amt parameter
Thermo Xcalibur Instrument Setup dialog box
Threshold Override parameter
Threshold/Lower Limit parameter
Time parameter
Time Range Peak parameter, Compound Database
Time/Event/Value parameter, Avalon peak detection
Trace parameter, Detection
Tune File Lifetime parameter
Turn Device Off command
Turn Device On command
Turn Device Standby command
U
ULOL (Linearity Limit) parameter
Unextracted sample type, defined
Units parameter
Update Confirming Ion Ratios with This Spectrum command
Upper Limit parameter
Hydrolysis page
Solvent Blank page
Use Alternate Calibration Report Format parameter
TraceFinder User Guide
589
Index:
V
Use an Existing Raw Data File parameter
Use as RT Reference parameter, Identification page
Use Autosampler parameter
Use Data Dependent Scans parameter
Use Genesis Algorithm for Qual Processing parameter
Use Internal Mass Calibration parameter
Use Matrix Blank parameter
Use Method Forge parameter
Use Reverse Library Searching Only parameter
Use RT Limits parameter
Use Source CID Scans parameter
Use These Libraries parameter
user security, activating
V
Valley Rise (%) parameter
Detect page
Genesis peak detection
,
Valley S/N parameter
Genesis peak detection
,
method development
Value parameter
vector addition
Vial Position parameter
Batch View
Method Forge
View Width parameter peak detection
Times page
views
Batch
Batch Selection
Data Review
Finish
Instrument
Local Method
Report selection
Sample definition
W
weighting factor
Weighting parameter
Calibration
Method Template Editor
Window Override parameter
Window parameter
Compound Database, target peak
ion ratio
Ratios page
retention time
Times page
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TraceFinder User Guide
Window Type parameter peak detection
Ratios page