Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Lcms (Monash Malaysia)

What are the sample requirements for MUM LCMS services?

1. For proteomics analysis, protein samples must be digested (except for intact protein analysis). For small molecule analysis, you must extract your samples as we do not accept raw samples.
2. Your compound of interest can be detected using ESI ionisation.
3. Dissolve your samples in LCMS friendly solvent (water, acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, propanol), no added salt (phosphate, borate, citrate, etc.), surfactant, detergents, TFA, TEA, THF and any other compounds that interfere with ionisation.
4. Solutions containing non-ionic detergents or high alkali salt will not be accepted (Tween, Triton, NP-40, EDTA, glycerol).
5. The minimum sample volume is 20 ul. The minimum sample concentration is 1 mg/ml.
6. Submit your samples in a microcentrifuge tube. Protein Lo-bind tube is highly recommended for protein samples. HPLC vial is also acceptable.
7. Please do not cover your sample tubes/container with parafilm. Parafilm's plasticiser is the leading cause of LCMS contamination.
8. Please send your sample in the most stable form (liquid/powder/freeze-dried).

How can we send in our samples?

1. By-hand- please make an appointment first by email to aliaa.rasyidina@monash.edu; nabil.azimi@monash.edu or by-phone at +603-55146048
2. Courier- please inform us of the air waybill tracking number once your sample has been couriered. Item must be couriered out latest by Tuesday every week to make sure we receive your item during our working days.

For both of the methods above, please initiate your enquiry on the machine's status and LCMS service availability with us to avoid any delay on the sample run.

Is there any suggested method for protein digestion?

Yes. There are two types of proteomics sample digestion; in-solution and in-gel digestion.

What are the types of LCMS analysis offered?

We offer qualitative (MS, tMSMS (targeted MSMS), aMSMS (auto MSMS)), and quantitative (MRM) sample analysis.

What are the differences between the types of LCMS runs offered?

MS- A general LCMS scan. It will detect all compounds in your samples. Suitable for compound discovery. The downside is the m/z, and the matched compound name is not confirmed since one m/z can be shared with multiple compounds.

tMSMS (targeted MSMS)- For targeted compound confirmation based on the MS data, analyzed and mined via collision energy (CE) application on the parent compound ion. Collision energy fragmented parent ions into daughter/product ions. Common CE is 20V.

aMSMS (auto MSMS)- Compound conformation based on range of m/z (not on specific parent compound). The advantage is that it is cost-efficient as we only use one injection to get the daughter/product ions fragments. The downside is that it depends on the system's settings and the abundance of the parent ions. Low abundance ions might not be detected or lost.

Do we need to fill out any form for sample submission?

Yes, please download these forms and submit them here.

What is the price for the LCMS run per sample?

For qualitative analysis, we charge based on the number of injections. For quantitative analysis, we charge based on hour of run time. For price and quotation enquiry, do contact us by email at aliaa.rasyidina@monash.edu or nabil.azimi@monash.edu

What is the accepted payment mode for this LCMS service?

• Purchase Order (PO)
• Cash transfer (online transfer only)
• By cheque

Who can we contact regarding this LCMS service?

For further enquiries, you can contact our Academic-Staff-Incharge (Dr. Syafiq Asnawi; syafiq.asnawi@monash.edu) or with our Senior Technical Officers (Ms Aliaa Rasyidina; aliaa.rasyidina@monash.edu / Mr. Nabil Uzair;nabil.azimi@monash.edu)