Mass Spectrometry Core Facility

About Us

The Mass Spectrometry Core is located on Level 1 of the East Block of the Queen’s Medical Research Institute (QMRI) at the University of Edinburgh’s BioQuarter Campus.

The facility was set up with Wellcome Trust funding and has grown to support bioanalytical development for clinical and preclinical research, working with the local and international clinical and biomedical research community. We are overseen by the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility (Edinburgh CRF) and the the lab is run under Good Clinical Practice for laboratories guidelines.

Generally we use tandem mass spectrometry to carry out Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) based targeted quantitative analysis of clinical and biological samples using authentic standards and isotopically labelled internal standards. We are accredited for 25hydroxy-Vitamin D analysis through DEQAS for VITDAL and we are also enrolled in NEQAS for 7 steroids (Cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, aldosterone) for analysis in human clinical samples. We extend beyond that and have working methods for steroid profiling in plasma; saliva; tissues such as liver, adipose, and brain; and in cell models.

We are an active part of both The Edinburgh Association of Mass Spectrometrists (TEAMS) and the Scottish Metabolomics Network and can provide expert advice and signpost to other mass spectrometry facilities and researchers in other departments and higher education institutions too.

• Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility
• Scottish Metabolomics Network
• TEAMS
• Short introduction to mass spectrometry in our laboratory: Masses For The Masses Video - Edinburgh Mass Spectrometry Core Laboratory - University of Edinburgh

People

Core Director: Prof Ruth Andrew

Core Manager: Dr Natalie Homer

Deputy Core Manager: Scott Denham

Imaging Specialist: Dr Shazia Khan

Molecular Diagnostic Specialist: Dr Fede Diez

Mass Spectrometry Specialist: Dr Jo Simpson

Mass Spectrometry Analyst: Dr Sofia Laforest

Equipment

We have a wide range of mass spectrometers and sample preparation equipment for chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis and Mass Spectrometry Imaging, combined with years of expertise on how to handle a range of biological samples (e.g. plasma, serum, urine, tissue such as liver, cell media) and how to develop methods and interpret mass spectrometry data.

Tandem mass spectrometry is excellent for targeted quantitative analysis of compounds, particularly of small molecules, including endogenous compounds, metabolites, and drugs from complex matrices such as plasma, urine, saliva, hair, and tissue (e.g. adipose, kidney, brain).

The Sciex QTrap 7500+ is our most sensitive tandem linear ion trap mass spectrometer available, attached to an I-Class UPLC system, operated using Analyst software. We have a Stellar MRM3 capable mass spectrometer attached to a Vanquish Duo along with an Exploris 240 Orbitrap for discovery and omics workflows. We also have a Sciex QTrap 6500+ with an Acquity I-Class attached, operated using Analyst software. We have a Waters M-Class for microflow applications and an Advion Nanomate LESA. We have a ThermoFisher TSQ 9000 and Trace 1300 GC-MS/MS including Headspace and liquid autosampler, operated using Chromeleon software.

Three approaches to projects are outlined below:

1. Sample Analysis Service

If you think mass spectrometry will answer your questions then you can collaborate with us. We will use our expertise to develop novel bioanalytical methods. Our team can assess molecules of interest, develop sample preparation methods, validate bioanalytical methods, prepare samples, analyse on appropriate instruments, interpret and report data. Examples of this include steroid profiling, drug analysis, pharmacokinetic assessments, and adherence to drug regimens. We have a number of methods already validated and can adapt, improve, or innovate for small molecule analysis in many sample types.

2. Supported Analytical Research

Researchers have the opportunity to learn what mass spectrometry can do for their research. Using a ‘hands on’ approach we will teach you (undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers) the principles and practice of sample preparation, instrument analysis, and software data handling of your samples.

3. Open Access

Researchers who are confident and experienced, and can demonstrate that, will have the opportunity to use the mass spectrometers and can use equipment in the laboratory to prepare and analyse their own samples, interpret data, and report results in the laboratory. This is for researchers who require access to specialised instrumentation but require minimal support from the team.

Contact us

Dr Natalie Homer

Tel: 0131 242 9331 / 242 9229

Email: n.z.m.homer@ed.ac.uk