MS Services

The old 'R & A - Form' is now replaced by a virtual form. You reach this form after loggin in on http://bigdaddy.scripps.edu. It is the first entry from the Main Menu.
You should use certain sample vials (see 0.3).
There is a sample logfile which tells you if your sample is finished. You will never have to walk far to find out, that your sample is not done yet, life is wonderful.
You don't have to pick up your analysis. When your sample is done you are notified by email and just download a pdf-file with all the information from the sample logfile.

0.3 Where do I get information about the sample vials?

We are asking you to use 12 mm x 32 mm vials (no crimp tops please) or 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes (e.g. Eppendorf).
For more detailled information (if you want to order sample vials) ask in our lab in Stein Building, mass spectrometry lab, room SR-15 or visit the "How To" Page

0.4 Why did you change the system?

You now get your results as soon as they are completed at your computer.
It saves resources - especially paper.
A lot of the tasks can be done automatically - that is nice for the technical staff.
You don't get crumpled paperwork, but a pretty file with the results.

1 Questions about submitting a sample

1.1 How do I get username and password to login?

Ask your PI or administrative assistant for username and password.
Default username: Your PI's last name.
It is important to log in for the correct lab, as this lab will be charged for the analysis.

1.1a How do I get a username and password if I work at an outside company or institution?

1.2 How do I label my sample?

On the last page of the "Request & Analysis Form" (after we get all information about your sample) we will provide you a unique sample ID.
You have to write this 8 digit sample ID legibly on the sample vial, otherwise we will not be able to process the sample.
Personal sample IDs are no longer supported. Visit the "How To" Page

1.3 How do I prepare the sample?

It depends on the method you have chosen.
More information on the mass spectrometry homepage .

1.4 Where do I put my sample?

Bring your sample to SR15 in the Stein Research building.
At the door is a box for each instrument. E.g., if you submit an exact mass sample to MALDI-TOF, put your sample vial in the 'MALDI-TOF' box.

If you are mailing your samples please send to:

The Scripps Research Institute
Center for Mass Spectrometry, BCC-007
10550 North Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA 92037

2 Questions about getting the results

2.1 When will I get the results?

Typical turn around times are 24 hours for low resolution (unit mass on ESI, MALDI-TOF and GC/MS) and 1-3 days for high resolution.

You will be informed by email, when your sample is done.

In addition to that, you can check at any time in the sample-logfile about the status of your sample. The 'loginfo'-column will tell you if we are trying a different approach - this might take a little longer.As soon as the sample is finished, you will see the link to your analysis in the 'URL'-column.

2.2 How can I view the pdf-file?

You need to have the Acrobat Reader from Adobe installed on your system. Acrobat Reader is freeware, available for PC, Mac, Linux and many more platforms.

Usually it is enough to click on the link in the sample logfile. If this does not work, save the file to your harddrive and open it with Acrobat Reader.

2.3 How can I save the pdf-file to my harddisk?

PC: Right click the link and choose: Save Link as... (Netscape) or Save Target as...(Internet Explorer) to save the file to your hard drive.

Mac: Ctrl-click the link and choose: Save Link as... to save the file to your hard drive.

If this does not work, or if you are using different browsers or platforms, check the browsers help files.

2.4 How long can I access my results?

We have to figure out how many data files we accumulate. It is planned that you can directly access your data for at least a month; the data will be backed up and stored for at least another three months.

2.5 How do I access my results without a direct link?

You may access your data by logging into http://bigdaddy.scripps.edu and following the Sample tracking and finished samples link under the desired MS Routine Service or MS Proteomics pages. For a tutorial on retrieving current or previous samples please view the page at http://bigdaddy.scripps.edu/datatutorial.asp

3 Other questions

3.1 Who shall I contact if I encounter problems with the paperless system?

Call 4-9415, email martins@scripps.edu or use the online mail form

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