How to Submit Samples and Cost

Mass Spectrometry Facility provides analytical services for organic compounds, biochemical compounds and organo-metallic compounds.

In order to submit samples you must be registered as a user. The registration and an introduction to mass spectrometry facility session are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am through Teams. There is no need for a preliminary arrangement. New users will be added into the database.  

Routine mass spectrometry analyses:-

• Accurate mass measurements with ESI in positive and negative mode. Mass range m/z 50-3,000 Da.
• Low resolution mass measurements with EI or CI (ammonia or methane).  CI is in positive and negative mode. Mass range m/z 10 - 1,000 Da.
• MALDI analysis
• CapLC-MS analysis on bio-conjugated protein/peptide. Mass range m/z 1,000-6,000 Da. This LC-MS analysis normally becomes routine after discussion/establishing with the mass spectrometry staff of the sample preparation protocol and the required amount of protein for LC-MS analysis.

Sample submission information

The Mass Spectrometry Facility provides analytical services for organic compounds, biochemical compounds and organo-metallic compounds. To submit a sample, please fill out the Sample Submission form and send it with the sample to: 

UCL Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility, UCL Chemistry Department, Christopher Ingold Building, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ

You could bring your samples by person to LG11, Basement, UCL Chemistry Department and place into the tray located outside of the mass spectrometry laboratory.

Sample Submission Form

Sample Submission Form in word

Sample Submission Form in word

Handbook for user of UCL Chemistry mass spectrometry facility

To obtain good quality mass spectrum, the sample must be ionised. The ionisation techniques available in the facility are EI, CI, MALDI, ESI, and APCI at present. Each technique has its own advantages and limitations. Please consult the staff in the facility if you cannot decide which of the techniques would be suitable for your sample.

However, accurate mass electrospray (ESI) is preferred laboratory method and is attempted for all compounds submitted for accurate mass. Other techniques will be only used if ESI fails. If both a full-scan characterisation and accurate mass are required, both are done simultaneously on the Orbitrap Exactive Plus.

Samples should be submitted in a sample screw-cap vial (available in the mass spectrometry facility LG11) with a sample name. About 0.1 mg to 1 mg of solid or liquid samples is required. For mass spectrometry analysis solvent free and pure samples are preferred because solvents or impurities may suppress the ionisation of the sample molecules. For mass spectrometry analysis, please specify the solvent at which sample is soluble “if sample is not in-solution, there will be no mass spectrometry result”.

For users from UCL Chemistry department (internal users), the grant code should be written on the submission form and the submission should be approved by a financial responsible person. For users from other UCL departments or other universities, the purchase order number must be submitted along with the samples and their submission forms.

As of April 2020

Other services such as data interpretation, MS/MS etc. will be charged by the hour in negotiation with the mass spectrometry staff. Please note: Non-university of UK charges apply to all external users, whether affiliated to the school/university or not. They also apply to any contract research or consultative work performed by members of the university. If in doubt, it may be discussed with the staff of the mass spectrometry facility. Special rates will also apply for investigators involved in the grant application for new mass spectrometry equipment. The costs of analysis may be discussed with the staff of the mass spectrometry facility.

For more information please do not to hesitate to call us on 020 7679 4605.