Shimadzu Multi-Analyte Quantitation Software - LabSolutions Insight

Importance of the Topic

Mass spectrometry laboratories generate thousands of chromatograms daily, creating a need for efficient data review, reliable quantitation, and robust QA/QC to maintain productivity and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Overview

This document presents LabSolutions Insight, Shimadzu’s multi-analyte quantitation software designed to streamline chromatogram review by automating peak detection, QA/QC flagging, and data comparison, while supporting both LC/MS and GC/MS workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation

LabSolutions Insight interfaces with Shimadzu’s UHPLC-MS and GC-MS systems and integrates with the LabSolutions DB/CS database for traceability and audit trails.
Compatible instruments include:

• GCMS-TQ and GCMS-QP series
• LCMS-8030, LCMS-8040, LCMS-8045, LCMS-8050, LCMS-8060

The software features configurable user interfaces, drag-and-drop peak integration, customizable review screens, batch and real-time processing, HL7 connectivity, and centralized results management.

Main Results and Discussion

Automated QA/QC flagging applies over 75 user-defined criteria (retention time, reference ion ratios, concentration limits) with color-coded alerts to highlight deviations and focus analyst attention.
Peak overlay functionality enables quick visual comparison against reference ions or standards. Group quantitation permits summing isomer concentrations and flexible calibration curve generation. Optional MS/MS library screening offers rapid compound identification with similarity scoring.

Practical Benefits and Applications

Key advantages include:

• Accelerated data review and reduced bottlenecks through customizable screens and real-time processing
• Enhanced data integrity and regulatory compliance via integration with LabSolutions DB/CS
• Flexible deployment in single- or multi-user networked environments without installing Insight on every client
• Prebuilt method packages and databases for applications in food safety, environmental monitoring, forensics, veterinary drug testing, and metabolic profiling

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in AI-driven peak detection, expanded MS/MS and metabolite libraries, and cloud-based data sharing will further improve throughput and collaboration. Enhanced LIMS integration and automated workflows are anticipated to support growing demands in regulated laboratories.

Conclusion

LabSolutions Insight effectively addresses the data review bottleneck in high-throughput mass spectrometry by automating QA/QC and peak comparison tasks. Its intuitive interface and seamless integration with Shimadzu instrumentation and database platforms enhance productivity, data integrity, and compliance.

Reference

Shimadzu Corporation. LabSolutions Insight Multi-Analyte Quantitation Software Application Note (First Edition: September 2017).