Self-service Policies

The Mass Spectrometry Core (MSC) is a pay per use service that provides access to the state-of-the-art instrumentation. Users must have a valid RRC iLab Account before any work can be carried out. To use the walk-up service, the use must take the training course provided by the core. For any walk-up service user, we are able to provide assistance service if necessary. A majority of the MSC instruments are available for walk-up usage. Every new project that the user plans to do must be checked out by Mass Spectrometry lab staff. MSC reserves the right to refuse to take on work that we believe to be too time-consuming, that will have a negative impact on other users or involves the use of chemicals or techniques that are too hazardous.

To use any of the MSC instruments you need consent from the MSC Staff. Before authorization to operate any of the instruments, all users need to be trained by MSC staff. We offer training by appointment. Once you are trained, you will need to create an account on the Mass Spec Instrument Scheduler website

You must have a reservation to use the instrument and you must document your time accurately.

In order to offer instrument time to as many users as possible, the MSC requests that users, not over-book instruments. This means that you should not reserve more than two days per week on a particular instrument unless there are no other users who wish to use it. Because plans change, the MSC allows users to cancel reservations that are no longer needed, given a 24-hour notice. You must cancel your reservation at least 24 hours in advance to allow other users to reserve the time. If you need to cancel your reservation the day of your instrument time, you must contact the MSC Staff to cancel your reservation. Please e-mail the MSC staff as soon as you know that you will not be able to use your instrument time. Instrument billing is tabulated using the online scheduler. If the scheduler does not accurately reflect how the instrument was used, please send an email to the MSC staff.

If you encounter an instrument problem, you are encouraged to pursue basic troubleshooting of the problem to the extent you are familiar with the system. This includes re-checking HPLC fittings, analysis of test compounds, restarting the software, etc. If these steps fail, contact MSC staff for assistance. You should be prepared to explain the circumstances of the problem, and what steps you took to correct it. During off-hours, send an email to the MSC Staff with a description of the problem and a screenshot [ctrl + print screen]. If the MSC staff determines that there is a genuine instrument problem beyond your control, you will not be charged for the instrument time.

User is responsible for any physical damage to instrument due to user’s non-standard operation.

Users are responsible for bringing their own solvents, columns, and accessories. MSC requires a pre-column filter to be used for all sample analysis; this will reduce the contamination in the instrument. Please remove your supplies and samples promptly when you are finished or else, they may be discarded at random. The MSC is not responsible for backing up your data or method files. You should always back up your data and method files to on-line clouds on a regular basis. Before running a sequence, verify your method details to make sure nothing has been changed, and always review the data periodically in real-time to ensure the system is performing correctly. Users are encouraged to run a known test sample to verify system performance before beginning their work for the day. Users are responsible for bringing their own solvents, columns, and accessories. MSC requires a pre-column filter to be used for all sample analysis; this will reduce the contamination in the instrument. Please remove your supplies and samples promptly when you are finished or else, they may be discarded at random. The MSC is not responsible for backing up your data or method files. You should always back up your data and method files to on-line clouds on a regular basis. Before running a sequence, verify your method details to make sure nothing has been changed, and always review the data periodically in real-time to ensure the system is performing correctly. Users are encouraged to run a known test sample to verify system performance before beginning their work for the day.

Instrument computers are important business machines that should not be used for personal activities such as chat or casual web-browsing.  Internet connectivity is provided to most instruments in order to facilitate data transfer and research activities. The MSC asks users to use discretion when accessing the internet. The lab’s computers have been carefully configured to run the instruments and connect to the lab’s computer network. In order to protect system integrity, do not install unauthorized software or make changes to the operating systems of the instrument computers without permission. Any software or hardware upgrades need to be performed by the MSC staff only. If a user requires the presence of a vendor application engineer/specialist, notice must be provided to the MSC staff.