Computer utilization in the Food and Drug Administration's bureau of foods mass spectrometry laboratory

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Laboratory Automation
• Data Management

Background:

• The Food and Drug Administration's Bureau of Foods mass spectrometry facility requires robust data acquisition and processing capabilities.
• Existing data systems faced limitations in terms of backup and processing power, leading to potential downtime.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a computer network to support the mass spectrometry facility.
• To enhance data acquisition, processing, and system reliability.
• To integrate and upgrade existing data systems.

Main Methods:

• Interfacing five mass spectrometers to multiple dedicated minicomputers for redundant data acquisition and processing.
• Utilizing digital cartridge tape recorders for data transfer to central FDA computers.
• Supplementing an older data system (Finnigan MAT SS-100) with a newer system (Finnigan MAT INCOS) and upgrading I/O devices.

Main Results:

• Reduced overall system downtime through multiple interfacing and backup capabilities.
• Enabled efficient data transfer, storage, editing, and plotting for reports and publications.
• Improved data system capabilities by integrating newer technology and faster I/O devices.

Conclusions:

• The implemented computer network significantly improved the operational efficiency and reliability of the mass spectrometry facility.
• The integration of advanced data systems and improved data transfer methods enhanced data analysis and management capabilities.