The Proteomics Research Group of the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities has initiated a study of quality control and reproducibility in proteomics labs.
The study, which is slated to begin in March, will involve a nine-month longitudinal assessment of intra-laboratory instrument performance using regular runs of a digested sample protein mix.
The study is designed to provide participants with a performance benchmark of their own labs and allow them to see the range of performances from facilities worldwide. The aim is not on maximizing protein identifications or determining best practices for quality control but on obtaining metrics to assess the performance and consistency of individual instruments over an extended period of time within labs.
Participants will be free to use their standard LC and MS methods and settings, but these methods and settings must be kept constant during the test period. Labs will receive lyophilized aliquots of digested protein mixture and will be asked to run one sample per month during the course of the study. The PRG will provide data processing and analysis.
Results will be provided via an interim report in mid-2012 and a final analysis presented at ABRF 2013.
Interested labs can request samples here. Requests must be made by Jan. 20.