| abstract |
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for analyzing proteins and other biological materials and xenobiotics within a sample. A specimen is generated (20), which may include an energy absorbent matrix. The specimen is struck with laser beams (22) such that the specimen releases proteins. The atomic mass of the released proteins over a range of atomic masses is measured (24). An atomic mass window of interest within the range of atomic masses is analyzed (32) to determine the spatial arrangement of specific proteins within the sample, and those specific proteins are identified (34) as a function of the spatial arrangement. By analyzing the proteins, one may monitor and classify disease within a sample (39). |