Q2C: A software for managing mass spectrometry facilities

Abstract

We present Q2C, an open-source software designed to streamline mass spectrometer queue management and assess performance based on quality control metrics. Q2C provides a fast and user-friendly interface to visualize projects queues, manage analysis schedules and keep track of samples that were already processed. Our software includes analytical tools to ensure equipment calibration and provides comprehensive log documentation for machine maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability. Additionally, Q2C integrates with Google™ Cloud, allowing users to access and manage the software from different locations while keeping all data synchronized and seamlessly integrated across the system. For multi-user environments, Q2C implements a write-locking mechanism that checks for concurrent operations before saving data. When conflicts are detected, subsequent write requests are automatically queued to prevent data corruption, while the interface continuously refreshes to display the most current information from the cloud storage. Finally, Q2C, a demonstration video, and a user tutorial are freely available for academic use at https://github.com/diogobor/Q2C. Data are available from the ProteomeXchange consortium (identifier PXD055186).

Significance

Q2C addresses a critical gap in mass spectrometry facility management by unifying sample queue management with instrument performance monitoring. It ensures optimal instrument utilization, reduces turnaround times, and enhances data quality by dynamically prioritizing and routing samples based on analysis type and urgency. Unlike existing tools, Q2C integrates queue control and QC in a single platform, maximizing operational efficiency and reliability.