SpecBase
Safe diagnostic results through automated data management.
Mass spectrometry is considered a gold standard in the field of analytical biochemistry. Its deployment in clinical laboratories, however, is relatively recent. The Hormone Laboratory at Haukeland University Hospital utilises mass spectrometry for the precise measurement of hormones in blood, urine and saliva, using in-house developed methods. Mass spectrometry is an expensive and complex technology that generates large amounts of data.
There are also various of different instrument types and models from various manufacturers, each with their own proprietary software. The high complexity and diversity of instruments and softwares represents a huge challenge for the integration of mass spectrometry in the clinical analytical process, which in itself is complex and subject to comprehensive quality requirements and compulsory documentation.
SpecBase has been developed at the Hormone Laboratory in a close collaboration between method developers, clinical laboratory staff and programmers of the Hospital's IT department. It is the first software that holistically integrates mass spectrometry into the clinical analytical process. This software is designed to accumulate data from all sub-processes, from sample reception, through sample workup and the final analytical result, independent of the type, model and manufacturer of the instruments used.
All data for each sample are automatically processed according to inbuilt algorithms and clinical quality control rules. The data are stored in a searchable database, which can provide an instantaneous real-time overview over the entire process chain and instrument park, including instrument status and performance, quality controls, calibrators and reagents. SpecBase provides a profoundly improved quality assurance and control, as well as an improved efficiency of the entire analytical process. Other mass spectrometry laboratories may benefit by using SpecBase to optimise and quality assure their process.
Please get in touch, if you would like to get more information
specbase@helse-bergen.no
Project leader: Bjørg Almås, Head of R&D, Hormone Laboratory
bjorg.almas@helse-bergen.no
Inventor: Ralf Kellmann, research scientistforsker/developer, Hormone Laboratory
ralf.kellmann@helse-bergen.no