Patent ID: 7071003

Claim:
A system for detecting a macromolecular analyte comprising: a removably insertable rigid and structurally self-supporting probe having a sample presenting surface for presenting the macromolecular analyte to a laser desorption ionization energy source that emits energy capable of desorbing and ionizing the macromolecular analyte from the probe, wherein at least the surface comprises a non-metallic material selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon, starch, agarose, and dextran; a laser desorption ionization energy source that directs laser energy to the sample presenting surface of the probe for desorbing and ionizing the macromolecular analyte; a spectrometer tube; a vacuum means for applying a vacuum to the interior of said tube; electrical potential means within the tube for applying an accelerating electrical potential to the desorbed and ionized analyte; a detector in communication with the probe surface that detects the desorbed macromolecular analyte; and means for detecting the mass of the ions by their time of flight.