Patent ID: 8053247

Claim:
An automated method for preparing an analyte from a sample for mass spectrometry comprising: a) providing at least one pipette tip column in operative engagement with a liquid handling system, wherein the pipette tip column is comprised of i) a column body having an open upper end, an open lower end, and an open channel between the upper and lower ends of the column body, ii) a bottom frit extending across the open channel, and iii) a bed of media positioned inside the open channel and in contact with the bottom frit; b) introducing a sample containing an analyte into the pipette tip column whereby the analyte is captured on the solid support; c) introducing a wash solution into the pipette tip column; d) optionally, repeating step (c); e) ejecting the pipette tip column from the liquid handling system; f) introducing a solvent into the open upper end of the pipette tip column with a transfer tip; g) aspirating and expelling the solid support and the solvent through the lower end of a transfer tip to produce a suspension; h) aspirating the suspension into the transfer tip from the open upper end of the pipette tip column; i) depositing the slurry onto a MALDI target; and j) at least partially drying the slurry on the MALDI target.