Patent ID: 7015465

Claim:
A method for the parallel processing of samples comprising the steps of: providing a first chromatography column and a second chromatography column said first and second chromatography columns being in fluid communication with a multi port switching valve; providing a solvent delivery system in fluid communication to said multi port switching valve; providing a sample injector in fluid communication to said multi port switching valve; providing a nebulizer being in fluid communication to said multi port switching valve, said nebulizer comprising a capillary tube having a length greater than about 5 cm; injecting a first sample into said first chromatography column; concentrating said first sample; delivering said first sample to said capillary tube of said nebulizer; nebulizing said first sample, wherein nebulizing said first sample comprises heating said capillary tube; depositing said first sample on a MALDI target; flushing said first column preparing for additional samples; injecting a second sample into said second chromatography column while said first chromatography column is being prepared for additional samples; concentrating said second sample; delivering said second sample to said capillary tube of said nebulizer; nebulizing said second sample, wherein nebulizing said second sample comprises heating said capillary tube; and depositing said second sample on said MALDI target.