Methods, mediums, and systems for targeted isotope clustering

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide computer-implemented methods, mediums, and apparatuses configured to perform targeted isotope clustering. A mass spectrum for a sample may be obtained from an analytical laboratory instrument, and a set of peaks within the mass spectrum may be identified. A list of fragments expected to be potentially present in the sample may be obtained, and a set of predicted peaks may be generated from the list. The spectrum may be searched for the predicted peaks to determine if any combination of the peaks present in the spectrum match the expected fragment patterns. Accordingly, isotope (charge) clusters may be built in a targeted way using a priori knowledge to target the matches. As a result, spectrum analysis can be done more quickly and efficiently than in conventional systems that use neutral or untargeted matching, and the matches can be made more accurately.