Number: 2003-056-2-500
Title: Standard definitions of terms relating to mass spectrometry
Task Group
Chairman: Kermit K.
Murray
Members: Robert K.
Boyd, Marcos N. Eberlin,
G. John Langley, Liang
Li, Yasuhide Naito,
and Jean-Claude Tabet
Objective:
To update and extend the definitions of terms related to the field
of mass spectrometry.
Description:
Widely accepted standard definitions of terms are necessary for clear
communication in the discussion and dissemination of results. This is
particularly important for multidisciplinary fields such as mass spectrometry.
During the last decade of the 20th century, the field of mass spectrometry
has seen a revolutionary change in practice and scope. The introduction
of soft ionization methods for the analysis of biological molecules
has expanded the scope of mass spectrometry from its early roots in
the analysis of inorganic and organic species into the fields of biology
and medicine. This expansion in scope and length of time since the last
update of standard terms and definitions make it important to undertake
a revision of these terms at this time.
Definitions of terms for mass spectrometry is under the purview of
IUPAC Analytical Chemistry Division (Division V). The most recent edition
of these terms and definitions can be found in Chapter 12 of the Compendium
of Analytical Nomenclature (Orange
Book), prepared in 1993, with addenda in 1993 and 1994. The
goal of this project is to update these terms and definitions in close
conjunction with the mass spectrometry journals, national mass spectrometry
societies, and the International Mass Spectrometry Society.
Sources of mass spectrometry nomenclature that will be reviewed include,
the Orange Book, Price, P., "Standard Definitions of Terms Relating
to Mass Spectrometry," J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 1991,
2, 336-348, David Sparkman, Mass Spectrometry Desk Reference
Global View Publishing, 2000, and various web-based glossaries (Spectroscopynow.com,
I-mass.com, genomicglossaries.com, etc.).
Progress:
In March 2004, to facilitate discussion, a website msterms.com
has been set up that has links to on-line versions of the current terminology
and discussion forums for comments and suggestions.
> www.msterms.com
The site is in the user editable Wiki format and has information
related to the project, news and project updates. The current and revised
list of terms is posted on the site and can be freely edited and commented
upon.
The Project was publicly introduced at the 2004 American Society for
Mass Spectrometry meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, 23-27 May 2004. A
poster presentation entitled "Updating the List of Terms and
Definitions for Mass Spectrometry" was on display all week.
> Nov 2004 report update (pdf
file - 13KB)
> May 2006 report update (pdf
file - 13KB)
Aug 2006 - A manuscript is being prepared for publication
in Pure Appl. Chem. A final document is submitted to public review
comments until 31 Jan 2007.
> see provisional
recommendations
Last Update: 6 Sep 2006
<project announcement published in
Chem.
Int
26(3), p. 23>