The use of signal averaging techniques for the quantitation and mass measurement of high molecular weight compounds using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

The measurement and recording of peak signals at high mass is often difficult and susceptible to a large degree of error. Signal averaging of repetitive scans has been used to improve detection limits and aid nominal mass assignment by peak matching. This is illustrated using glucagon as the reference material to determine the mass of the [MH]+ peak in the molecular ion cluster of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, and caesium iodide as reference to mass‐measure a 13‐unit oligonucleotide.