Sample collection preparation methods for time-of flight miniature mass spectrometer

The invention relates to a time-of-flight (TOF) miniature mass spectrometer (MMS), and more particularly to an automated TOF MMS collection, measurement and analysis system for acquisition of mass spectra. A field portable mass spectrometer system comprising a sample collector and a sample transporter. The sample transporter interfaces with the sample collector to receive sample deposits thereon. The system further comprises a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The time of flight mass spectrometer has a sealable opening that receives the sample transported via the sample transporter in an extraction region of the mass spectrometer. The system further comprises a control unit that processes a time series output by the mass spectrometer for a received sample and identifies one or more agents contained in the sample.