Glossary

A working glossary for LC/MS and omics

Not dictionary stubs. Each entry defines a term and shows what it means in practice, so the glossary is useful at the bench and not just for a definition.

Batch effect

A batch effect is systematic variation tied to how and when samples were processed. Learn why it matters in large LC/MS studies and how to limit it.

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Feature detection

Feature detection finds real ion signals in LC/MS data and separates them from noise. Learn how it works and where it commonly fails.

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Limit of detection

The limit of detection is the smallest amount that can be reliably distinguished from background. Learn how it constrains untargeted LC/MS discovery.

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Mass feature

A mass feature is a detected signal defined by mass to charge ratio and retention time. Learn what it represents and why it is the unit of untargeted LC/MS.

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Mass to charge ratio (m/z)

The m/z value is the mass of an ion divided by its charge. Learn why it anchors LC/MS feature detection and how charge state changes what you measure.

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Retention time alignment

Retention time alignment matches the same feature across samples despite elution shifts. Learn why it is essential for comparing LC/MS runs.

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Signal to noise ratio

Signal to noise ratio compares a peak against the background around it. Learn how it governs detection limits and low abundance feature recovery.

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Spectral deconvolution

Deconvolution separates overlapping signals so each belongs to the right compound. Learn why coelution makes it essential in complex LC/MS data.

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