Spectrus: Using blank runs to identify background and contaminants in xC/UV/MS data

Description
xC/UV/MS term includes LC/UV/MS and GC/MS

Blank runs (no analyte injected) help identify system background peaks and contaminants. Comparing blanks with sample runs in Spectrus can prevent misinterpretation of background signals as analyte components.

Solution

1. Acquire a blank xC/UV/MS run using the same method as sample runs.
2. Import both blank and sample data into Spectrus.
3. Select blank trace first. The active trace will appear red when selected. Select sample trace second.
4. Go to Tools > Subtract > Subtract chromatogram from current chromatogram.
5. Verify that the blank is getting subtracted from the sample chromatogram (sample chromatogram window title should appear gold). 
6. Select OK.
7. Verify that important features of the sample chromatogram have been preserved.