The EuPA Standardization Initiative

Mass spectrometry has experienced huge advances in the last decade increasing the coverage, accuracy and capacity of protein/peptide measurements in complex biological samples. The ability to massively identify and quantify proteins places proteomics as one of the most valuable analytical resources to such measurements, leading to a better understanding of sophisticated cellular processes at the functional level. To increase accuracy and enable inter- and intra-laboratory experimental comparisons, reliability, robustness and reproducibility must be possible and embedded in the technology. To this end, it is critical to define quality control procedures and standardized protocols for the whole proteomics workflow, from sample collection and preparation to data collection and computational analysis and finally data exchange.