Keys, import modes, ESTD/ISTD, doses, area thresholds, and calibration mode — the method tables you edit before Analyze.

Keys

Key Meaning
AcqKey Acquisition / method set. Append import creates a new AcqKey so several instruments or acquisition methods share one Quanto method.
QntKey Quant ion / transition identity within an analyte.
SmpKey Sample key for grouping injections (Key Review winners).

Multi-instrument pick: Key Review.

Replace vs Append (method import)

Method → Load / Import:

Mode Effect
Replace Swaps the current method; sample results are cleared
Append Adds the import under a new AcqKey; keeps existing analytes

You can append only selected AcqKey + name keys when the dialog offers a candidate list. Details: Reports, import, and export.

ESTD vs ISTD

Setting Meaning
ESTD Quant has no ISTD link — external standard curve
ISTD Quant points at an ISTD Quant — ratio / internal standard

You can mix ESTD and ISTD Quants in one method. Guides: ESTD, ISTD.

Doses

Shared dose names on the method:

Dose Typical use
C1, C2, … Calibration levels
IS Reserved ISTD spike amount

Calibration bottles need a dose that exists on the analyte. ISTD bottles still use IS. Partial update of stored levels: Multi-batch dose responses.

Area thresholds

When importing integrator peaks, insignificant peaks are also filtered by a method/channel area (or height) threshold:

Setting Default
AreaThresholdPercent / DefaultPercent 30
Dose reference Lowest calibration concentration (or a named dose)

Threshold = calibration response × percent / 100. Channels can override with an absolute threshold instead of the general percent. See Manual integration.

Calibration mode

Mode Behavior
Initial One curve from the calibration set (default for new work)
Bracket A curve per calibration bracket around samples

Vendor method import does not set Calibration mode — you choose it in Quanto. Guide: Bracket calibration.

Checklist before Analyze

  1. Analytes / Quants / Qualifiers and extraction windows.
  2. AcqKeys after any Append.
  3. Doses C1… and IS; Quant doses on the curve.
  4. Sample types mapping.
  5. ESTD/ISTD links and QuantitateByHeight if you use height.
  6. Area threshold percent / dose.
  7. Calibration mode Initial vs Bracket.

Then load bottles and Analyze (Set up an analysis).