Data Format and Comparability

Care should be taken to supply sufficient background information when results from SPMD deployments are reported. The purpose of this background information is to elucidate how the reported results are related to the raw data, to allow users to compare the reported results to those obtained in other studies, and to provide data of known quality for future reference. 

Raw data from SPMD exposures should include target compound levels in the various blanks, and the amounts found in exposed SPMDs in ng per sample. When the triolein phase is separately analyzed, the raw data should include the amounts in the LDPE phase as well. When PRCs are used, the measured t = 0 levels and the calculated spike levels should be included as an additional check on PRC recovery. 

Information on whether the average blank levels were subtracted should also be supplied with the processed data. In addition, the method detection limits (MDLs) and MQLs should be listed, as well as the criteria used to determine MDLs and MQLs. The methods or equations used to calculate aqueous or atmospheric 

SPMD design LDPE membrane diickness length and width (excluding mounting loops) triolein mass fraction triolein purity 

Exposure water or air flow rate exposure cage geometry air samplers wind direction location (coordinates, and preferably a digital picture) start and end date and time physical appearance after exposure (description, and preferably a digital picture) temperature pH (when organic acids or bases are flie target analytes) suspended matter, and POC and DOC levels (water) or particle (air) levels other observations relevant to QC 

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One of the most pressing concerns in the field is that the lack of correct data format and comparability of microarray experiments will limit future integrative microarray research and the ability of performing meta analysis of microarray data available in the public domain (39,40). 

Larsson O, Sandberg R. Lack of correct data format and comparability limits future integrative mi-croarray research. Nat Biotechnol 2006 24 1322-1323. 

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