Significant advances in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) have pushed the boundaries in obtaining spatial information and quantification in biological samples. Quantitative MSI (qMSI) has typically been challenging to achieve because of matrix and tissue heterogeneity, inefficient analyte extraction, and ion suppression effects, but recent studies have demonstrated approaches to obtain highly robust methods and reproducible results. In this perspective, we share our insights into sample preparation, how the choice of matrix influences sensitivity, construction of calibration curves, signal normalization, and visualization of MSI data. We hope that by articulating these guidelines that qMSI can be routinely conducted while retaining the analytical merits of other mass spectrometry modalities.
Keywords: MALDI; calibration curve; color schemes; mass spectrometry imaging; matrix; quantitative.