Mass Spectrometer (IMAGE) University of California - Davis Health Caption A target plate is used in a mass spectrometer. Proteins from the sample are ionized with a laser, then measured and analyzed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Credit UC Davis Health Usage Restrictions Use photo with proper credit and caption License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.