The NTA Study Reporting Tool (SRT):?A framework to improve research transparency and reproducibility
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Due to the diversity of non-targeted analysis (NTA) applications using high-resolution mass spectrometry, many different NTA workflows exist to support user specific needs. However, no universal, widely accepted reporting standards for NTA studies exist. The Benchmarking and Publications for Non-Targeted Analysis (BP4NTA) working group developed the NTA Study Reporting Tool (SRT), the first easy-to-use, interdisciplinary framework for comprehensive methods and results reporting. It is organized by study chronology and includes sections, categories, and sub-categories where scores are assigned based on the quality of reporting with accompanying rationales. It includes aspects of study design, data acquisition, data processing and analysis methods, data outputs, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) metrics. Eleven NTA practitioners reviewed eight published manuscripts covering environmental, food, and health-based exposomic applications using a preliminary version of the SRT where three scoring systems were assessed. The SRT evolved using reviewer feedback to resolve ambiguity, address coverage gaps, and select a final scoring system. Areas where reporting practices need significant improvement were also highlighted, particularly QA/QC metrics; QA/QC scores were both lower and more variable than scores assigned in other sub-categories. Furthermore, 72% of self-assigned scores fell within the range of triplicate peer-assigned scores, indicating the SRT offers a functional and valid framework to evaluate key aspects of study reporting. The SRT will be available on the BP4NTA website (www.nontargetedanalysis.org/SRT), allowing community access/use and continued evolution based on user feedback and future NTA research needs. Widespread implementation is anticipated to improve the efficiency and rigor of NTA study design, manuscript/proposal review, and ultimately, encourage the scientific transparency necessary for utilization of NTA study data by risk assessment and regulatory communities.