Liquid Chromatography Tandem-mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) - Technique and Applications in Endocrinology

M. Vogeser; K. G. Parhofer

doi:10.1055/s-2007-981458

Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes, Table of Contents

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2007; 115(9): 559-570
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-981458

Review

Liquid Chromatography Tandem-mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) - Technique and Applications in Endocrinology

M. Vogeser¹ , K. G. Parhofer²

¹Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Gemany
²Department of Internal Medicine II, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Gemany

Abstract

In recent years, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has emerged as an innovative analytical technology applicable to a wide number of analyses in the endocrinology laboratory. Compared to the “traditional” technique of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), LC-MS/MS is easier to use and is applicable for a substantially larger number of relevant analytes. With the development of LC-MS/MS, the widespread application of the proven principle of isotope dilution mass spectrometry is now feasible not only in research but also for routine applications. The aim of this review is to explain the basic technical principles of LC-MS/MS, to describe the general characteristics of analytical LC-MS/MS applications and to comprehensively discuss the application of this technology in the field of endocrinology.

Key words

liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) - endocrinology

Full Text

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Correspondence

M. VogeserMD

Institute of Clinical Chemistry

Hospital of the University of Munich

Marchioninistr. 15

81377 Munich

Germany

Phone: +49/89/7095 32 21

Fax: +49/89/7095 32 40

Email: Michael.Vogeser@med.uni-muenchen.de