LC-MS (/MS) in clinical toxicology screening methods.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Clinical Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Toxicological screening involves analyzing biological samples for unknown compounds.
• Traditional methods like LC-UV and GC/MS have limitations in sensitivity and selectivity.
• Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) presents a highly selective and sensitive alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of LC-MS(/MS) screening methods in clinical toxicology.
• To highlight recent advancements and applications of LC-MS(/MS) in this field.
• To discuss the adaptability of these methods for clinical toxicology laboratories.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on LC-MS(/MS) applications in clinical toxicology.
• Discussion of various sample preparation techniques.
• Analysis of chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry detection strategies.

Main Results:

• LC-MS/MS methods demonstrate high selectivity and sensitivity for toxicological screening.
• Combinations of sample treatment, chromatography, and MS detection can be tailored to laboratory needs.
• Increasing number of published applications indicate growing adoption.

Conclusions:

• LC-MS/MS technology is a powerful tool for toxicological screening.
• Technological evolution is paving the way for broader application in routine toxicology.
• Wider adoption of LC-MS(/MS) will enhance the potential of toxicology laboratories.