Microsample analyses via DBS: challenges and opportunities

The use of DBS is an appealing approach to employing microsampling techniques for the bioanalysis of samples, as has been demonstrated for the past 50 years in the metabolic screening of metabolites and diseases. In addition to its minimally invasive sample collection procedures and its economical merits, DBS microsampling benefits from the very high sensitivity, selectivity and multianalyte capabilities of LC-MS, which has been especially well demonstrated in newborn screening applications. Only a few microliters of a biological fluid are required for analysis, which also translates to significantly reduced demands on clinical samples from patients or from animals. Recently, the pharmaceutical industry and other arenas have begun to explore the utility and practicality of DBS microsampling. This review discusses the basis for why DBS techniques are likely to be part of the future, as well as offering insights into where these benefits may be realized.