An UPLC-MSMS method to measure plasma homocysteine concentration

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Science

Background:

• Homocysteine (Hcy) monitoring is increasingly important for various diseases.
• Existing methods for Hcy measurement may lack the speed or reliability required for routine clinical practice.
• Accurate and efficient Hcy quantification is essential for patient diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a novel mass spectrometry (MS) method for quantifying plasma homocysteine (Hcy).
• To establish targeted Hcy concentration ranges aligned with COFRAC recommendations.
• To assess the method's suitability for routine laboratory use.

Main Methods:

• Validation of a new mass spectrometry assay for plasma Hcy.
• Data collection of Hcy concentrations from 2014-2015.
• Comparison of Hcy values across different clinical groups.
• Evaluation of method performance characteristics including reproducibility and sensitivity.

Main Results:

• The mass spectrometry method demonstrated excellent reproducibility and sensitivity (CV <10%).
• New reference ranges for normal plasma Hcy concentrations were determined: 12.4 [11.8-13.0] μmol/L.
• The method proved robust and suitable for high-throughput clinical laboratory analysis.

Conclusions:

• The validated mass spectrometry method is rapid, robust, and reliable for routine plasma Hcy measurement.
• This new assay addresses the growing demand for Hcy testing in clinical settings.
• The established normal value ranges support accurate interpretation of Hcy levels.