Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry in Analytical Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

This article is intended to provide a basic understanding of the principles and current configurations of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) technologies used in clinical laboratories. Multidimensional liquid chromatography (LC), interfacing with mass spectrometry (MS) using soft ionization systems, and the principles of modern mass spectrometers, quadrupole, time‐of‐flight (TOF), and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance, are discussed. The principles of ion traps and orbitraps are discussed as these technologies are increasingly being applied in clinical laboratories. As LC/MS/MS applications in the clinical laboratory continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, it is critical for clinical pathologists and laboratorians to understand the principles, design, and limitations of the technologies involved.