Recommendations for the Use of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in the Clinical Laboratory: Part I. Implementation and Management

Abstract

Many types of assays involving mass spectrometry have been developed and applied in clinics. However, mass spectrometry has not been widely implemented yet relative to other measurement methods, including biochemical assays, immunoassays, and molecular diagnostics. Despite its strong advantage as an analytical method, many laboratory physicians and clinical laboratories are unwilling to introduce it. Fundamental elements, such as instruments, reagents, facilities, skilled human resources are required to implement mass spectrometry. This review contains considerations for the introduction of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to support the clinical laboratories interested in or planning to implement mass spectrometry.