“…The first such study, conducted by Matsuo et al, used field desorption mass spectrometry of tryptic fragments to distinguish HbS from normal hemoglobin (HbA). 10 Shortly thereafter, fast atom bombardment (FAB) [11][12][13][14] and liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry 4,7,15,16 were utilized, proving to be more reliable and reproducible than field desorption. 13 Later, analysis by plasma desorption (PD) was demonstrated to be similarly effective.…”