Harmonization of Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Protein Assays

Abstract

Harmonization of diagnostic test results is fundamental to the effective use of laboratory testing in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease. Formal approaches to harmonization and standardization provide a rigorous and high-quality roadmap to this end, although the formal harmonization process can be long and complex. In the meantime, more informal approaches to harmonization can provide a useful pathway to improved harmonization in the short term. Factors relevant to harmonization are discussed with particular attention to protein assays using LC-MS/MS. Published formal and informal harmonization projects are provided as examples, including lessons drawn from these projects.

Assessment of a 60-Biomarker Health Surveillance Panel (HSP) on Whole Blood from Remote Sampling Devices by Targeted LC/MRM-MS and Discovery DIA-MS Analysis

“…LC/MRM-MS was performed on two harmonized 39 systems consisting of identically configured Thermo Fisher Ultimate 3000 high-flow LC connected to a Sciex 6500+ triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. A sample list was created in Chromeleon software matched to the sample list in Sciex 6500+ Analyst software and the targeted HSP peptides and transitions method with the RTC was loaded.…”

In Silico Tandem Mass Spectrometer: an Analytical and Fundamental Tool

“…For the time being, in silico mass spectrometry is relatively in its infancy, in particular concerning applications to large systems. Further developing and systematic application to different classes of compounds will be important to keep sharing and rationalize MS data arising from un‐harmonized experimental conditions [41] . In fact, MS fragmentations differ from instrument to instrument according to collision energy, geometry, lens voltages etc.…”

“…Further developing and systematic application to different classes of compounds will be important to keep sharing and rationalize MS data arising from un-harmonized experimental conditions. [41] In fact, MS fragmentations differ from instrument to instrument according to collision energy, geometry, lens voltages etc. To achieve a global coverage of MS data, it will be necessary to introduce an algorithm aimed at defining unique fragmentation models, based on an unambiguous chemical approach.…”