Separation Techniques

Advancements in Sample Preparation Techniques

The main goal of sample preparation is to separate one or more target analytes from the remaining sample combination components (matrix). Depending on their type and concentration levels, co-components of the sample matrix may, if not removed prior to analysis, affect the quantification of the target analyte(s) during subsequent liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) or tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) investigations. The development of new LC-MS/MS techniques for small molecules in biological fluids is becoming more challenging due to the need to continuously achieve increased sensitivity and better assay robustness in complex bio fluids such as serum, plasma, urine, oral fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Additionally, materials are usually pre-concentrated before analysis since pharmaceutical targets have such low concentration values.