Mass spectrometry methods for metabolic and health assessment

Beginning in the mid 1960s, mass spectrometry was introduced in a few acade mic laboratories for the analysis of organic acids by gas chromatography-ma ss spectrometry, Since then, multiple-stage mass spectrometers have become available and many new applications have been developed. Major advantages o f these new techniques include their ability to rapidly determine many diff erent compounds in complex biological matrices with high sensitivity and in sample volumes of usually < 100 muL. A high sample throughput is further r ealized because extensive sample preparations are often not necessary. Howe ver, because the technical know how is not yet widely available and signifi cant experience is required for correct interpretation of results, these me thods are being implemented slowly in routine clinical laboratories as oppo sed to research laboratories. Several of these new applications are conside red with regard to clinical medicine.