Pilot study for targeted analyses
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- Last Updated: Monday, 15 August 2016 09:41
See this example. (Cancer Res July 2016 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-15-291)
REQUIREMENTS FOR A TARGETED METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF METABOLITES IN A DEFINED SAMPLE MATRIX
- The method must have a simple (preferably one step) and defined extraction procedure which can be used to generate an extract from the matrix suitable for metabolite analysis by mass spectrometry.
- The metabolites of interest must be stable in the extract until analysis by GC-MS or LC-MS.
- The metabolites must have a unique defined retention time (RT) on a chromatographic column, mass signal (molecular ion or eq.) in a full scan analysis and/or unique transition from a tandem mass analysis (e.g. MRM).
- For quantification of the target metabolites, internal standards with similar chemical structure and chemical behavior must be available.
- There should be a linear response at least in a magnitude order of 103 between the instrumental signal (MS detector) and each concentration of the target metabolites.
- The response of a metabolite must increase when the matrix extract is spiked with its corresponding standard.
- It must be possible to detect the metabolites within the linear concentration range
DOCUMENTATION OF THE PILOT METHOD DEVELOPMENT (the application note)
The outcome from the pilot method development is compiled as an application note used for future target analysis, and can be used as the basis in a publication. The documentation will include:
- A list of relevant references from the scientific literature
- Definition of the utilized matrix (e.g. cell lines or plasma)
- A protocol for sample preparation and extraction of the metabolites from the defined matrix (either MeOH or Folch (or eq.) extraction will be tested)
- A protocol describing instrumental parameters and the analytical procedure
- A chromatogram for the standards and the internal standard, both in organic solvent and in spiked matrix extract (high and low concentrations)
- Estimated detection limits for target metabolites standards
- Data showing the linear response of the target metabolites
- Data confirming that the metabolites are stable in the extract until the time of analysis
- Results showing the signal for the target metabolites in the defined matrix when they are spiked by a defined concentration of metabolite standards