Optimizing oxytocin LC-MS/MS sensitivity by choosing the right column

Mariëtte T Ackermans

doi:10.1016/j.plabm.2021.e00254

Optimizing oxytocin LC-MS/MS sensitivity by choosing the right column

Pract Lab Med. 2021 Sep 1:27:e00254. doi: 10.1016/j.plabm.2021.e00254. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Author

Mariëtte T Ackermans¹

Affiliation

¹ Endocrine Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Abstract

Objective: Sensitivity is often an issue in bioanalytical LC-MS/MS applications. Commonly investigated parameters to improve it include additives to mobile phase, derivatization and sample-preparation. The nature of the column, however, is not frequently evaluated.

Design and methods: The sensitivity is compared for 18 different reversed phase and 2 different HILIC columns using 2 different mobile phase compositions. Sensitivity was evaluated in terms of S/N for 1,5 pg oxytocin on column, using a scouting gradient.

Results: The measured signal to noise ranged from 55 to 1473, indicating a substantial difference in sensitivity. The most sensitive columns were the Synergi Hydro RP (reversed phase) and the Atlantis HILIC (HILIC).

Conclusions: This study shows that choosing the right column contributes to the sensitivity of the method.

Keywords: HILIC; Liquid chromatography; Oxytocin; Reversed phase.