Lecture
Advances in Mass Spectrometry: Automation, Integration, and Future Directions
- at -
- ICM Saal 4a
- Type: Lecture
Lecture description
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) offers the advantage of better sensitivity and specificity compared to immunoassay. In-house LC-MSMS assays are, however, more laborious and traditionally performed in a batch-wise mode by dedicated laboratory technicians. The integration of LC-MSMS into clinical laboratories is also challenging due to the technical complexity, lack of automation, need for time-consuming manual sample and reagent preparation, and extensive data review. An automated random-access mass spectrometry analyzer could improve the workflow and reduce the turn-around-time.
Efforts have been made to automate LC-MS/MS methods, with a view to minimizing manual involvement of the user, reducing turnaround times, and rendering LC-MS/MS more suitable for high -throughput use by non-specialist staff in routine clinical
environments. The Cascadion SM Clinical Analyzer (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Vantaa, Finland) launched in 2017 was the first fully automated LC-MS/MS instrument, but was discontinued in 2023. In 2025 the company Roche (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz,
Switzerland) launched the Cobas i 601 analyzer, an automated mass spectrometer. The i 601 analyzer incorporates online sample preparation, automatic onboard mixing of mobile phases for three high-performance LC columns and five rapid LC columns, a
random-access testing mode in which most system reagents can be loaded while maintaining uninterrupted operation. The theoretical throughput is up to 100 sample aspirations per hour.
A comparison of six serum analyte workflows using routine liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry methods at multiple laboratories with the Cobas i 601 analyzer showed that the i 601 analyzer substantially reduced turnaround and hands-on
times for common analytes, regardless of batch size. A global multicenter evaluation on the Cobas i 601 analyzer showed reliability, practicality, and a good correlation with current methods for a range of analytes including steroids, vitamins, immunosuppressants, antiepileptics, and antibiotics.
Efforts have been made to automate LC-MS/MS methods, with a view to minimizing manual involvement of the user, reducing turnaround times, and rendering LC-MS/MS more suitable for high -throughput use by non-specialist staff in routine clinical
environments. The Cascadion SM Clinical Analyzer (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Vantaa, Finland) launched in 2017 was the first fully automated LC-MS/MS instrument, but was discontinued in 2023. In 2025 the company Roche (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz,
Switzerland) launched the Cobas i 601 analyzer, an automated mass spectrometer. The i 601 analyzer incorporates online sample preparation, automatic onboard mixing of mobile phases for three high-performance LC columns and five rapid LC columns, a
random-access testing mode in which most system reagents can be loaded while maintaining uninterrupted operation. The theoretical throughput is up to 100 sample aspirations per hour.
A comparison of six serum analyte workflows using routine liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry methods at multiple laboratories with the Cobas i 601 analyzer showed that the i 601 analyzer substantially reduced turnaround and hands-on
times for common analytes, regardless of batch size. A global multicenter evaluation on the Cobas i 601 analyzer showed reliability, practicality, and a good correlation with current methods for a range of analytes including steroids, vitamins, immunosuppressants, antiepileptics, and antibiotics.
