Biological Matrix Effects in Quantitative Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Analytical Methods: Advancing Biomonitoring

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Parinya Panuwet, Emory University; Ronald E. Hunter, Jr., Emory University; Priya E. D’Souza, Emory University; Xianyu Chen, Emory University; Samantha A. Radford, Emory University; Jordan R. Cohen, Emory University; M. Elizabeth Marder, Emory University; Kostya Kartavenka, Emory University; P Barry Ryan, Emory University; Dana Barr, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2016-03-03
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10408347.2014.980775
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry
• ISSN: 1040-8347
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 93
• End Page: 105
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 under NIH grant 5RC1ES01829902, the National Children’s Study under contract number HHSN267200700007C, PBDE Body Burdens, House Dust Concentrations, and Associations with Thyroid Hormones under NIH grant 1R21ES019697-01, the Emory Parkinson’s disease Collaborative Environmental Research Center under NIEHS grant P01 ES016731, and HERCULES: Health and Exposome Research Center at Emory under NIEHS grant 1P30ES019776-01A1.; Samantha A. Radford was supported by Graduate and Postdoctoral Training in Toxicology NIH grant T32 ES012870.
• Keywords: BIOANALYSIS; HUMAN URINE; ELECTROSPRAY-IONIZATION; Chemistry; ORGANOPHOSPHORUS PESTICIDES; biomonitoring; Analytical method development; tandem mass-spectrometry; matrix effects; ION SUPPRESSION; biological analysis; SIGNAL SUPPRESSION; GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY; SAMPLE PREPARATION
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Chemistry, Analytical; Health Sciences, General

Abstract

The ability to quantify levels of target analytes in biological samples accurately and precisely in biomonitoring involves the use of highly sensitive and selective instrumentation such as tandem mass spectrometers and a thorough understanding of highly variable matrix effects. Typically, matrix effects are caused by co-eluting matrix components that alter the ionization of target analytes as well as the chromatographic response of target analytes, leading to reduced or increased sensitivity of the analysis. Thus, before the desired accuracy and precision standards of laboratory data are achieved, these effects must be characterized and controlled. Here we present our review and observations of matrix effects encountered during the validation and implementation of tandem mass spectrometry–based analytical methods. We also provide systematic, comprehensive laboratory strategies needed to control challenges posed by matrix effects in order to ensure delivery of the most accurate data for biomonitoring studies assessing exposure to environmental toxicants.