Clinical Applications Compendium

Significance of the Topic

Clinical bioanalysis requires robust sample preparation to remove matrix interferences (proteins, lipids, salts) and ensure accurate, sensitive detection of biomarkers, drugs, hormones and vitamins. Optimized workflows improve throughput, reproducibility and instrument uptime.

Objectives and Overview

This compendium presents targeted and generic workflows using Biotage sample preparation products for various clinical analytes including alcohol biomarkers, catecholamines, pain management drugs, peptides, steroids, therapeutic drugs, thyroid hormones, tobacco exposure markers and vitamins. Methods employ supported liquid extraction (SLE+), solid phase extraction (SPE), protein precipitation (PPT+), phospholipid removal (PLD+) and specialized sorbents in 96-well or cartridge formats.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample preparation techniques:

• ISOLUTE SLE+ for liquid–liquid-like extraction
• EVOLUTE EXPRESS sorbents (AX, ABN, CX, ENV+, WAX, WCX) for ion exchange or mixed-mode SPE
• ISOLUTE PPT+ for protein precipitation
• ISOLUTE PLD+ for phospholipid removal

Instrumentation:

• HPLC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS systems
• HPLC-DAD for peptide analysis
• Biotage Extrahera for automation of SPE methods

Main Results and Discussion

Recoveries across methods typically exceed 80–95% with relative standard deviations below 10%. Limits of quantification range from low pg/mL for TSNAs and vitamin D metabolites to ng/mL for hormones and drugs. Clean extracts minimize ion suppression and extend MS uptime.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• High-throughput workflows in 96-well formats support clinical and research laboratories.
• Broad analyte coverage from small molecule drugs to peptides and vitamins.
• Simplified protocols reduce sample handling time and risk of emulsion.
• Compatibility with automation fosters reproducibility.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements may include integration with microflow LC-MS, multi-omics sample prep, further miniaturization, and direct-to-MS workflows. Expanded panels for emerging biomarkers and point-of-care testing are anticipated.

Conclusion

The Biotage Clinical Applications Compendium demonstrates versatile, reproducible sample preparation solutions for diverse clinical assays. Adoption of these validated methods can enhance data quality, laboratory efficiency and throughput.

Reference

Biotage Clinical Applications Compendium, 2017