Quantifying steroids in biological matrices has always presented analytical challenges. Complex structures, isobaric interferences, and matrix effects often limit accuracy and throughput — demanding a new approach beyond incremental improvements.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Advancing_Steroid_Quantification_Unlocking_Sensitivity_and_Selectivity_with_the_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_Mass_Spectrometer_6e03ce7f59.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Advancing Steroid Quantification: Unlocking Sensitivity and Selectivity with the Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Advancing_Steroid_Quantification_Unlocking_Sensitivity_and_Selectivity_with_the_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_Mass_Spectrometer_6e03ce7f59.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512">The<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1149"> Thermo Scientific Stellar MS</a> redefines how analysts approach steroid quantification, enabling rapid method optimization through advanced scanning flexibility, complementary fragmentation mechanisms, and enhanced selectivity.Rather than focusing on a single metric, this application note demonstrates how researchers can quickly develop more effective methods by leveraging the full capability of the Stellar MS to characterize compounds comprehensively in a single acquisition.<h3>A new paradigm for analytical quantitation</h3>Traditional LC-MS approaches often rely on incremental improvements in sensitivity or speed. Stellar MS instead provides a new analytical framework, designed to optimize every parameter of quantitative method creation.Key attributes include:<ol><li>PRM vs. SRM/MRM — improving instrument efficiency Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) on Stellar MS provides comprehensive ion information for each target steroid, improving quantitation accuracy and efficiency over traditional MRM methods.</li><li>Complementary dissociation mechanisms — HCD and CID Stellar’s unique ability to combine beam-type (HCD) and resonant (CID) dissociation ensures full coverage of all 17 targeted steroids. This dual-mode approach effectively overcomes neutral water loss product ions — one of the key challenges in steroid analysis.</li><li>Next-level selectivity — MS² to MS³ transition The platform’s ability to perform MS³ experiments enhances selectivity and confidence, particularly in complex biological matrices, where interferences are common.</li><li>Product ion accumulation vs. dwell time — improved ion ratios and sensitivity By accumulating product ions rather than relying on fixed dwell times, Stellar MS achieves superior ion ratio precision and reproducibility — even at low spiking levels — without sacrificing throughput.</li></ol>&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Advancing_Steroid_Quantification_Unlocking_Sensitivity_and_Selectivity_with_the_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_Mass_Spectrometer_2_21e509451a.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Advancing Steroid Quantification: Unlocking Sensitivity and Selectivity with the Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer: Figure 1. Representative EIC of 17 steroids in human serum using the Thermo Scientific Stellar mass spectrometer." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Advancing_Steroid_Quantification_Unlocking_Sensitivity_and_Selectivity_with_the_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_Mass_Spectrometer_2_21e509451a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="800" height="412"><h3>From characterization to confident method creation</h3>The power of Stellar MS lies in its comprehensive acquisition strategy. In this application note, a single injection per spiking level generated 125 distinct scan events, combining:<ul><li>HCD and CID MS² experiments</li><li>Targeted MS³ scans</li><li>Positive/negative polarity switching</li></ul>This workflow enables analysts to rapidly evaluate:<ol><li>Which dissociation mechanism produces the most informative spectra</li><li>Whether MS² or MS³ is best suited for each compound</li><li>The optimal product ions for confident post-acquisition quantitation</li></ol>By providing this complete dataset in a single run, Stellar MS dramatically accelerates method optimization and validation, supporting more efficient and reliable quantitation strategies.<h3>Driving method development efficiency</h3>The real strength of the Stellar MS isn’t just its speed or sensitivity — it’s the ability to experiment, compare, and decide in one workflow. Through simultaneous HCD/CID fragmentation, MS² and MS³ switching, and polarity control, users can determine the optimal analytical conditions across complex steroid panels quickly and confidently.This approach helps labs:<ul><li>Reduce development time</li><li>Maximize data quality</li><li>Improve long-term robustness and reproducibility</li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3>The Stellar MS platform empowers analytical scientists to move beyond incremental performance metrics toward methodological innovation.By integrating comprehensive characterization and advanced scanning control, it enables faster, more confident decisions in quantitative steroid analysis — setting a new benchmark for flexibility and precision in LC-MS.Ask the Experts: On-Demand WebinarLearn more about how Stellar MS enhances steroid profiling and quantitative workflows. Watch the on-demand webinar where Thermo Fisher scientists discuss:<ul><li>Advanced method development strategies</li><li>Insights from the steroid panel dataset</li><li>Practical examples of leveraging Stellar’s flexibility for confident quantitation</li></ul><blockquote>Watch now: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5117">Unlocking the Power of Quantitative Analysis with Stellar MS</a>Read the full application note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.cz/paper/32415">Selective and sensitive measurement of 17 steroids in human serum using a Stellar mass spectrometer</a></blockquote><ul><li>Learn more about <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-lc-ms/lc-ms-systems/orbitrap-lc-ms/stellar-mass-spectrometer/stellar-mass-spectrometer-applications.html">Stellar Mass Spectrometer applications</a></li><li>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#MassSpectrometry #ClinicalResearch #LCMS #StellarMS</li></ul><blockquote><h5>Dane Walker</h5>Dane Walker is Regional Marketing Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, focused on LC-MS systems across EMEA. With a PhD in Surface Science and a background in scientific instrumentation, he blends technical expertise with strategic marketing to drive data-led campaigns. Passionate about communicating science and enabling innovation, Dane enjoys powerboating, cycling, stargazing, and talking endlessly about mass spectrometry.</blockquote>

Advancing Steroid Quantification: Unlocking Sensitivity and Selectivity with the Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer

<h4>The problem&nbsp;</h4>We live in a “global village” but we are all different and we use many different languages to communicate.&nbsp;Even when people speak the same language, the same words may be used with different meanings. See, for example, some different uses of the word “standard” in English – a normative document, a solution of known concentration or even a type of flag.&nbsp;Even in the same area of activity misunderstandings do occur which may result in a waste of time and money, or even worse consequences.&nbsp;When talking about laboratory tests, lack of a full understanding of key terms and inappropriate translations leaves room for different interpretations of stated requirements. For example, there have historically been a number of different but related uses of the term ‘detection limit’. This may lead to inadequate fulfilment of those requirements, thus becoming an obstacle to the production of analytical data that is fit for its intended use. A shared interpretation of concepts related to quality in measurement between laboratories and accreditation bodies is also crucial for a fair and harmonised approach to laboratory assessment across the world.&nbsp;<h4>A common language&nbsp;</h4>We need a common language; clear and unambiguous. We need a common vocabulary to provide consistent definitions of concepts with their associated terms. To this end, several organisations participate in a joint effort to develop and maintain an international vocabulary of metrology (VIM) [1], which aims to achieve a unique understanding of concepts related to measurements across all sectors. The VIM is a normative reference in the standards ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189 and ISO/IEC 17043, and is therefore a key document for all organisations seeking accreditation.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_You_talk_we_understand_The_way_out_of_the_tower_of_Babel_Standards_8d947dbd5f.jpg" alt="Eurachem: You talk, we understand – The way out of the tower of Babel_A common language" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_You_talk_we_understand_The_way_out_of_the_tower_of_Babel_Standards_8d947dbd5f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1126" height="499"><h4>Is this enough?&nbsp;</h4>For laboratory staff some problems still stand and need to be addressed:&nbsp;<ul><li>Many people are confused about both concepts and terms.&nbsp;</li><li>It may be difficult to understand the “formal” VIM definitions – they are short statements intended to apply to many different measurement sectors.</li><li>Translations into local languages may add to the confusion, e.g. if different terms are used in different sectors for the same VIM concept and the translator overlooks this issue.</li><li>Some substantial changes to terminology have been made in an attempt to accommodate chemical and biological measurements. Some “old” concepts still stand but have new names, e.g. “within laboratory reproducibility” vs. “intermediate precision”.&nbsp;</li></ul>To address these issues Eurachem has produced a guide [2] which provides an accessible reference containing simple and in context explanations of terms most relevant to analysts, with additional examples relating those concepts to chemical and biological measurements.&nbsp;<h4>Do you understand the meaning of these terms?&nbsp;</h4>Are you interested in a quantity or a quality? Depending on the answer, will you use a measurement procedure or an examination? Is method verification the same or less demanding than method validation? Do you need a calibration or just performance verification? Do you have a measurement standard in your laboratory? Is metrological traceability something you worry about? These are examples of the terms supporting the reliability of any measurement result that need to be clearly understood.&nbsp;<h5>Example – Accuracy, trueness, precision: are they synonyms?&nbsp;</h5><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_You_talk_we_understand_The_way_out_of_the_tower_of_Babel_accuracy_231e1e005e.jpg" alt="Eurachem: You talk, we understand – The way out of the tower of Babel_Example – Accuracy, trueness, precision" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_You_talk_we_understand_The_way_out_of_the_tower_of_Babel_accuracy_231e1e005e.jpg 146w," sizes="100vw" width="754" height="807"><ul><li>Closeness between measurement results (relating to the concept of precision)</li><li>Closeness of the average of the measurement results to a reference value (relating to the concept of trueness)&nbsp;</li><li>Closeness of an individual measurement result to the true value (relating to the concept of accuracy)&nbsp;</li></ul>The different situations in the figure show the effect of:&nbsp;<ol style="list-style-type:lower-latin;"><li>poor precision and trueness (imprecise and biased)&nbsp;</li><li>good precision, poor trueness (precise but biased)&nbsp;</li><li>poor precision, good trueness (imprecise but unbiased)&nbsp;</li><li>good precision and trueness (precise and unbiased)&nbsp;</li></ol>Improving both precision and trueness is expected to improve accuracy.&nbsp;<h4>Is all this relevant to you?&nbsp;</h4>Do you work in a laboratory, either as an analyst, quality manager or director? Are you involved in other activities related to analytical work, such as providing proficiency tests, producing reference materials or accrediting any such activity? Do you teach or study subjects related to measurements? Do you use measurement results or prescribe how to use them? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the following reference documents are also for you.

You talk, we understand – The way out of the tower of Babel

Visit the LabRulez booth at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/871">analytica 2026</a> in Munich, 24. - 27. March 2026! You can find us in Hall A1, Booth A1.506. At the booth, you will be able to explore live demonstrations of how the LabRulez portals work and see selected analytical instruments from our pre-owned marketplace section.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_at_Analytica_2026_Floor_plan_55e1057e03.jpg" alt="LabRulez at Analytica 2026: Hall A1 Floor Plan and Booth Location" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_at_Analytica_2026_Floor_plan_55e1057e03.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1516" height="881"><h3>Would you like to learn how the LabRulez portals work?</h3>➡︎ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/">LabRulezLCMS</a> ➡︎ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/">LabRulezGCMS</a> ➡︎ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/">LabRulezICPMS</a><ul><li>A unique online solution for your marketing</li><li>A targeted audience from the analytical chemistry community</li><li>Modern technologies and a unique concept</li><li>Design optimized for most smart devices – PC, mobile, and tablet</li><li>Advanced statistical tools fully available to users</li></ul><h3>Services Offered</h3><h4>News + Company Updates</h4><ul><li>Publish news related to your instrumentation, applications, services, events, job openings, and more</li><li>News is shared both on our portals and across our social media channels</li></ul><h4>Library – All Documents in One Place</h4><ul><li>Applications, posters, presentations, technical articles, brochures, specifications</li><li>Fast and advanced search capabilities</li><li>Over 32,000 documents currently available in our database</li></ul><h4>Webinars</h4><ul><li>Upcoming and on-demand webinars from the field of analytical chemistry</li><li>More than 5,500 webinars covering chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy</li></ul><h4>Careers</h4><ul><li>Targeted job listings in analytical chemistry</li><li>Clear filtering by specialization or location</li><li>Increased visibility for job postings</li></ul><h4>Companies</h4><ul><li>Company profile with key information and contacts</li><li>Integration of all your activities on our portal: News, Library documents, Webinars, Upcoming Events, Careers, and mentions by partners or customers</li><li>Connection to your Products listed on LabRulez portals</li></ul><h4>Products and Services</h4><ul><li>Comprehensive overview of instrumental techniques and services</li><li>Targeting the analytical chemistry community and customers in the growing online environment</li></ul><h4>Marketplace</h4><ul><li>Buying and selling pre-owned analytical equipment</li><li>We purchase analytical instrumentation of all brands and ages</li><li>Sell your equipment through LabRulez</li><li>Request and purchase complete systems, modules, or spare parts with warranty and service</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_at_analytica_2026_bazar_7edf4a0872.jpg" alt="LabRulez at analytica 2026" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_at_analytica_2026_bazar_7edf4a0872.jpg 88w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2844"><h3>What Will Be on Display at Our Booth?</h3>Come and explore selected spare parts and modules from our marketplace section. These include both new, tested, and pre-owned items.<h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar">LabRulezLCMS Marketplace</a></h4>Spare parts for LC/MS:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=378">Vacuum turbo pumps for LC/MS</a></li></ul>Spare parts for HPLC:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=397">Degassers for HPLC/UHPLC</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=368&amp;search=valve">Automatic valves for HPLC</a></li><li>HPLC components for Agilent 1100, 1200, and 1260 Infinity II series</li></ul>Consumables:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=377">HPLC lamps</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=48">HPLC columns</a></li></ul><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar">LabRulezGCMS Marketplace</a></h4>Spare parts for GC/MS:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=367&amp;search=turbo">Turbo pumps for GC/MS</a></li></ul>Spare parts for GC:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=366&amp;search=EPC">EPC modules</a></li></ul>Sample injection<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar/432">Autosampler 7693A for GC</a></li></ul>Consumables:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=7">GC columns </a>and selected accessories</li></ul>

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A unique company dedicated to serving science helping our customers drive productivity and accelerate results. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services.

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Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

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Waters Xevo CDMS charge detection mass spectrometer

Unlock direct mass measurement of megadalton biomolecules with Waters Xevo CDMS. Analyze viral vectors, RNA, and protein complexes with unprecedented precision and single-ion detection.

Understanding the mass and heterogeneity of large and complex biomolecules has long been a barrier to advancement. Conventional techniques fail to resolve the information needed to reconstruct the detailed nuance of structure, especially for megadalton molecular assemblies. It can take months or even years of tedious, expensive research to understand the basics of biomolecular structures.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_CDMS_charge_detection_mass_spectrometer_2_88ab59406f.jpg" alt="Waters: Xevo CDMS charge detection mass spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_CDMS_charge_detection_mass_spectrometer_2_88ab59406f.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682">Not anymore. With the breakthrough Xevo CDMS instrument, you can achieve precise measurement of challenging large and highly heterogeneous molecules—including viral vectors, virus-like particles (VLPs), RNA, and protein complexes—that were previously out of reach for mass characterization.With this incredible innovation in charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS), your lab can answer questions that were previously unaskable, unlocking the future of biological science, drug development, cell and gene therapy, and precision medicine.<h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Technology: Charge detection mass spectrometry with single-ion detection</li><li>Detection: Direct mass measurement powered by ELIT technology</li><li>Mass Range: 100 MDa and beyond with molecular weight characterization and purity determination of the​ largest, most heterogenous biotherapeutics</li><li>Resolution: High-resolution MS analysis of complex mixtures</li><li>Sample Types: Ideal for a variety of sample types including viral particles, protein assemblies, and exosomes</li><li>Instrument Footprint: Modern benchtop design with revolutionary nanoESI source</li><li>User Interface: Intuitive software with guided workflows</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_CDMS_The_ELIT_system_enables_ultra_sensitive_detection_by_isolating_and_measuring_individual_ions_a_capability_not_available_in_traditional_MS_systems_da8ddf4d65.jpg" alt="Waters: Xevo CDMS - The ELIT system enables ultra-sensitive detection by isolating and measuring individual ions—a capability not available in traditional MS systems." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_CDMS_The_ELIT_system_enables_ultra_sensitive_detection_by_isolating_and_measuring_individual_ions_a_capability_not_available_in_traditional_MS_systems_da8ddf4d65.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"><h4>Overview</h4><ul><li>Uncover hidden dimensions in biomolecular analysis across cell and gene therapy, biotherapeutics, biophysical science, and nanoparticle research</li><li>Investigate protein structure, function, and mechanisms of diseases at scale with measurement of massive, heterogeneous molecules that were previously invisible</li><li>Achieve real mass clarity with direct, unambiguous, single-ion mass measurement of highly complex, high-mass molecules</li><li>Gain powerful therapeutic insights with characterization of viral vectors, mRNA, and protein complexes</li><li>Get intuitive, ready to submit data workflows, and GxP-ready architecture</li></ul>Recommended Use: For direct analysis of biomolecules in the megadalton range and beyond.<h4>Expand biomolecular analysis beyond traditional tools with CDMS</h4>Traditional characterization methods like SEC-MALS, analytical ultracentrifugation, and mass photometry often fall short for today’s biomolecules. They require large sample volumes, extended run times, or lack specificity. Xevo CDMS overcomes these limitations with direct, single-ion mass measurement across an extraordinary range, from below 1 MDa to beyond 100 MDa, using as little as 10 µL of sample. With streamlined workflows, faster results, and practical precision, Xevo CDMS delivers insights that conventional tools cannot match, making it a powerful complement or alternative in advanced biomolecular research.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_CDMS_charge_detection_mass_spectrometer_4_72564240d2.jpg" alt="Waters: Xevo CDMS charge detection mass spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_CDMS_charge_detection_mass_spectrometer_4_72564240d2.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="683">

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Advancing Steroid Quantification: Unlocking Sensitivity and Selectivity with the Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer

You talk, we understand – The way out of the tower of Babel