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.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

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.

Eurachem

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Modern HPLC separations in theory and practice

This book is a unique combination of theory and practice, but also overviews of stationary phases, sample prep materials, and vendor’s brief presentations.

The Fitness for Purpose of Analytical Methods

The third edition of Eurachem’s flagship guide provides updated, practical guidance on method validation, verification, sampling, and fitness for purpose, aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

<h3>The Fitness for Purpose of Analytical Methods: A Laboratory Guide to Method Validation and Related Topics: Third edition (2025)</h3>Author: H. CantwellThis guide was first issued in 1998 and the second edition published in 2014. Over the years it has been one of the most popular of the Eurachem guides. Since the release of the first edition, however, there have been many changes in terminology, working practices, reference documents and requirements. This third edition, produced by the Eurachem Method Validation Working Group, forms a thorough revision of the 2014 edition.This third edition includes a section on sampling and sample handling as ISO/IEC 17025:2017 introduced a focus on sampling associated with the testing or calibration being carried out by the laboratory and further guidance on assessing the calibration function has been included. The Guide is also now supported by a number of supplementary guidance documents – please see the section on supplementary guidance below.<h4>Contents</h4>This third edition includes guidance on:<ul><li>The importance of fitness for purpose;</li><li>The concept of method validation and verification;</li><li>How a method validation or verification study should be performed and how much should be done;</li><li>Sampling and sample handling in relation to method validation;</li><li>A thorough explanation of the various validation parameters (performance characteristics) and related topics;</li><li>Follow-up on the validation study (reporting, use of performance data in Internal Quality Control);</li><li>Documentation of analytical methods.</li></ul>Annexes also describe the statistical basis of detection limits and analysis of variance for precision studies, and add a check list to aid users in selecting and determining the validity of a test kit.In preparing this guidance, the Working Group has aimed at the right balance between giving a solid theoretical background for method validation studies and providing practical guidelines on how to plan, perform and evaluate such studies in the laboratories.The approach is generic in the sense that the Guide does not focus on particular fields of application (food, environment, pharmaceuticals etc.). However, the guide includes references to a number of specific guides in fields where different practices have been developed and become common.The guide also includes a full bibliography. Further literature references on method validation can be found in the section "Validation of analytical methods" in the Reading list on this website.

Terminology in Analytical Measurement: Introduction to VIM 3

This Eurachem guide introduces VIM 3 terminology relevant to analytical laboratories, explaining key metrological concepts for chemical, biological, and clinical measurements with practical examples.

<h3>Terminology in Analytical Measurement: Introduction to VIM 3 (Second Edition 2023)</h3>Author: V. J. Barwick (Ed.)<h4>Contents</h4>This guide has been produced by members of the Eurachem Education and Training Working Group and others co-opted to the Project group for this task.In the world of metrology – the science of measurement and its application – there is a language which has to be learned. The International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) was produced to provide a common language, primarily for physical measurements. The VIM 3 is a consistent set of concepts each described by a unique term, the ‘label’ of the concept. VIM 3 is applicable across all scientific disciplines thus making it relevant to those involved in performing measurements in chemistry and biology. Consistent definitions of concepts with their associated terms and symbols are essential if analysts and customers across the globe are to understand each other.This Eurachem Guide discusses a selection of the concepts in VIM 3, focusing on those most likely to be encountered in analytical laboratories. It aims to cover chemical, biological and clinical measurements and gives examples over and above those in the notes accompanying the definitions in VIM 3. The guide is intended for laboratory staff, accreditation bodies, for those commissioning measurements and for those using measurement results. Lecturers and trainers may also find this guide useful when teaching aspects of metrology.In this second edition the scope and structure, and the terms and concepts discussed, remain unchanged from the first edition. However, all sections have been reviewed and, where necessary, the text has been revised to improve clarity and ensure consistency with current international guidance at the time of publication.

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LabRulez at analytica 2026

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