Mass Spectrometry Delivers Cost-Effective Solutions Across Expanding Clinical Applications
Beyond its established roles in drugs-of-abuse testing, newborn screening, and steroid analysis, mass spectrometry is now deployed across nearly all areas of laboratory medicine. The technology provides cost-effective solutions at a time of increasing economic pressure and declining reimbursement rates. This review highlights prominent examples where MS has improved patient care and discusses the practical challenges of clinical implementation including staffing, training, and regulatory considerations.
The original study
Effective Use of Mass Spectrometry in the Clinical Laboratory.
- Authors
- Jannetto PJ, Fitzgerald RL
- Journal
- Clinical chemistry
- Type
- Journal Article, Review
- PMID
- 26553795
Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Historically the success of mass spectrometry in the clinical laboratory has focused on drugs of abuse confirmations, newborn screening, and steroid analysis. Clinical applications of mass spectrometry continue to expand, and mass spectrometry is now being used in almost all areas of laboratory medicine. CONTENT: A brief background of the evolution of mass spectrometry in the clinical laboratory is provided with a discussion of future applications. Prominent examples of mass spectrometry are covered to illustrate how it has improved the practice of medicine and enabled physicians to provide better patient care. With increasing economic pressures and decreasing laboratory test reimbursement, mass spectrometry testing has been shown to provide cost-effective solutions. In addition to pointing out the numerous benefits, the challenges of implementing mass spectrometry in the clinical laboratory are also covered. SUMMARY: Mass spectrometry continues to play a prominent role in the field of laboratory medicine. The advancement of this technology along with the development of new applications will only accelerate the incorporation of mass spectrometry into more areas of medicine.