MSACL 2026 Abstract

Programming Analyte Specificity into Your New LC-MS Assay

Patrick B. Kyle
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson MS

Patrick Kyle, PhD (Presenter) University of Mississippi Medical Center

Presenter Bio: Patrick is a Professor of Pathology at The University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he directs the Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology laboratories, and two outpatient laboratories. He received his PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from The University of Mississippi and is boarded in Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Toxicology and Forensic Toxicology (ABCC, ABFT). He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and teaches medical students, dental students and pathology residents the tenets of clinical chemistry and toxicology.

Relevant Financial Disclosures (within past 24 months, reported on Apr 22, 2026) No relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose.

This session will explore techniques used to ensure analyte specificity in LC-MS analyses for small molecules. The session will apply to both nominal mass as well as high-resolution instruments and will include preanalytical considerations, chromatography considerations, use of appropriate internal standards, and analyte match criteria. Method validation procedures to evaluate potentially interfering compounds and ion cross talk will be discussed. The effects of optimizing ionization energy on fragmentation patterns, and the use of accurate mass and isotopic patterns will be examined. Result reporting and interpretive comments for suspicious but unconfirmed compounds will be addressed. Audience participation will help foster the learning experience.

Pearls:
After this session participants will be able to:
1) Relate factors that can interfere with MS assays.
2) Identify sources of ion cross talk.
3) Describe effects of ionization energy on analyte fragmentation.
4) List analyte match criteria to improve assay specificity.