Biological Matrix Effects in Quantitative Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Analytical Methods: Advancing Biomonitoring

ABSTRACT

The ability to quantify levels of target analytes in biological samples accurately and precisely in biomonitoring involves the use of highly sensitive and selective instrumentation such as tandem mass spectrometers and a thorough understanding of highly variable matrix effects. Typically, matrix effects are caused by co-eluting matrix components that alter the ionization of target analytes as well as the chromatographic response of target analytes, leading to reduced or increased sensitivity of the analysis. Thus, before the desired accuracy and precision standards of laboratory data are achieved, these effects must be characterized and controlled. Here we present our review and observations of matrix effects encountered during the validation and implementation of tandem mass spectrometry–based analytical methods. We also provide systematic, comprehensive laboratory strategies needed to control challenges posed by matrix effects in order to ensure delivery of the most accurate data for biomonitoring studies assessing exposure to environmental toxicants.

KEYWORDS:

• Analytical method development
• biological analysis
• biomonitoring
• matrix effects
• tandem mass-spectrometry

Acknowledgments

The laboratory results presented here were drawn from various projects completed in the Laboratory of Exposure Assessment and Development for Environmental Research (LEADER), Emory University. We wish to acknowledge the contributions from LEADER laboratory staff members: Albert S. Lee, Christina R. Brosius, Elizabeth K. George, Emma V. Preston, and Grace E. Lee.

Funding

This work was supported in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 under NIH grant 5RC1ES01829902, the National Children's Study under contract number HHSN267200700007C, PBDE Body Burdens, House Dust Concentrations, and Associations with Thyroid Hormones under NIH grant 1R21ES019697-01, the Emory Parkinson's disease Collaborative Environmental Research Center under NIEHS grant P01 ES016731, and HERCULES: Health and Exposome Research Center at Emory University under NIEHS grant 1P30ES019776-01A1. Samantha A. Radford was supported by Graduate and Postdoctoral Training in Toxicology NIH grant T32 ES012870.