Clinical workflow solutions Chromatography columns and consumables

Importance of the Topic

Analytical workflows are essential in clinical and forensic chemistry for achieving sensitive, robust, and high-throughput detection of biomolecules. By optimizing sample preparation, chromatography, and mass spectrometric detection, these workflows ensure reliable quantitation of metabolites, vitamins, hormones, drugs of abuse, and alcohol biomarkers in complex matrices such as urine and serum.

Objectives and Overview

This brochure presents five targeted workflows—metabolomics, vitamin D profiling, estrogen analysis, drugs of abuse screening, and alcohol biomarker quantitation—designed to help scientists develop efficient, reproducible methods. Each workflow showcases complementary column chemistries, streamlined sample prep, and compatible mass spectrometry platforms to meet the demands of clinical research and routine testing.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Key sample preparation techniques include protein precipitation using HyperSep plates and solid-phase extraction with fritless SOLA/SOLAµ cartridges and plates for low-volume elution. Chromatographic separations leverage advanced phases such as Acclaim PA2 (mixed-mode C18), Accucore Biphenyl, Hypersil GOLD PFP, and aQ C18 columns. UHPLC systems (Vanquish Flex/Horizon) are coupled to high-resolution Orbitrap IQ-X Tribrid or triple quadrupole instruments (TSQ Altis Plus, TSQ Quantiva). Consumables like SureSTART vials, WebSeal plates, and UHPLC filters protect system integrity and maintain sample purity.

Key Results and Discussion

• Metabolomics: Acclaim PA2 columns achieved sharp resolution of urinary catecholamines, overcoming challenges in retaining polar compounds on reversed-phase media.
• Vitamin D: SOLAµ HRP plates enabled elimination of evaporation by using 25 μL elution volumes, while Hypersil GOLD PFP columns provided baseline separation of 25(OH)D3, its epimer, and 25(OH)D2 at 1 ng/mL levels.
• Estrogens: Accucore Biphenyl columns delivered high sensitivity and selectivity for quantifying low-abundance estrone and estradiol in human serum.
• Drugs of Abuse: A rapid, 4-minute UHPLC–MS/MS method separated 23 opioids and related compounds with stable resolution of isobaric analytes in urine.
• Alcohol Biomarkers: Hypersil GOLD aQ columns and TSQ Quantiva detection provided robust measurement of ethyl sulfate and ethyl glucuronide, extending detection windows for ethanol exposure.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Implemented workflows offer lower detection limits, improved selectivity, and higher sample throughput while reducing consumable use and eliminating time-consuming evaporation steps. They support clinical research protocols, forensic toxicology testing, QA/QC laboratories, and translational studies in proteomics and metabolomics.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advancements in microflow LC, AI-driven method optimization, and novel column chemistries will further enhance sensitivity and robustness. Greater automation in sample preparation and integration of high-resolution instrumentation will accelerate comprehensive biomarker panels and personalized medicine applications.

Conclusion

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s end-to-end clinical workflows demonstrate how coordinated selection of sample prep, UHPLC chemistries, and mass spectrometry platforms delivers reliable, high-performance analyses across diverse applications. These turnkey solutions empower laboratories to streamline method development and focus on scientific insights rather than troubleshooting.