Analysis of Plasma Metabolites Using Gas-Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry System with Automated TMS Derivatization

Gas-Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) is one of highly suitable techniques for metabolome analysis because of the high separation, reproducible retention times and sensitive selective mass detection. However, metabolites are commonly derivatized before GC-MS/MS analysis. In case of TMS derivatization, the samples should be analyzed within 24 hours after derivatization, because the TMS derivatives will deteriorate after 24 hours. Moreover, metabolome analysis requires the measurement of more than 100 samples. Therefore, an effective analysis procedure and a reduction of exposure of operators to toxic reagents are required. In order to improve analysis accuracy, efficiency and safety, an Automated TMS Derivatization GC-MS/MS System was developed. In this study, the system is evaluated for analysis of metabolites in human plasma.