Rapid analysis of raw solution samples by C18 pipette-tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

• Combination of C18 pipette tips with syringe and syringe pump for rapid analysis of raw solution samples by mass spectrometry.
• Rapid analysis of protein solutions containing high contents of salts and detergents.
• Rapid quantitation of ketamine and norketamine in urine with very low limits of detection.

A C18 pipette-tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry technique was developed for rapid analysis of raw solution samples. In this technique, a C18 pipette tip was employed for rapid purification and enrichment of analytes in raw sample solutions. The adsorbed analytes were eluted by solvents supplied by a syringe and a syringe pump, and a high voltage was applied onto the syringe needle to induce electrospray ionization at the pipette tip end for mass spectrometric analysis. This technique is simple, easy to assemble, enables generation of stable and reproducible signals, and can be conveniently used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of raw solution samples. Analysis by the technique only involved simple sample preparation procedures followed by direct mass spectrometric detection, all of which could be completed within minutes, while the analytical performances of the technique, including the limit of detection, limit of quantitation, liner range, accuracy and precision, were comparable to those by conventional methods.

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