Thermo Fisher Scientific Exhibits LC-MS/MS Solution at AACC

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced the success of its liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) solution at Ameritox, a leading provider of forensic and specialty toxicology laboratory services. The Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum Access™ triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, combined with the Thermo Scientific Aria™ TLX-4 system, uses TurboFlow™ and multiplexing technologies to offer the industry’s most advanced, most sensitive analytical method for clinical labs like Ameritox and is exhibited for the first time at AACC. By implementing this advanced LC-MS/MS method, Ameritox has reduced the amount of time spent on sample preparation and increased its mass spectrometry throughput for forensic and specialty toxicology assessments . This advanced LC-MS/MS technology will be displayed at the Thermo Scientific booth 2739 at AACC 2008, being held in Washington, D.C., from July 29 – 31.

The Thermo Scientific TurboFlow technology uses turbulent flow chromatography to separate analytes from biological matrices prior to MS/MS analysis. Unlike traditional technologies, the TurboFlow method injects the sample directly onto a narrow diameter TurboFlow column. By eliminating extraction, derivitization and evaporation, Ameritox has reduced the lengthy sample preparation time traditionally associated with other methods.

The Aria TLX-4 is the only truly independent, parallel, multi-channel high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system in the industry. It utilizes Thermo Scientific Aria^® Software to manage all aspects of the process and allows as many as four sample batches to run at the same time, each with a unique method. By maximizing this multiplexing system, Ameritox has recognized increased productivity – essentially the output of four separate, parallel LC systems from a single mass spectrometer – and avoided the high capital costs associated with other methods.

“We are very pleased with the performance of the Aria TLX-4 multiplexing system with TurboFlow technology,” commented Dr. James Bourland, laboratory director, Ameritox. “With the assistance of the Thermo Fisher Scientific field services staff, we have successfully transferred two high-volume confirmations to LC-MS/MS. As a result, we have realized efficiencies by eliminating extractions and reducing the analysis time and turnaround time. In addition, the quality and reliability of the LC-MS/MS data is superior to our previous method.”

Thermo Fisher Scientific has a comprehensive range of clinical solutions for a variety of applications. Featuring chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques under its premier Thermo Scientific brand, in addition to the Microgenics and Athena specialty brands, the company is now a top-10 player in the clinical diagnostics market. “We are thrilled with the success Ameritox has realized through our comprehensive solution,” comments Jeff Zonderman, director LC-MS clinical and toxicology , Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The benefits derived from the Aria TLX-4 multiplexing system powered by TurboFlow technology, combined with the sensitivity and confidence of the TSQ Quantum Access, set us apart in the marketplace.”