5 things you should know about mass spectrometry
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Delivering innovations of high medical value has been the hallmark of Roche Diagnostics for decades. That's why Roche Diagnostics decided to bring mass spectrometry into routine testing with innovations that have the potential to transform healthcare.
Mass spectrometry can provide many patients with a more personalised diagnosis. Interested to know more? Here are five things you should know about this powerful diagnostic testing technique and Roche’s commitment to innovation and partnership.
1. What is mass spectrometry?
All molecules have one thing in common: they all have a mass. So mass spectrometry is basically a technology that detects molecules by their mass-to-charge ratio. The result is as unique as a biological fingerprint.
What makes mass spectrometry suitable for diagnostics to answer specific clinical questions? The technology has the unique ability to analyse small molecules at very low concentrations with high specificity, sensitivity and accuracy. Other advantages are that there are no cross-reactivities and considerably fewer matrix effects or other interferences as with other detection methods. As a result, mass spectrometry is considered a gold standard for certain clinical situations¹ in steroid hormone measurement, vitamin D testing and the monitoring of immunosuppressants and therapeutic drugs.
2. What is the value of automated mass spectrometry to laboratories, healthcare systems and patients?
Offering automated mass spectrometry is a clear differentiator for labs to stand out from their competitors. The technology radically simplifies and automates the workflow from sample preparation to result interpretation, improving productivity and efficiency of the labs. It offers a notable improvement in throughput and turnaround time, with test results available more quickly. Moreover, a fully automated and standardised workflow, capable of running 24/7, means that labs can provide critically needed testing in areas such as intensive care.
For lab staff, this means high walk-away time, giving them time for other tasks. This is especially important for the many labs facing significant laboratory staff shortages.
With a process that is automated, standardized and integrated, physicians are able to diagnose patients faster and more precisely, supporting them in their decision-making. This can help improve healthcare efficiency and reduce delays in starting or monitoring treatment. This could play an important role in helping healthcare systems reduce costs and better manage patient care.
A major challenge in today's world of mass spectrometry testing is the lack of standardisation. Standardisation enables results to be consistent whether testing is done in Munich, New York, London -- or anywhere. This is extremely important for all patients and for lifelong therapeutic drug monitoring.
Certain patient groups will strongly benefit from routine mass spectrometry testing. For example, mass spectrometry is useful for endocrinology -- it can e.g. measure steroid hormones at very low levels more accurately than other technologies. This benefit applies for example in hormone receptive breast and prostate cancer.
It is very difficult to achieve the right antibiotics dosage, especially in critically ill patients. The clear and precise therapeutic drug monitoring results enabled by mass spectrometry reveal if the efficient concentration is reached and whether or not adjustments need to be made. Not only does this decrease the risk of drug-related adverse events for the patient, but it also helps limit the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.
3. What is Roche Diagnostics doing to improve the process of mass spectrometry?
Roche has developed new technology in partnership with our long-term partner, Hitachi High-Tech, that automates, integrates and standardises mass spectrometry, making it possible to bring this powerful testing technique to the routine laboratory.
The technology combines sample preparation, separation, mass spectrometry analysis and result interpretation into one streamlined workflow. This automation can bring fast, accurate and precise analysis, boosting productivity and increasing efficiencies.
Laboratories have long been aware of the substantial benefit mass spectrometry could bring to healthcare -- but they also knew there were significant challenges. The workflow of existing mass spectrometry systems were highly complex, not automated, not standardized and not user friendly. These systems were cumbersome and operators had to have special skills to manage this operational complexity.
Since the existing systems couldn't be integrated into routine laboratory practice, this meant that mass spectrometry was offered only by specialist laboratories. The need for mass spectrometry was clearly there, but could not be met.
5. What is behind Roche’s innovative and collaborative mindset?
As one of the largest healthcare investors in R&D worldwide, Roche is committed to pushing the boundaries of healthcare and making life-changing breakthroughs. Innovation is at the core of what we do and who we are. In 2023, Roche invested more than CHF 13 billion in research and development.² We were also the first company to fully automate immunoassay and PCR technology.
In close collaboration with Hitachi High-Tech, we used our joint experience and expertise to create mass spectrometry technology that meets the needs of the lab of the future. Roche and Hitachi High-Tech have collaborated for more than 45 years. We bring to the table our world-leading biotechnology expertise, and Hitachi High-Tech their unparalleled knowledge in hardware engineering and integrating diagnostic instruments for clinical settings. Because of our partnership with Hitachi High-Tech, we’ll be able to offer four connected, robust and reliable technologies: ISE, clinical chemistry, immunochemistry and mass spectrometry. With more than 70 years of experience in mass spectrometry, Hitachi High-Tech was the perfect partner for innovating to advance mass spectrometry technology.
References
Rankin-Turner S. and Heaney L. (2023). CCLM 61, 873-879. Available from: