5 things you should know about mass spectrometry

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.
 

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. Another advantage is there are fewer interferences than 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.

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.

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.