Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)--technique and applications in endocrinology.

In recent years, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has emerged as an innovative analytical technology applicable to a wide number of analyses in the endocrinology laboratory. Compared to the "traditional" technique of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), LC-MS/MS is easier to use and is applicable for a substantially larger number of relevant analytes. With the development of LC-MS/MS, the widespread application of the proven principle of isotope dilution mass spectrometry is now feasible not only in research but also for routine applications. The aim of this review is to explain the basic technical principles of LC-MS/MS, to describe the general characteristics of analytical LC-MS/MS applications and to comprehensively discuss the application of this technology in the field of endocrinology.