Accurate, Reliable, and Cutting-Edge Mass Spectrometry
The Clinical Mass Spectrometry (CMS) Laboratory, part of the Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Cincinnati Children's, provides comprehensive analytical services to support both clinical diagnostics and research. The facility specializes in:
- Quantifying endogenous compounds and metabolites
- Analyzing natural and medicinal products
- Detecting and monitoring therapeutic drugs
- Screening and confirmation for drugs of abuse, including natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic opioids
- Performing comprehensive Bile Acids analyses
- Diagnosing genetic metabolic disorders
- Analytical services supporting clinical trials
Using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry techniques and gold standard methods, we offer highly specific and sensitive analyses to determine chemical structures and quantify compounds. The lab is CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified, and operates under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, ensuring compliance with rigorous regulatory requirements.
Facility and Capabilities
The CMS Laboratory spans 3,000 square feet within Cincinnati Children's and is equipped with advanced instrumentation including FAB-MS, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS technologies for qualitative and quantitative analyses.
- A full suite of cutting-edge analytical instruments
- Validated assays meeting regulatory standards
- Accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP #1667801) and CLIA certification (CLIA 88 #36D0656333)
- Expertise in assay development
Clinical Services
Our clinical mass spectrometry services support physicians, healthcare providers, and researchers at Cincinnati Children's, nationally, and internationally. Key services include:
- International screening program for bile acid synthesis disorders (BASD) and therapeutic monitoring
- Therapeutic drug monitoring for Sirolimus, Everolimus, Topiramate, Amitriptyline, and Posaconazole
- Hormone analysis, including free-T4 and Testosterone levels
- Same-day drug screening and confirmation of 45 drugs of abuse, including:
- Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines
- Buprenorphine, Cannabinoids, Cocaine, Nicotine, Methadone
- Muscle relaxants, Opioids, Phencyclidine
- Assays for metabolic disorders including organic acids and acylcarnitines
Research Services
The CMS Laboratory actively collaborates with Primary Investigators both within Cincinnati Children's and external institutions. Our research support includes:
- Extensive expertise in clinical and biomedical mass spectrometry application
- Development of novel methodologies and assay validation
- Untargeted and targeted metabolomic and lipidomic platforms
We provide investigators with tailored analytical solutions to drive cutting-edge research and discovery.
Instrumentation
Our laboratory is equipped with a diverse array of mass spectrometry and analytical instrumentation, including:
- High-resolution VG-Autospec magnetic sector mass spectrometer (GC-MS & FAB-MS)
- Waters UPLC-MS triple-quadrupole instruments (Micro-Xevo, Xevo TQ-S, Xevo TQ-XS)
- Thermo Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap instrument
- AB Sciex QTrap instruments (4500 & 5500)
- AB Sciex 7500 triple-quadrupole instrument
- Waters GC-TOF and Xevo G2S QTOF instruments
- Agilent 7000D GC-MS triple-quadrupole instrument
- Hewlett-Packard 5890 capillary column gas chromatography systems
Additionally, we maintain a full suite of supporting analytical equipment, including electronic balances, pH meters, distillation systems, centrifuges, and rotary evaporators.
Contact Us
For more information on our services, research collaborations, or instrumentation capabilities, please contact the CMS Laboratory.
