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Mass Spectrometry

The main objective of the Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Core is to support analysis for small molecules in biological samples arising through clinical and preclinical studies. The expertise of the Core team lies in development of sensitive methods to detect and quantify drugs and endogenous compounds.

The facility hosts the Mass Spectrometry Core Laboratory of the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility and also other mass spectrometers supporting endocrine and cardiovascular research and has evolved from funding through Wellcome Trust equipment and programme grants and an Infrastructure award by the British Heart Foundation.

Major Themes of Research

  • Quantitation of small molecules eg drug concentrations to assess pharmacokinetic parameters or to confirm randomisation/compliance.
  • Assessment of rates of turnover and production of hormones and intermediate metabolites (eg steroid hormones, glucose, glycerol, fatty acids) using stable-isotope labelled tracers.
  • Identification of routes of drug metabolism in support of preclinical and toxicology studies.
  • Small scale chemical synthesis to support analytical projects eg unusual metabolites.

Instrumentation and Facilities Available (pdfs in side panel)

  • single quadrupole gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS);
  • an ion trap GC-MS;
  • a triple quadrupole GC-MS (with headspace capacity);
  • two liquid chromatograph triple quadrupole mass spectrometers (LC-MS/MS), one with a linear ion trap;
  • conventional and ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography;
  • flash chromatography;
  • high throughput sample preparation;
  • small scale chemical synthesis and purification;
  • support for CTIMPs, under Good Clinical Practice.

We offer support from training scientists and students to operate independently as mass spectroscopists to full technical support for sample analysis. The Core can also offer advice on related mass spectrometric approaches (eg metabolomics, mass spectrometric imaging), participating in a vibrant community within the Scottish University network.

Location: E3.08 and E3.09, QMRI,  

Telephone: 0131 242 9229.