Optimization strategy for liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry methods

Abstract

A strategy for the optimization of liquid chromatography (LC)–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry methods is proposed. The optimization aims at good chromatographic quality and a high signal-to-noise ratio for the analyte. The three-step strategy comprises screening experiments, LC studies and infusion experiments, using empirical modelling to evaluate the experimental data. The optimization route was examined for three different cases: (a) estriol in a mixture of estrogens, (b) ibuprofen and related metabolites in urine and (c) morphine in the presence of codeine.