Methylmalonic acid: Evaluation of automated sample preparation and simplicity of method implementation

The screening for elevated levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in serum is commonly used as a clinical diagnostic indicator of Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) deficiency in humans. MMA is commonly analyzed using LC-MS/MS with or without prior derivatization. This
poster summarizes various sample preparation strategies for the extraction of MMA from serum without the necessity for derivatization, prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. A range of extraction techniques of varying complexity were evaluated: protein precipitation, phospholipid depletion, supported liquid extraction and solid phase extraction using both silica and polymer-based mixed-mode anion exchange chemistries. Method performance was evaluated for evaporative effects, assay recovery, ion suppression,
phospholipid removal and simplicity of transfer to an automated sample preparation platform.

Literature number: P146