METHOD FOR ANALYSING A COMPLEX SAMPLE BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

摘要

The present invention pertains to a mass spectrometry method for analysing the presence or absence of at least one target analyte in a complex sample, comprising at least the following steps: a) Using a sample carrier suitable for mass spectrometry comprising a pre-applied microcrystalline MALDI matrix spot which is at least partially encompassed by a hydrophobic region; b) Applying a complex sample such that it becomes located on said microcrystalline MALDI matrix spot; c) washing said sample on said microcrystalline MALDI matrix spot; d) analysing said sample for the presence or absence of at least one target analyte via mass spectrometry. The method is in particular suitable for quantitatively analysing target analytes such as hepcidin and other peptides, drug compounds and metabolites in body fluids.