Quantification of bile acids directly from plasma by MALDI-TOF-MS.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) has proved to be a useful method for the quantification of bile acids directly from plasma. Six cholic acid derivatives were selected for analysis: taurocholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, taurolithocholic acid, glycocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, and glycolithocholic acid. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns were used to preconcentrate and purify the plasma samples. Calibration curves averaged from 3 days were obtained for the bile acids, and then tested for their ability to accurately determine concentrations from one measurement. In summary, a simple, rapid method has been developed for the quantification of bile salts from plasma by MALDI-MS with SPE cleanup.