Rapid analysis of hemoglobin from whole human blood by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) is applied to the analysis of whole human blood. No separation or purification steps are required to observe individual globins and the sensitivity of the method is excellent. Mass accuracy and precision are 0.01% using a linear TOF system with pulsed ion extraction. Sickle-cell hemoglobin is easily distinguishable from normal hemoglobin. The speed and simplicity of the method make it potentially attractive for large-scale population screening.