Background: Measurement of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) usually requires a venous serum sample which may have implications for sample stability or collection.
Objective: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed for samples collected using Mitra devices. Analytical validation was completed, and sample comparisons were undertaken to assess Mitra versus venous samples.
Method: Sample was combined with deionized water and internal standard. After mixing, MTBE was added for extraction. The supernatant was transferred to a deep-well plate and dried prior to re-constitution. A HSS T3 column and Waters TQS Micro was used, the detected quantifier transitions were T m/z 289.2 > 96.95, A4 287.2 > 96.95 and 17OHP 331.25 > 96.95.
Results: Mean recovery was 102% for T, 98% for A4 and 97% for 17OHP. Lower limit of quantification was 1 nmol/L for T/A4 and 4 nmol/L for 17OHP. T was linear up to 41.6 nmol/L, A4 41.9 nmol/L and 17OHP 72.6 nmol/L. Ion suppression was <10% for all analytes. A4 and 17OHP showed minimal bias for Mitra samples collected from finger prick blood. The bias for T differed between capillary and venous blood, indicating differences in constituency.
Discussion: A simple, fast and reproducible LC-MS/MS assay has been developed for measurement of blood collected using Mitra devices for T, A4 and 17OHP. Further comparisons with serum and capillary blood collected onto Mitra devices serum may pave the way for future use in a clinical setting.
Keywords: Mass spectrometry; evaluation of new methods; steroid hormones.