Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the amount of cis-diol containing compounds in a biological samples using mass spectrometry, particularly catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine) in a plasma sample. After a sample is mixed with an internal standard, extracted with a two-step liquid-liquid extraction process utilizing phenylboronic acid chemistry, and then derivatized with a benzoyl chloride-like agent, relevant moieties are then separated chromatographically and detected by MS/MS whereby specific ion transitions are monitored. This invention has several clinical utilities, particularly those related to measuring plasma catecholamines in patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the amount of NPY in a biological sample using mass spectrometry. The methods involve specific sample collection processes necessary to stabilize and facilitate NYP analyses. Once in the laboratory, sample preparation is followed by on-line extraction, liquid chromatographic separation of relevant moieties with detection by MS/MS whereby specific ion transitions are monitored. This invention has several clinical utilities related to disease processes and patient assessment.