Enhanced sensitivity for analysis of ketosteroid compounds using mass spectrometry

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods and composition involving increased sensitivity of compounds using mass spectrometry. In one embodiment, a method of increasing the sensitivity for detection of a carbonyl group-containing compound by mass spectrometry can comprise derivatizing the carbonyl group-containing compound with an O-substituted hydroxylamine thereby producing an oxime, resulting in enhanced sensitivity of detection by mass spectrometry, as compared to the underivatized carbonyl group-containing compound. Additionally, a method for assaying a carbonyl group-containing compound can comprise reacting the carbonyl group-containing compound in a sample with an O-substituted hydroxylamine to produce an oxime and performing analysis with mass spectrometric detection of the oxime by a mass spectrometry instrument. Further, an assay for a ketosteroid can comprise a derivatized ketosteroid produced by reacting the ketosteroid with an O-substituted hydroxylamine to produce an oxime and a mass spectrometry instrument for performing mass spectrometric analysis on the derivatized ketosteroid.