Ultra-fast gradient vs. fast isocratic chromatography in bioanalytical quantification by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) methods developed for quantification using rapid ('ballistic') gradients on narrow bore, short HPLC columns have been previously described by this laboratory. This paper compares the fast gradient approach with the more traditional high-organic isocratic LC/MS/MS methods. The comparison is based on an analysis of the effectiveness of the chromatographic separations when using the two approaches (i.e. k', N, and W). The data presented herein are derived from actual biological samples analyzed as part of the drug discovery process.