B-115 Software Data Processing and Review LC-MS/MS Workflow Improvements for Clinical Research
Authors: Calton L , Hammond G , Balloch S , Wardle R , Paulette C 
Published: October 2024

Background

In the field of quantitative LC-MS/MS, the need for efficient, accurate and user-friendly data review software is paramount, with the data generated in the clinical laboratory meeting local guidelines, as well as rigorous method performance characteristics defined by the FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation and CLSI C62-Ed2 guidelines. The quantitative LC-MS/MS workflow is dependent on interfacing to LMS/LIMS for sample traceability, batch analysis using matrix-matched external calibrators and quality controls for quantification and acceptance, and stable-isotope labeled internal standards to compensate for sample extraction, recovery, matrix effects and analytical variability. The demands on the laboratory to run multiplexed analyte panels and analyze a greater number of samples produces large amounts of analytical data which must still go through batch and quality review before release from the laboratory to the clinicians. The Waters Quan Review Software significantly reduces the burdensome aspects of batch quality control by introducing a series of innovative features. These include improvements in workflow, a modernized interface, and the ability to flag exceptions based on acceptance criteria.

Methods

Samples for three multiplexed LC-MS/MS panels with previously defined analytical method performance characteristics were acquired using Waters IVD Systems controlled by MassLynx software. The data was processed, quantified, and reviewed using both the existing TargetLynx XS IVD Application Manager and the new Quan Review Software. The three quantitative LC-MS/MS methods were the analysis of four immunosuppressants drugs in whole blood, a twelve steroid panel in plasma and a urine dilute and shoot method for a drugs of abuse panel containing greater than 80 analytes. Each method used matrix matched calibrators and QCs for quantification and batch control with performance characteristics including calibration linearity, carryover, precision and accuracy.

Results

The analytical performance data generated using the new MS Quan data review software met the same performance criteria as the TargetLynx XS data. For immunosuppressants, the % difference of the mean repeatability and total precision (%CV) for the individual analyte QCs processed using both software was within ±1.3% and ±4.4% respectively. The mean % bias of External Quality Assurance Samples (n=40) for each immunosuppressant processed using both software was within ±7.9%. The modernized, task-oriented accelerated workflows and focused review by exception reduced review time by up to 50%.

Conclusions

The new Quan Review Software generated results equivalent to the existing TargetLynx XS Application Manager. The software’s enhanced workflow capabilities streamlined the review process in a new user-friendly interface which reduced the training burden enabling scientists to generate high-quality data quickly and easily. The exception focused review functionality allowed tailored rule sets which reduced the time spent reviewing data by up to 50%. Whilst the batch-level review and task-oriented workflow improved batch acceptance and simplified the review of complicated datasets into easy tasks. By integrating these features, Data Review software offers a comprehensive solution that not only improves the efficiency and accuracy of batch quality control but also contributes to the overall reliability and integrity of quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis. For Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.