Patent ID: 12196765

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Methods are described for measuring the amount of one or more CAH panel analytes in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for quantifying one or more CAH panel analytes in a sample that typically has been purified by one or more steps prior to mass spectrometry. The methods may utilize a liquid chromatography step such as HPLC to perform a purification of selected analytes combined with methods of mass spectrometry (MS) thereby providing a high-throughput assay system for quantifying one or more CAH panel analytes in a sample. The preferred embodiments are particularly well suited for application in large clinical laboratories for automated CAH monitoring.

Suitable samples for use in methods of the present invention include any sample that may contain one or more of the analytes of interest. In some preferred embodiments, a sample is a biological sample; that is, a sample obtained from any biological source, such as an animal, a cell culture, an organ culture, etc. In certain preferred embodiments, samples are obtained from a mammalian animal, such as a dog, cat, horse, etc. Particularly preferred mammalian animals are primates, most preferably male or female humans. Preferred samples comprise bodily fluids such as urine, blood, plasma, serum, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid, or tissue samples; preferably plasma or serum; most preferably serum. Such samples may be obtained, for example, from a patient; that is, a living person, male or female, presenting oneself in a clinical setting for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of a disease or condition. The sample is preferably obtained from a patient, for example, a blood sample, which may be collected from a patient for removal as plasma or serum.

As used herein, “derivatizing” means reacting two molecules to form a new molecule. Thus, a derivatized analyte is a base molecule that has been reacted with another molecule for the purpose of, for example, facilitating purification, ionization, fragmentation, detection, or any combination thereof. In the methods described herein, the CAH panel analytes quantitated by mass spectrometry are preferably not derivatized.

The levels of circulating CAH panel analytes (determined by methods of the present invention) may be used to diagnose CAH, or some other condition affecting production of adrenal hormones, in an individual. The diagnosis of CAH depends is based on inadequate production of cortisol and aldosterone (or both) in conjunction with elevated concentrations of precursor hormones. For example, the 21-hydroxylase deficiency form of CAH can be detected by a high serum concentration of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (usually >1000 ng/dL) and urinary pregnanetriol (metabolite of 17-hydroxyprogesterone) in the presence of clinical features suggestive of the disease (eg, salt wasting, clitoromegaly or ambiguous genitalia [in a female patient], precocious pubic hair, excessive growth, premature phallic enlargement in the absence of testicular enlargement, hirsutism, oligomenorrhea, female infertility).

In some embodiments, at least one of two or more determined CAH panel analytes are selected from the group consisting of 17-OH pregnenolone, 17-OH progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, deoxycorticosterone, and 11-deoxycortisol. For example, CAH caused by 11-beta-hydroxylase deficiency can be detected by measuring elevated concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol and deoxycorticosterone or by an elevation in the ratio of a 24-hour urinary measurement of tetrahydrocompound S (metabolite of 11-deoxycortisol) to tetrahydrocompound F (metabolite of cortisol).

In some instances, it may be useful to determine a ratio of the levels of one CAH panel analyte to another in the sample. For example, 3-β-OH steroid dehydrogenase deficiency may be indicated by an abnormal ratio of 17-OH pregnenolone to 17-OH progesterone and/or an abnormal ratio of DHEA to androstenedione. In some embodiments, diagnostic methods of the present invention further comprise determining the ratio of the levels of one CAH panel analyte to another CAH panel analyte in the sample; preferably 17-OH pregnenolone to 17-OH progesterone, or DHEA to androstenedione. The determined ratios may then be compared to ratios of the same analytes in samples from individuals without CAH. Preferably the comparative samples are from normal, healthy individuals.

As used herein, “abnormal” indicates a state or condition that deviates from that observed a normal, healthy individual. Thus, an abnormal level or ratio represents a relative condition compared to that level or ratio observed in a health individual. One of skill in the art would be able to determine the degree of abnormality required to diagnose CAH in an individual.

The present invention also contemplates kits for a CAH diagnosis or monitoring assay. A kit for a CAH diagnosis or monitoring assay may include a kit comprising the compositions provided herein. For example, a kit may include packaging material and measured amounts of one or more isotopically labeled internal standards, in amounts sufficient for at least one assay. Typically, the kits will also include instructions recorded in a tangible form (e.g., contained on paper or an electronic medium) for using the packaged reagents for use in a CAH diagnosis or monitoring assay.

Sample Preparation for Mass Spectrometry

Some or all CAH panel analytes in a sample may be bound to proteins, if also present in the sample. Various methods may be used to disrupt the interaction between CAH panel analytes and protein prior to the implementation of one or more enrichment steps and/or MS analysis so that the amount of a CAH panel analyte measured by mass spectrometry is a reflection of the total for that CAH panel analyte in the sample. Once CAH panel analytes and proteins have been separated in the sample, CAH panel analytes may be enriched relative to one or more other components in the sample (e.g. protein) by various methods known in the art, such as for example, liquid chromatography, filtration, centrifugation, thin layer chromatography (TLC), electrophoresis including capillary electrophoresis, affinity separations including immunoaffinity separations, extraction methods including ethyl acetate or methanol extraction, and the use of chaotropic agents or any combination of the above or the like.

Protein precipitation is one method of preparing a sample, especially a biological sample, such as serum or plasma. Such protein purification methods are well known in the art, for example, Polson et al.,Journal of Chromatography B785:263-275 (2003), describes protein precipitation techniques suitable for use in the methods. Protein precipitation may be used to remove most of the protein from the sample leaving CAH panel analytes in the supernatant. The samples may be centrifuged to separate the liquid supernatant from the precipitated proteins. The resultant supernatant may then be applied to liquid chromatography and subsequent mass spectrometry analysis. In certain embodiments, the use of protein precipitation obviates the need for turbulent flow liquid chromatography (TFLC) or other on-line extraction prior to HPLC and mass spectrometry. Accordingly in such embodiments, the method involves (1) performing a protein precipitation of the sample of interest; and (2) loading the supernatant directly onto the HPLC-mass spectrometer without using on-line extraction or turbulent flow liquid chromatography (TFLC).

In other embodiments, CAH panel analytes may be released from a protein without having to precipitate the protein. For example, an aqueous formic acid solution may be added to the sample to disrupt interaction between a protein and a CAH panel analyte. Alternatively, ammonium sulfate or an aqueous solution of formic acid in ethanol may be added to the sample to disrupt ionic interactions between a carrier protein and a CAH panel analyte without precipitating the carrier protein.

In some preferred embodiments, TFLC, alone or in combination with one or more purification methods, may be used to purify CAH panel analytes prior to mass spectrometry. In such embodiments CAH panel analytes may be extracted using an TFLC extraction cartridge which captures the analytes, then eluted and chromatographed on a second TFLC column or onto an HPLC or UPLC analytical column prior to ionization. Because the steps involved in these chromatography procedures can be linked in an automated fashion, the requirement for operator involvement during the purification of the analyte can be minimized. This feature can result in savings of time and costs, and eliminate the opportunity for operator error.

It is believed that turbulent flow, such as that provided by TFLC columns and methods, may enhance the rate of mass transfer, improving separation characteristics. TFLC columns separate components by means of high chromatographic flow rates through a packed column containing rigid particles. By employing high flow rates (e.g., 3-5 mL/min), turbulent flow occurs in the column that causes nearly complete interaction between the stationary phase and the analyte(s) of interest. An advantage of using TFLC columns is that the macromolecular build-up associated with biological fluid matrices is avoided since the high molecular weight species are not retained under the turbulent flow conditions. TFLC methods that combine multiple separations in one procedure lessen the need for lengthy sample preparation and operate at a significantly greater speed. Such methods also achieve a separation performance superior to laminar flow (HPLC) chromatography. TFLC often allows for direct injection of biological samples (plasma, urine, etc.). Direct injection is difficult to achieve in traditional forms of chromatography because denatured proteins and other biological debris quickly block the separation columns TFLC also allows for very low sample volume of less than 1 mL, preferably less than 0.5 mL, preferably less than 0.2 mL, preferably about 0.1 mL.

Examples of TFLC applied to sample preparation prior to analysis by mass spectrometry have been described elsewhere. See, e.g., Zimmer et al.,J. Chromatogr. A 854:23-35 (1999); see also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,968,367; 5,919,368; 5,795,469; and 5,772,874. In certain embodiments of the method, samples are subjected to protein precipitation as described above prior to loading on the TFLC column; in alternative preferred embodiments, the samples may be loaded directly onto the TFLC without being subjected to protein precipitation. Preferably, TFLC is used in conjunction with HPLC to extract and purify one or more CAH panel analytes without subjecting the sample to protein precipitation. In related preferred embodiments, purifying the sample prior to MS analysis involves (i) applying the sample to a TFLC extraction column, (ii) washing the TFLC extraction column under conditions whereby one or more HRT panel analytes are retained by the column, (iii) eluting retained CAH panel analytes from the TFLC extraction column, (iv) applying the retained material to an analytical column, and (v) eluting purified CAH panel analytes from the analytical column. The TFLC extraction column is preferably a large particle column. In various embodiments, one of more steps of the methods may be performed in an on-line, automated fashion. For example, in one embodiment, steps (i)-(v) are performed in an on-line, automated fashion. In another, the steps of ionization and detection are performed on-line following steps (i)-(v).

One means of sample purification that may be used prior to mass spectrometry is liquid chromatography (LC). Certain LC techniques, including HPLC, rely on relatively slow, laminar flow technology. Traditional HPLC analysis relies on column packings in which laminar flow of the sample through the column is the basis for separation of the analyte of interest from the sample. The skilled artisan will understand that separation in such columns is a diffusional process and may select HPLC instruments and columns that are suitable for use with CAH panel analytes. The chromatographic column typically includes a medium (i.e., a packing material) to facilitate separation of chemical moieties (i.e., fractionation). The medium may include minute particles. The particles include a bonded surface that interacts with the various chemical moieties to facilitate separation of the chemical moieties. One suitable bonded surface is a hydrophobic bonded surface such as an alkyl bonded surface. Alkyl bonded surfaces may include C-4, C-8, C-12, or C-18 bonded alkyl groups. The chromatographic column includes an inlet port for receiving a sample directly or indirectly from a solid-phase extraction or TFLC column and an outlet port for discharging an effluent that includes the fractionated sample.

In one embodiment, the sample is applied to the column at the inlet port, eluted with a solvent or solvent mixture, and discharged at the outlet port. Different solvent modes may be selected for eluting the analyte(s) of interest. For example, liquid chromatography may be performed using a gradient mode, an isocratic mode, or a polytyptic (i.e. mixed) mode. During chromatography, the separation of materials is effected by variables such as choice of eluent (also known as a “mobile phase”), elution mode, gradient conditions, temperature, etc.

In certain embodiments, an analyte may be purified by applying a sample to a column under conditions where the analyte of interest is reversibly retained by the column packing material, while one or more other materials are not retained. In these embodiments, a first mobile phase condition can be employed where the analyte of interest is retained by the column, and a second mobile phase condition can subsequently be employed to remove retained material from the column, once the non-retained materials are washed through. Alternatively, an analyte may be purified by applying a sample to a column under mobile phase conditions where the analyte of interest elutes at a differential rate in comparison to one or more other materials. Such procedures may enrich the amount of one or more analytes of interest relative to one or more other components of the sample.

In one preferred embodiment, HPLC is conducted on a hydrophobic column chromatographic system. In certain preferred embodiments, TFLC and HPLC are performed using HPLC Grade organic and aqueous mobile phases. In some embodiments, the mobile phase may be 100% acetonitrile or methanol. In some embodiments, the aqueous mobile phase may be Ultra Pure water or an aqueous formic acid solution with a concentration between about 0.1% to about 20% formic acid.

By careful selection of valves and connector plumbing, two or more chromatography columns may be connected as needed such that material is passed from one to the next without the need for any manual steps. In preferred embodiments, the selection of valves and plumbing is controlled by a computer pre-programmed to perform the necessary steps. Most preferably, the chromatography system is also connected in such an on-line fashion to the detector system, e.g., an MS system. Thus, an operator may place a tray of samples in an autosampler, and the remaining operations are performed under computer control, resulting in purification and analysis of all samples selected.

In some embodiments, TFLC may be used for purification of one or more CAH panel analytes prior to mass spectrometry. In such embodiments, one or more CAH panel analytes may be extracted using a TFLC extraction column, then eluted and chromatographed on a second TFLC column or onto an analytical HPLC column prior to ionization. For example, CAH panel analyte extraction with an TFLC extraction column may be accomplished with a large particle size (50 μm) packed column. Sample eluted off of this column may then be transferred to an HPLC analytical column for further purification prior to mass spectrometry. Because the steps involved in these chromatography procedures may be linked in an automated fashion, the requirement for operator involvement during the purification of the analyte can be minimized. This feature may result in savings of time and costs, and eliminate the opportunity for operator error.

Detection and Quantitation by Mass Spectrometry

In various embodiments, one or more CAH panel analytes may be ionized by any method known to the skilled artisan. Mass spectrometry is performed using a mass spectrometer, which includes an ion source for ionizing the fractionated sample and creating charged molecules for further analysis. For example ionization of the sample may be performed by electron ionization, chemical ionization, electrospray ionization (ESI), photon ionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), photoionization, atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), fast atom bombardment (FAB), liquid secondary ionization (LSI), matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), field ionization, field desorption, thermospray/plasmaspray ionization, surface enhanced laser desorption ionization (SELDI), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and particle beam ionization. The skilled artisan will understand that the choice of ionization method may be determined based on the analyte to be measured, type of sample, the type of detector, the choice of positive versus negative mode, etc.

The one or more CAH panel analytes may be ionized in positive or negative mode to create one or more CAH panel ions. In some embodiments, the one or more CAH panel analytes are ionized by electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive or negative mode; preferably positive mode. In alternative embodiments, the one or more CAH panel analytes are ionized by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in positive or negative mode; preferably positive mode. In related preferred embodiments, the one or more CAH panel ions are in a gaseous state and the inert collision gas is argon or nitrogen.

In mass spectrometry techniques generally, after the sample has been ionized, the positively or negatively charged ions thereby created may be analyzed to determine a mass-to-charge ratio. Suitable analyzers for determining mass-to-charge ratios include quadrupole analyzers, ion traps analyzers, and time-of-flight analyzers. Exemplary ion trap methods are described in Bartolucci, et al.,Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom.2000, 14:967-73.

The ions may be detected using several detection modes. For example, selected ions may be detected, i.e. using a selective ion monitoring mode (SIM), or alternatively, ions may be detected using a scanning mode, e.g., multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) or selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Preferably, the mass-to-charge ratio is determined using a quadrupole analyzer. For example, in a “quadrupole” or “quadrupole ion trap” instrument, ions in an oscillating radio frequency field experience a force proportional to the DC potential applied between electrodes, the amplitude of the RF signal, and the mass/charge ratio. The voltage and amplitude may be selected so that only ions having a particular mass/charge ratio travel the length of the quadrupole, while all other ions are deflected. Thus, quadrupole instruments may act as both a “mass filter” and as a “mass detector” for the ions injected into the instrument.

One may enhance the resolution of the MS technique by employing “tandem mass spectrometry,” or “MS/MS”. In this technique, a precursor ion (also called a parent ion) generated from a molecule of interest can be filtered in an MS instrument, and the precursor ion subsequently fragmented to yield one or more fragment ions (also called daughter ions or product ions) that are then analyzed in a second MS procedure. By careful selection of precursor ions, only ions produced by certain analytes are passed to the fragmentation chamber, where collisions with atoms of an inert gas produce the fragment ions. Because both the precursor and fragment ions are produced in a reproducible fashion under a given set of ionization/fragmentation conditions, the MS/MS technique may provide an extremely powerful analytical tool. For example, the combination of filtration/fragmentation may be used to eliminate interfering substances, and may be particularly useful in complex samples, such as biological samples.

The mass spectrometer typically provides the user with an ion scan; that is, the relative abundance of each ion with a particular mass/charge over a given range (e.g., 100 to 1000 amu). The results of an analyte assay, that is, a mass spectrum, may be related to the amount of the analyte in the original sample by numerous methods known in the art. For example, given that sampling and analysis parameters are carefully controlled, the relative abundance of a given ion may be compared to a table that converts that relative abundance to an absolute amount of the original molecule. Alternatively, external standards may be run with the samples, and a standard curve constructed based on ions generated from those standards. Using such a standard curve, the relative abundance of a given ion may be converted into an absolute amount of the original molecule. In certain preferred embodiments, an internal standard is used to generate a standard curve for calculating the quantity of one or more CAH analytes. Methods of generating and using such standard curves are well known in the art and one of ordinary skill is capable of selecting an appropriate internal standard. For example, in preferred embodiments one or more isotopically labeled analogues of CAH panel analytes (e.g., d5-testosterone and d9-progestrone) may be used as internal standards. Numerous other methods for relating the amount of an ion to the amount of the original molecule will be well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

One or more steps of the methods may be performed using automated machines. In certain embodiments, one or more purification steps are performed on-line, and more preferably all of the purification and mass spectrometry steps may be performed in an on-line fashion.

In certain embodiments, such as MS/MS, where precursor ions are isolated for further fragmentation, collision activation dissociation (CAD) is often used to generate fragment ions for further detection. In CAD, precursor ions gain energy through collisions with an inert gas, and subsequently fragment by a process referred to as “unimolecular decomposition.” Sufficient energy must be deposited in the precursor ion so that certain bonds within the ion can be broken due to increased vibrational energy.

In some embodiments, one or more CAH panel analytes are quantified in a sample using MS/MS as follows. The samples are subjected to liquid chromatography, preferably TFLC followed by HPLC; the flow of liquid solvent from the chromatographic column enters the heated nebulizer interface of an MS/MS analyzer; and the solvent/analyte mixture is converted to vapor in the heated tubing of the interface. The CAH analytes contained in the nebulized solvent are ionized by the corona discharge needle of the interface, which applies a large voltage to the nebulized solvent/analyte mixture. The ions, e.g. precursor ions, pass through the orifice of the instrument and enter the first quadrupole. Quadrupoles 1 and 3 (Q1 and Q3) are mass filters, allowing selection of ions (i.e., selection of “precursor” and “fragment” ions in Q1 and Q3, respectively) based on their mass to charge ratio (m/z). Quadrupole 2 (Q2) is the collision cell, where ions are fragmented. The first quadrupole of the mass spectrometer (Q1) selects for molecules with the mass to charge ratios of one of the CAH panel analytes. Precursor ions with the correct mass/charge ratios are allowed to pass into the collision chamber (Q2), while unwanted ions with any other mass/charge ratio collide with the sides of the quadrupole and are eliminated. Precursor ions entering Q2 collide with neutral collision gas molecules and fragment. The fragment ions generated are passed into quadrupole 3 (Q3), where the fragment ions of the selected CAH panel analyte are selected while other ions are eliminated. During analysis of a single sample injection, Q1 and/or Q3 may be adjusted such that mass/charge ratios of one or more precursor ion/fragment ion pairs specific to one CAH panel analyte are first selected, followed at some later time by the selection of mass/charge ratios of one or more precursor ion/fragment ion pairs specific to a second CAH panel analyte, optionally repeated at some later time for as many CAH panel analytes as is desired. In particularly preferred embodiments, at least one precursor ion/fragment ion pair is selected for every CAH panel analyte in an analysis of a single sample injection, although the sequence of pair selection may occur in any order.The methods may involve MS/MS performed in either positive or negative ion mode; preferably positive ion mode. Using standard methods well known in the art, one of ordinary skill is capable of identifying one or more fragment ions of a particular precursor ion of a CAH panel analyte that may be used for selection in quadrupole 3 (Q3). Preferred precursor ion/fragment ions for CAH panel analytes and exemplary internal standards are found in Table 1.

TABLE 1Preferred Precursor Ion/Fragment Ion Massto Charge Ratios of CAH Panel AnalytesAnalyteParent (m/z)Fragment(s) (m/z)cortisol363.1 ± 0.5121.1 ± 0.5, 91.1 ± 0.5cortisone361.1 ± 0.5163.2 ± 0.5, 105.1 ± 0.5corticosterone347.2 ± 0.5121.1 ± 0.5, 91.1 ± 0.511-deoxycortisol347.1 ± 0.5109.1 ± 0.5, 97.1 ± 0.5testosterone289.1 ± 0.5109.0 ± 0.5, 97.0 ± 0.5DHEA253.1 ± 0.5197.1 ± 0.5, 157.1 ± 0.5deoxycorticosterone331.2 ± 0.5109.5 ± 0.5, 97.1 ± 0.5androstenedione287.1 ± 0.5109.1 ± 0.5, 91.1 ± 0.517-OH progesterone331.0 ± 0.5109.0 ± 0.5, 96.9 ± 0.5progesterone315.2 ± 0.5109.1 ± 0.5, 97.1 ± 0.5dihydrotestosterone273.2 ± 0.5105.1 ± 0.5, 91.1 ± 0.5pregnenolone299.2 ± 0.5105.6 ± 0.5, 91.1 ± 0.517-OH pregnenolone297.2 ± 0.5105.6 ± 0.5, 91.1 ± 0.5

As ions collide with the detector they produce a pulse of electrons that are converted to a digital signal. The acquired data is relayed to a computer, which plots counts of the ions collected versus time. The resulting mass chromatograms are similar to chromatograms generated in traditional HPLC-MS methods. The areas under the peaks corresponding to particular ions, or the amplitude of such peaks, may be measured and correlated to the amount of the analyte of interest. In certain embodiments, the area under the curves, or amplitude of the peaks, for fragment ion(s) and/or precursor ions are measured to determine the amount of each CAH panel analyte detected. As described above, the relative abundance of a given ion may be converted into an absolute amount of the original analyte using calibration standard curves based on peaks of one or more ions of an internal molecular standard.

The following Examples serve to illustrate the invention. These Examples are in no way intended to limit the scope of the methods.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Extraction of CAH Panel Analytes from Samples Using LC

Liquid chromatography was performed on purified samples made from 100-200 μL serum.

A binary HPLC gradient of an aqueous phase (i.e., mobile phase A) and an organic phase (i.e., mobile phase B) was applied to the analytical column to separate CAH panel analytes from each other and other analytes contained in the sample. The gradient starts at 85% mobile phase A/15% mobile phase B and ramps to 25% mobile phase A/75% mobile phase B over 50 seconds. The approximate retention times of the various CAH panel analytes are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2Approximate Retention Timesof CAH Panel AnalytesApproximateAnalyteRetention Time (min)cortisol2.74cortisone2.76corticosterone2.9311-deoxycortisol2.97testosterone3.37DHEA3.54androstenedione3.54deoxycorticosterone3.5517-OH progesterone3.55progesterone4.80dihydrotestosterone4.83pregnenolone4.8317-OH pregnenolone4.84

Exemplary chromatograms of the resulting separated analytes are demonstrated inFIGS.1A-Mfor cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, testosterone, DHEA, deoxycorticosterone, androstenedione, 17-OH progesterone, progesterone, dihydrotestosterone, pregnenolone, and 17-OH pregnenolone, respectively. It should be noted that inFIGS.1H and1Ifor androstenedione and 17-OH progesterone, respectively, an erroneous chromatographic peak was observed. These peaks are labeled in the Figures with an X.

These separated samples were then subjected to MS/MS for quantitation of selected CAH panel analytes.

Example 2: Quantitation of CAH Panel Analytes by MS/MS

MS (and MS/MS) was performed on separated samples generated above by first generating ions from the sample. These ions were passed to the first quadrupole (Q1), which selected ions with a desired parent mass to charge ratio. Ions entering Quadrupole 2 (Q2) collided with argon gas to generate ion fragments, which were passed to quadrupole 3 (Q3) for further selection. Simultaneously, the same process using isotope dilution mass spectrometry was carried out with selected isotope-labeled internal standards. All of the selected masses for each CAH panel analyte are listed in Table 1, above.

FIGS.2-14show mass spectra resulting from fragmentation of the precursor ions indicated in Table 1.

As seen inFIG.2, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of cortisol include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 363.1±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 121.0±0.5 and 90.9±0.5. A fragment was also observed at a mass to charge ratio of about 327±0.5 that was not believed to be suitable for quantitation of cortisol. This fragment is indicated inFIG.2with an X.

As seen inFIG.3, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of cortisone include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 361.1±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 163.2±0.5 and 105.1±0.5.

As seen inFIG.4, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of corticosterone include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 347.2±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 121.1±0.5 and 91.1±0.5. Two fragments were also observed at mass to charge ratios of about 329±0.5 and 293±0.5 that were not believed to be suitable for quantitation of corticosterone. These fragments are indicated inFIG.4with an X.

As seen inFIG.5, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of 11-deoxycortisol include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 347.1±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 109.1±0.5 and 97.1±0.5.

As seen inFIG.6, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of testosterone include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 289.1±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 109.0±0.5 and 97.0±0.5.

As seen inFIG.7, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of DHEA include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 253.1±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 197.1±0.5 and 157.1±0.5.

As seen inFIG.8, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of deoxycorticosterone include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 331.2±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 109.5±0.5 and 97.1±0.5.

As seen inFIG.9, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of androstenedione include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 287.1±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 109.1±0.5 and 91.1±0.5.

As seen inFIG.10, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of 17-OH progesterone include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 331.0±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 109.0±0.5 and 96.9±0.5.

As seen inFIG.11, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of progesterone include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 315.2±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 109.1±0.5 and 97.1±0.5.

As seen inFIG.12, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of dihydrotestosterone include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 273.2±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 105.1±0.5 and 91.1±0.5.

As seen inFIG.13, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of pregnenolone include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 299.2±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 105.6±0.5 and 91.1±0.5.

As seen inFIG.14, exemplary MRM transitions that may be monitored for the quantitation of 17-OH pregnenolone include fragmenting a precursor ion with a m/z of about 297.2±0.5 to product ions with m/z of about 105.6±0.5 and 91.1±0.5.

As can be seen in the product ion scans inFIGS.2-14, several other product ions are generated upon fragmentation of the indicated precursor ions. Any of the additional product ions indicated inFIGS.2-14may be selected to replace or augment the exemplary fragment ions described above and in Table 1.

Linearity studies were conducted for detection of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, deoxycorticosterone, 17-OH-progesterone, 17-OH-pregnenolone, testosterone, progesterone, pregnenolone, and DHEA across a range of concentrations for each analyte of approximately 0 ng/dL to 1000 ng/dL. Results of these studies are presented inFIGS.3A-J, respectively.

The limits of quantitation of the CAH panel analyte were determined (for each individual analyte except deoxycorticosterone, and for each analyte as part of a 10 member panel). Results of these studies are presented in Table 3, below.

TABLE 3Limits of Quantitation for CAH PanelAnalytes, Individually and Within a PanelIndividualPanelAnalyteLOQ (ng/dL)LOQ (ng/dL)cortisol100.050.011-deoxycortisol20.020.0testosterone2.010.0DHEA10.015.0deoxycorticosterone—25.0androstenedione5.010.017-OH progesterone8.020.0progesterone10.010.0pregnenolone5.015.017-OH pregnenolone6.015.0

The contents of the articles, patents, and patent applications, and all other documents and electronically available information mentioned or cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Applicants reserve the right to physically incorporate into this application any and all materials and information from any such articles, patents, patent applications, or other physical and electronic documents.

The methods illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising”, “including,” containing”, etc. shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the invention embodied therein herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the generic disclosure also form part of the methods. This includes the generic description of the methods with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised material is specifically recited herein.

Other embodiments are within the following claims. In addition, where features or aspects of the methods are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.