Analysis of Serum Estrogens Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Coupled to Differential Ion Mobility Spectrometry

A new quantification method is proposed for the determination of serum estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) based on high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry combined with differential ion mobility separation (SelexION Technology). This approach allows determining analytes with limits of detection of 4.5, 18 and 45 fg on column for E1, E2, and E3, respectively. The lowest limits of quantification are 0.1, 0.5, and 0.5 pg mL–1 in serum for E1, E2, and E3, respectively. The suitability of proposed method for diagnostic purposes is demonstrated in an analysis of serum from 114 patients of different genders and ages.