What analytes are measured by tandem mass spectrometry?
MS/MS detects abnormal levels of amino acids and acylcarnitines. Abnormal elevations of these amino acids may indicate the newborn is at risk for disorders of amino acid metabolism. Free carnitine is a chemical that acts as a transporter of fatty acids into and out of the mitochondria, and is necessary for normal energy metabolism. Acylcarnitines are fatty acids or organic acids that are bound to carnitine. These acylcarnitines vary in size, based on the number of carbon atoms and the type of chemical bonds within the molecule. Abnormal levels of these acylcarnitines can act as markers for certain organic acid and fatty acid oxidation metabolic disorders.
