Current and Future Role of Mass Spectrometry and Multiplex Assays in Human Diagnostic Testing

Team Masters Projects 2007-2008

April 30, 2008

TMP Sponsor: Beckman Coulter Company Advisors: Dr. Jim Osborne Dr. Stephen Pentoney Betty Tuggle Dr. Craig Adams Dr. Jerald Feitelson

Beckman Coulter, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of biomedical instruments, tests and supplies that simplify and automate laboratory processes. Beckman Coulter was interested in the need for mass spectrometry for use in clinical diagnostic testing systems.

The goals of this TMP were to provide Beckman Coulter with a background of mass spectrometry clinical diagnostic information, identify key customer practices and drivers for the adoption of clinical mass spectrometry technology, and evaluate the competitive landscape for this technology. Background information and an analysis of the competitive landscape were provided using summarized secondary web-site and Internet research. Background information included current uses of mass spectrometry in the lab, information on sample preparation, and current technologies available. Customer practices and requirements were identified through the use of an intricate on-line survey given to various hospitals across the United States. The survey was designed such that both hospitals that do and do not currently offer or perform mass spectrometry-based clinical tests were able to give meaningful input. All of the information gathered will be used to generate a report that answers the following questions regarding the use of mass spectrometry in the clinic: Why Mass Spectrometry? What tests are done? Where? Who is using it? Whose equipment is being used? What's next?