An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) for the quantification of methotrexate in human serum and plasma

Objectives: To develop an isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-(ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) for quantification of methotrexate in human serum and plasma.Methods: Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) was used to determine absolute methotrexate content in the standard. Separation was achieved on a biphenyl reversed phase analytical column with mobile phases based on water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% formic acid. Sample preparation included protein precipitation in combination with high sample dilution, and method validation according to current guidelines. The following were assessed: selectivity (using analyte-spiked samples, and relevant structural-related compounds and interferences); specificity and matrix effects (via post-column infusion and comparison of human matrix vs. neat samples); precision and accuracy (in a five-day validation analysis). RMP results were compared between two independent laboratories. Measurement uncertainty was evaluated according to current guidelines.Results: The RMP separated methotrexate from potentially interfering compounds and enabled measurement over a calibration range of 7.200-5,700 ng/mL (0.01584-12.54 mu mol/L), with no evidence of matrix effects. All pre-defined acceptance criteria were met; intermediate precision was <= 4.3% and repeatability 1.5-2.1% for all analyte concentrations. Bias was -3.0 to 2.1% for samples within the measuring range and 0.8-4. 5% for diluted samples, independent of the sample matrix. RMP results equivalence was demonstrated between two independent laboratories (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.997). Expanded measurement uncertainty of target value-assigned samples was <= 3.4%.Conclusions: This ID-LC-MS/MS-based approach provides a candidate RMP for methotrexate quantification. Traceability of methotrexate standard and the LC-MS/MS platform were assured by qNMR assessment and extensive method validation.

Automated summary

An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) was developed for quantification of methotrexate in human serum and plasma. The absolute content of methotrexate in the standard was determined using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR). The method showed good performance in terms of selectivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy.