Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for high sensitive quantification of known molecules from complex mixtures using triple-quadrupole or tandem-quadropole mass spectrometers coupled to liquid or gas chromatography. In so called MRM experiments, the precursor mass of your analyte is isolated, the molecule is fragmented and an isolated specific fragment is detected over the time of your chromatographic run. This allows a highly specific and highly sensitive measurement of your sample. As the instruments are very fast, many analytes can be analyzed within a single run.
MRM methods are specifically designed for every analyte, both, the mass spectrometric as well as the chromatographic part need intense optimization. For absolute quantification a dilution series of the analyte is needed. If you are interested in establishing an MRM method for your research project, the Service Facility Mass Spectrometry at the Department of Chemistry will help you planning the experiments and setting up the method.