Optimization of a capillary electrophoresis–electrospray mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of the 20 natural amino acids in childrens blood

This paper describes useful information on the capillary electrophoresis–electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (CE–ESIMS) interfacing for the analysis of amino acids (AAs) in standard mixtures and in child plasma blood serum. The developed procedure allows quantitation of the 20 natural AAs, in a single run, without any derivatization. Limits of detection as low as 3–20 μmol/l (5–30 pg injected) per analyte were obtained with an efficiency of about 100 000 plates and a peak area relative standard deviation below 4%.