Optimizing an ultrafast generic high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for faster discovery pharmacokinetic sample throughput.

For higher throughput screening, where the number of new chemical entities (NCEs) to test is rapidly increasing, fast sample turnaround time is essential. In order to increase efficiency a generic high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) method, with a cycle time of 85 s (42 injections/h), was created. This was accomplished through the use of a 1-min ballistic gradient and the optimization of the autosampler.