Analysis of melatonin in human plasma by gas chromatography negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Alfred J. Lewy, S. P. Markey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

207 Scopus citations

Abstract

Three techniques have been used to measure human plasma melatonin: bioassay, radioimmunoassay, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). GC-MS is theoretically capable of the greatest specificity, but in general suffers from insufficient sensitivity. Negative chemical ionization, a new technique, provides a 150-fold increase in GC-MS sensitivity for electron-capturing compounds. Negative chemical ionization GC-MS permits routine measurement in human plasma of melatonin at a concentration as low as 1 picogram per milliliter.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)741-743
Number of pages3
JournalScience
Volume201
Issue number4357
DOIs
StatePublished - 1978
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Analysis of melatonin in human plasma by gas chromatography negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this