A Qualitative Method to Detect Paraproteins from Serum Using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Abstract Background Mass spectrometry-based techniques are increasingly reported in the literature for identifying paraproteins due to their improved specificity and sensitivity. The present study demonstrates the capability of ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for the qualitative analysis of paraproteins. Methods Paraproteins from patient serum (n = 40) were immunopurified using agarose beads coated with camelid antibodies that are specific for various subtypes of immunoglobulins (Igs; G, A, M, and light chains κ, λ). The extracted Igs are reduced to separate light chains from heavy chains in solution. The reduced sample was subjected to UPLC and mass measured using electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. The mass spectral peaks at specific retention times were deconvoluted after clean-up to obtain the mass of light chains. The interpretation of liquid chromatography peaks and LC-MS data was validated by comparing them with immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) results. Results The interpretation from the chromatographic pattern had a 92.5% (37/40) agreement when compared with mass information. The correlation of mass spectrometry data to IFE was 90% (36/40). The high mass of light chains (>25 kDa) was suggestive of glycosylation. Patient sera positive for IgGκ on IFE (n = 15) were analyzed for the interference of tAbs. The mass of Daratumumab observed in a sample was confirmed by the treating physician. A biclonal of same isotype (IgGκ) was identified. Conclusions The feasibility of using liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for the identification of the subtype of paraproteins has been demonstrated. The method’s applicability to screen for interference from tAbs and identification of biclonals of the same isotype has been highlighted.