The scope of mass spectrometry in clinical chemistry.

Several aspects of mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry are reviewed, including ionization methods, repetitive scanning, selected ion monitoring, and stable isotope measurement. I discuss the application of these and other mass spectrometry methods to the investigation of compound classes relevant to clinical chemistry, to the assessment of inborn errors of metabolism, and to clinical studies. The latter include consideration of volatiles in body fluids, respiration and blood gases, stable-isotope applications, clinical toxicology, and drugs.