Quantification of Biotin in Plasma Samples by Column Switching Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The document presents a method for measuring biotin levels in plasma and serum using column switching liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. This method is significant due to the potential interference of high biotin intake with biotin-streptavidin based diagnostic assays, which are widely used for hormone level measurements. High doses of biotin are not toxic but can lead to misdiagnosis of endocrine disorders due to erroneous test results. The demand for accurate biotin measurement has increased because of its experimental use in treating diseases like multiple sclerosis and its use in promoting nail and hair growth. The paper addresses the need for tests that can determine the risk of false results in biotin-streptavidin based tests.