multiple reaction monitoring
Also written as: MRM — Multiple Reaction Monitoring
Tandem mass spectrometry technique monitoring specific ion transitions to quantify multiple metabolites simultaneously in newborn screening.
Full Definition
Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) is a highly specific and sensitive tandem mass spectrometry technique used extensively in newborn screening for simultaneous quantification of multiple target metabolites. MRM works by selecting specific precursor ions in the first quadrupole, fragmenting them in a collision cell, and monitoring characteristic product ions in the third quadrupole. This approach provides exceptional specificity by monitoring unique mass transitions for each analyte, enabling simultaneous measurement of dozens of amino acids, acylcarnitines, and other metabolites in a single analysis. The technique's selectivity and speed make it ideal for high-throughput newborn screening applications where rapid, accurate identification of multiple disorders from a single dried blood spot is essential.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as MRM in mass spectrometry literature; may also be called SRM (selected reaction monitoring).
In Context
- "Multiple reaction monitoring transitions were optimized for each amino acid in the screening panel." — Method development protocol
- "The laboratory validated multiple reaction monitoring methods for 50 metabolites simultaneously." — Validation summary