National Cancer Institute (source definition)
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometers coupled in series. The targeted compound is selectively ionized, and its characteristic ions are separated from others in the mixture in the first mass spectrometer. The selected primary ions are then decomposed by collision, and from the resulting products the final mass analyzer selects secondary ions characteristic of the targeted compound. Tandem mass spectrometry can achieve specificities and sensitivities equivalent of those of methods such as radioimmunoassay and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, while performing analyses in much shorter times.
Review and references
Automated source check (NCI definition)
2026-10-19
2026-10-19
professional use
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Tandem Mass Spectrometry (C18142)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C18142. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Analysis of acrylamide in food additives via Michael addition derivatization and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. — Anal Sci, 2026-10-08 (PMID 42848126; literature)
- Determination of 70 pesticide residues in tobacco leaves based on EMR-Lipid dispersive solid-phase extraction combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. — Anal Methods, 2026-10-08 (PMID 42677751; literature)
What it is
Mass spectrometers coupled in series. The targeted compound is selectively ionized, and its characteristic ions are separated from others in the mixture in the first mass spectrometer. The selected primary ions are then decomposed by collision, and from the resulting products the final mass analyzer selects secondary ions characteristic of the targeted compound. Tandem mass spectrometry can achieve specificities and sensitivities equivalent of those of methods such as radioimmunoassay and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, while performing analyses in much shorter times.
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C18142. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Compliance note
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.