Mass spectrometry, long considered the benchmark technique for precise and specific clinical testing, typically requires specialized expertise and manual, time-intensive workflows. Complex instrument setups and varied protocols can limit the use of clinical mass spectrometry techniques to specialized facilities, rendering the technique impractical for round-the-clock clinical needs. Today, advancements in automation and standardization are transforming mass spectrometry into a viable tool for routine diagnostics.
Bridging Complexity and Automation
In many laboratories, mass spectrometry is deemed too cumbersome for high-volume operations. “Mass spectrometry, the ‘gold standard’ in various clinical applications, was historically unsuited for routine testing due to its complexity, manual workflows, lack of standardization, and need for specialized expertise,” explains Dr. Benjamin Lilienfeld, Lifecycle Leader, Serum Work Area Systems, Senior Vice President, Roche Diagnostics.
By incorporating uniform protocols, automated sample handling, and streamlined data analysis, modern approaches help labs integrate mass spectrometry into routine practice without requiring specialist staff. Innovations such as the cobas® Mass Spec solution, developed by Roche in collaboration with Hitachi High-Tech, give clinical teams greater confidence in their results and free technicians from repetitive tasks.
Ensuring Consistent, Reproducible Results
Lab-developed tests once varied widely, leading to inconsistencies in data quality. “Historically, clinical mass spectrometry has faced variability due to diverse lab-developed tests, different instrument setups, varied methods, and inconsistent quality control,” notes Lilienfeld. “Standardization ensures accurate, consistent, and comparable test results, enhancing clinical decision-making.” With high degrees of standardization and automation, new methods enable the delivery of equivalent results for patient samples, regardless of the lab's location.
Sustainability Gains in Everyday Operations
Enhanced efficiency in clinical mass spectrometry extends beyond speed and accuracy. Automation and optimized reagent use can dramatically reduce plastic waste and lower environmental impact. “Sustainability is increasingly important in the development of new clinical diagnostic technologies,” remarks Lilienfeld. “The focus is on minimizing environmental impact, for example, by optimizing resource use and reducing waste while ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare.”
Lilienfeld highlights how Roche’s methodologies rely on micrograms of reagents, cutting down disposables and decreasing the carbon footprint. These greener practices resonate across healthcare systems aiming to meet sustainability targets without sacrificing reliability or throughput.
Empowering Lab Professionals
Adopting automated platforms also reshapes the role of the clinical laboratory workforce. “Automation of repetitive tasks reduces the risks of manual errors and enhances efficiency and productivity,” observes Lilienfeld. By offloading routine steps to streamlined workflows, lab personnel can refocus on interpreting complex datasets, refining assays, and engaging in higher-level problem-solving. This shift raises job satisfaction and helps labs deliver more value to patients and clinicians.
Looking Ahead: Robotics and Advanced Integration
The future promises even greater transformation. “We know that lab technicians can walk up to 10 kilometers daily, primarily moving samples between machines,” advises Lilienfeld. “This inefficiency indicates a substantial opportunity for robotics and advanced automation. By minimizing the need for manual sample handling, we can greatly enhance productivity and allow lab professionals to concentrate on more value-added tasks.”
As an increasing number of labs adopt clinical mass spectrometry for routine testing, access to high-quality data will expand further, making diagnostic insights faster, more precise, and more readily available to a broader patient population.
By overcoming historical challenges of complexity and specialization, clinical mass spectrometry is entering a new era. Streamlined procedures, robust standardization, and efficient reagent usage show how technology can meet modern healthcare demands. As automation deepens and sustainability becomes a central priority, more labs will find mass spectrometry indispensable for delivering consistent, accurate results—a step forward for patients, clinicians, and the environment.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Benjamin Lilienfeld
Dr. Benjamin Lilienfeld holds a masters and a PhD degree in Molecular Biology and Immunology from the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He joined Roche in 2008 as an International Product Manager for Infectious Diseases in the headquarter in Switzerland and was responsible for hepatitis serology. From 2011 to 2014 he was Regional Business Manager for Roche Molecular Systems based in Singapore where he took care of the Virology and Blood Screening NAT products. Benjamin then joined the German country organization in 2014 where he was Head of Marketing for the SWA Franchise before he returned to the headquarters in Switzerland in the middle of 2017 to become International Business Leader for the SWA Systems. Since 2021, Benjamin has been the Lifecycle Leader for the Serum Work Area (SWA) systems. In this role he is responsible for the overall strategy of the clinical chemistry, immunochemistry and mass spectrometry instrument portfolio including product development and commercialization.