Methods / UPLC-MS

UPLC-MS analysis

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS or UHPLC-MS) is a highly accurate analytical technique that excels in areas including food analysis, toxicology, and biological assays.

UPLC-MS
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Some of our UPLC-MS services

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) in food and dietary supplements

AOAC 2015.14
Determination of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in food with an HPLC-MS/MS method, or in dietary supplements with a UPLC-MS/MS method. According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, thiamine content may be included in the nutrition declaration for food products if it is present in significant amounts. Considering the daily reference intake (DRI) of 1.1 mg, thiamin can be declared in at least the following amounts: 165 µg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of DRI), 82.5 µg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of DRI), 165 µg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of DRI). Foods and beverages that contain at least the above amounts of thiamine are considered sources of thiamine. Such products may be labeled with additional health claims, such as: Thiamine contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, Thiamine contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system, Thiamine contributes to the normal function of the heart, Thiamine contributes to normal psychological function. More information on permitted nutrition and health claims can be found in Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EU) No 432/2012.
100–125 €
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Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in food and dietary supplements

AOAC 2015.14
Determination of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in food with an HPLC-MS/MS method, or in dietary supplements with a UPLC-MS/MS method. According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, the daily reference intake for riboflavin is 1.4 mg. Riboflavin content may be included in the nutrition declaration if it is present in food products in at least the following amounts: 210 µg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of reference intake), 105 µg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of reference intake), 210 µg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of reference intake). Foods and beverages that contain at least the above amounts of riboflavin can be labeled with the nutrition claim "Source of riboflavin." Some of the health claims applicable to such products include the following: "Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism", "Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin", "Riboflavin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system", "Riboflavin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue".
100–125 €
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Melatonin content in dietary supplements

UPLC-MS/MS analysis for determining the melatonin content in dietary supplements. According to Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, melatonin supplements may be marketed with the following health claims: "Melatonin contributes to the alleviation of subjective feelings of jet lag." The claim can be used if the product contains at least 0.5 mg of melatonin per portion., "Melatonin contributes to the reduction of time taken to fall asleep." The claim can be used if the product contains at least 1 mg of melatonin per portion..
130 €
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Vitamin B7 (biotin) in food and dietary supplements

AOAC 2016.02
Determination of vitamin B7 (biotin) in food with an HPLC-UV-VIS method, or in supplements with a UPLC-MS/MS method. According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, the biotin content of food products may be included in the nutrition declaration if it is present in significant amounts. The daily reference intake for biotin is 50 µg, and biotin content can be declared if the product contains at least: 7.5 µg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of reference intake), 3.75 µg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of reference intake), 7.5 µg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of reference intake). Foods that contain at least the above amounts of biotin can be labeled with the nutrition claim "Source of biotin." Additional nutrition and health claims related to vitamin B7 can be applied in accordance with Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EU) No 432/2012.
100–125 €
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Vitamin B3 (niacin) in food and dietary supplements

AOAC 2015.14
Determination of vitamin B3 as niacin, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide in food or supplements with a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers states that niacin may be included in the nutrition declaration for food products if it is present in significant amounts. Considering the daily reference intake (DRI) of 16 mg, niacin content may be declared in at least the following concentrations: 2.4 mg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of DRI), 1.2 mg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of DRI), 2.4 mg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of DRI). The nutrition label "Source of niacin" can be applied to products that contain the vitamin in at least the above amounts. Permitted health claims applicable to products that are sources of niacin include: Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism., Niacin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system., Niacin contributes to normal psychological function., Niacin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue..
100–125 €
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Perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) in solid and liquid chemicals

Determination of perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) using the LC-MS technique. We offer several analysis packages that include selected PFAS compounds, and the methods can be applied to many different kinds of chemicals. The list of compounds and the reporting limits can vary depending on the sample matrix, and the suitability of the method has to be verified in advance with Measurlabs. Please contact us through the form below for more details and a quote.
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Glycoalkaloids in potatoes and potato products

Glycoalkaloids are naturally occurring compounds formed in potatoes that pose a risk to human health when present in high concentrations. Improper storage conditions can lead to the formation of glycoalkaloids, and especially green color in potatoes can indicate elevated glycoalkaloid content. EU recommends monitoring the glycoalkaloid level of potatoes and potato products (Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/561). According to the recommendation, the reasons behind levels above 100 mg/kg should be investigated. Several European countries also have rules on maximum glucoalkaloid content. For example, in Sweden and Finland, national legislation sets a limit of 200 mg/kg for glycoalkaloids in potatoes. With this method, α-chaconine, α-solanine, solasodine, and solanidine are quantified from potatoes and potato products.
200 €
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Vitamin B9 (folic acid) in food and dietary supplements

AOAC 2011.06
Determination of vitamin B9 content in food or supplements. Depending on the matrix, the analysis covers the following parameters: Food: folic acid, 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formyl-tetrahydrofolic acid, and vitamin B9 as folic acid and folates. Testing is performed with an HPLC-MS method based on AOAC 2011.06., Supplements: vitamin B9 as folic acid with a UPLC-MS/MS method.. According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, the daily reference intake for folic acid (folate) is 200 µg. According to the regulation, folic acid can be declared in the nutrition declaration, if it is present in at least the following amounts: 30 µg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of reference value), 15 µg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of reference value), 30 µg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of reference value). Foods and beverages that meet the above minimum content requirements are considered sources of folate. Such products may be labeled with additional health claims, such as: "Folate contributes to normal blood formation", "Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy", "Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis", "Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue". More information on permitted nutrition and health claims can be found in Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EU) No 432/2012.
100–125 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

  • Fast turnaround times
  • Personal service from method experts
  • Competitive prices
  • Result accuracy guarantee

What is UPLC-MS used for?

UPLC-MS is used to determine the contents of complex chemical solutions with high precision and accuracy. One common application is food industry quality control, where UPLC-MS and UPLC-MS/MS can be used to determine food products' amino acid profile and vitamin content.

The method can also be used for assessing the safety of food contact materials regarding the release of primary aromatic amines (PAA). It can detect PAAs with a detection limit of 0.002 mg/kg. Pharmaceutical and environmental samples can also be screened for various types of contaminants.

How does UPLC-MS work?

The operating principle of UPLC-MS is the same as that of traditional LC-MS analysis, combining liquid chromatography separation of components with detection using mass spectrometry. The chromatography column used in UPLC-MS does, however, use smaller particles and thus tolerates higher pressures. This improves the method’s speed, resolution, and sensitivity.

Suitable samples and sample preparation

UPLC-MS samples need to be dissolved in a very high-purity solvent to reduce the risk of contamination, which could affect the quality of results. Larger biomolecules may need an additional digestion phase to ensure that they fully disperse into solution prior to analysis.

UPLC-MS/MS

In UPLC-MS/MS analysis (also known as UPLC tandem mass spectrometry), the sample is passed through two mass spectrometers in succession. This provides more in-depth data and is especially useful for analyzing large complex biomolecules by splitting them at multiple stages. It is also possible to add additional mass spectrometers to the setup.

UPLC-MS vs. HPLC-MS

High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) is a predecessor technique to UPLC-MS. It uses larger particles as the stationary phase in the separation column and therefore tends to produce a less effective separation. It also operates at a lower pressure, and the analysis is thus more time-consuming than UPLC-MS. However, HPLC is a cheaper technique to set up and requires less expertise to operate, so it may be preferred in situations where the resolution it provides is adequate.

Need UPLC-MS analyses?

Measurlabs offers laboratory testing with UPLC-MS and other LC-MS methods. We are committed to delivering the highest quality analyses with short turnaround times even for batches of hundreds of samples. Our testing experts are always available to help you with any questions regarding method selection or result interpretation. Contact us through the form below to get a quote and start the discussion.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Organic mixtures
  • Amino acids
  • Biomolecules
  • Pesticides

Ideal uses of UPLC-MS

  • Analysis of amino acids
  • Testing for toxins
  • Identifying pesticides
  • Pharmaceutical testing

Ask for an offer

Fill in the form, and we'll reply in one business day.

Answering the following questions helps us prepare an offer for you faster:

  • How many samples do you have and what is the sample material?
  • Do you have a recurring need for these tests? If yes, how often and for how many samples at a time?

Have questions or need help? Email us at or call our sales team.

Frequently asked questions

What are the advantages of UPLC-MS?

When compared with conventional liquid chromatography techniques, UPLC-MS offers improved sensitivity and is also faster to perform.

What are the limitations of UPLC-MS analysis?

The equipment used in UPLC-MS is relatively expensive and requires a high level of expertise to operate.

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.