Methods for the relative quantitation of the human plasma lipidome by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry using minimal sample manipulation

Extraction protocols and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry methods (LC-MS/MS) for the measurement of five lipid categories, namely; glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids and fatty acyls in human plasma are described here. Step-by-step instructions are provided for the liquid/liquid extraction methods, including solution preparation and the non-endogenous lipid internal standards used. All instrumental conditions, chromatography columns and solutions required for the LC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods are also detailed.