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Batch run size depends on a variety of factors. Consideration during LC-MS analysis includes autosampler stability, run time, column stability, MS stability, etc. Here, the batch size is determined by repeat injection of blanks with QCs at regular intervals during a validation run.

High and low concentrations of QCs should be used to prepare 6 replicates with lipemic plasma (in mg/dL of lipids). Similarly, 6 replicate samples with hemolytic plasma (based on mg/dL of heme) should be analyzed.

Stability testing should include process stability, as well as short term and long-term stability of analytes in solution and in the matrix.

The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) indicates the lowest concentration of study samples that can be quantitated with acceptable accuracy. The LLOQ is the lowest calibration standard used to generate a calibration curve.

• During method validation runs, a double-blank sample should be injected after the highest calibration standard to determine if the equipment is cross-contaminating the sample during loading.
• Peak response for the analyte(s) due to carryover must not be more than a specified % of the response of the lowest calibration standard (LLOQ). For internal standard again, the response must not be more than a determined % of the average internal standard response.

• Recovery of the analyte(s) is calculated using the in-range quality control samples at three different concentration levels. The study compares the responses of the analyte(s) and IS from the validation QCs to the responses in non-extracted samples prepared in mobile phase/reconstitution solvent.
• The percent recovery of the analyte is calculated at each concentration level by dividing the mean response of the analyte (minimum of three determinations) in the matrix sample by the mean response of the analyte at that concentration in the non-extracted samples.
• The percent recovery of the internal standard is calculated by dividing the overall mean response of the internal standard in the matrix samples by the overall mean response of the internal standard in the non-extracted samples.
• Recovery studies for stable-labeled internal standards are not required, since, by definition, it is chemically like the analyte.

The degree to which the signal is suppressed by the extracted components of the matrix is assessed by injecting solutions of the analyte prepared in reconstituted blank matrix extracts and comparing the signal to the analyte prepared in the mobile phase or reconstitution solution. Values are reported as percent suppression. In some instances, signal enhancement is observed.

The ability of the assay to accurately and reproducibly quantitate the analyte(s) in different lots of the matrix is assessed by spiking six independent lots to a concentration equivalent to the QC_Low concentration.

The developed assay must be specific for the analyte(s) and internal standard in the blank matrix. At least six independent matrix blanks must be analyzed to show that no interferences are arising from different lots of plasma.

The inter-day accuracy and precision should be calculated using the data from three one-day validation runs. Precision is based on the percent coefficient of variation (%CV) observed by the mean of the QC samples at each QC concentration level.

• Accuracy and precision should be calculated using the mean concentration results of the QC samples at each level. Precision should be based on the percent coefficient of variation (%CV) observed by the mean at each quality control concentration level.
• Dixon test for the outliers: Dixon test is applied to the percent accuracy determined for the QCs based on the theoretical and measured concentrations of the QCs from the standard curve.
• Outliers may be omitted from the precision and accuracy calculation after performing the Dixon test.

• Quality control samples should be prepared at a minimum of four concentration levels (QC_LLOQ, QC_Low, QC_Mid, and QC_High).
• An additional QC level QC_Dil must be included in at least one of the runs to test for dilution integrity.
• Six replicates of each QC concentration levels should be analyzed in each validation run.
• Acceptance criteria for QC: The individual back-calculated concentration of each QC sample for the three in-range QC levels must be within accepted deviations from nominal.

• The back-calculated concentrations of the individual standards must be within accepted deviation from the nominal value.
• Deletion of calibrators should be done one at a time in a sequential manner beginning with the most deviant calibrator.
• At least 3/4^th of the original calibration standards are mandatory to meet the accuracy requirements.
• The quantitation range of the study samples should not be affected by these changes. At least one standard calibrator at the LLOQ and ULQ must be within specification.
• If the quantitation range is modified, three quality control levels within the adjusted calibration range should fulfill the accuracy requirements.

• Calibration standards should be prepared in the matrix same as the study samples.
• Calibration curve should consist of a minimum of six concentration levels analyzed in singlet or duplicate.
• One matrix blank (Control) and one zero sample (i.e., matrix blank with IS, Control IS) should be included in each validation run.

• When preparing standards and QCs in a matrix such as plasma, urine, etc., the maximum amount solvent, from a stock standard(s) containing the analyte(s), should not exceed a certain percentage of the total volume.
• This can be calculated using the equation below:

% Stock Standard = spiking amount (ml) / [matrix amount (ml) + spiking amount (ml) *100

• A system suitability sample (SST) must be developed during method validation. In general, the system suitability sample is a combination of all the expected analytes in the assay prepared in a suitable solvent system.
• Analyte(s) must be at a concentration that corresponds to the low end of the calibration curve but high enough to give a robust and reproducible signal.
• The strength and the composition of the SST solution must be documented along with a representative chromatogram generated using the SST.
• The representative chromatogram should be used as the baseline for checking if an analytical system is suitable for conducting the validated assay. The parameters to be used for system evaluation are retention time and response.

Whenever possible, the method validation should be done in the matrices for which the assay is intended to be used. If unavailable, then evidence must be provided to demonstrate that a substitute is acceptable.

Reference standards used in the preparation of calibration and Quality Control Samples must have a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) indicating the purity and expiration date. A CoA is not required for the internal standard, but the material must be checked for impurities that may interfere with the analyte(s).