The Magic and Madness of Mass Spectrometry in Medicine
This presentation provides examples of current and developing applications of mass spectrometry to medicine. Topics include market trends, design and implementation of mass spectrometry-based laboratory testing designed to support clinical care and monitoring as well as a glimpse at fully automated and point-of-care mass spectrometry solutions currently in development. In addition, challenges unique to mass spectrometric methods will be discussed. The overall goal of the presentation is to increase awareness of the current and likely future involvement of mass spectrometry in the routine care of patients.
Originally presented at the Rocky Mountain Section ADLM Spring Seminar during April 2025.
Lecture Presenter
![]() | Gwendolyn A. McMillin, PhD Former Professor |
Dr. Gwendolyn A. McMillin is the former scientific director of the mass spectrometry platform at ARUP Laboratories as well as the former medical director of Clinical Toxicology. She is a former professor (clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. McMillin received her doctorate degree in pharmacology from the University of Utah, where she also completed a clinical chemistry fellowship. She is board certified in clinical chemistry and toxicologic chemistry. Her research interests include pharmacogenomics, newborn drug exposures, and analytic methods. She is the recipient of the Past Chair award and the Outstanding Speaker award from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC; now ADLM) and the Ellis Benson Young Investigator award from the Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists.
Objectives
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Discuss adoption of mass spectrometry in clinical laboratories today
- Explain why automation in mass spectrometric testing workflows is desirable
- Describe three mass spectrometric approaches that are likely to inform and improve future medical decisions
Sponsored by:
Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, Department of Pathology,
and ARUP Laboratories


