New Collaboration Brings Automated Mass Spectrometry to Routine Laboratory Testing
Posted on 05 Feb 2026
Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that identifies and quantifies molecules based on their mass and electrical charge. Its high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy make it indispensable for complex assays such as steroid hormone analysis, vitamin D measurement, and therapeutic drug monitoring, where even minor variations can influence clinical decisions. Historically, however, mass spectrometry has required specialized expertise and labor-intensive workflows, limiting its adoption in routine clinical laboratories. A new collaboration now aims to overcome these barriers by introducing a fully automated mass spectrometry platform to U.S. clinical labs.
Labcorp, a global provider of comprehensive laboratory services, announced that it has become the first U.S. commercial laboratory to enter into an agreement to implement Roche’s cobas Mass Spec solution. The collaboration brings fully automated mass spectrometry into routine clinical practice, enabling faster turnaround times, improved analytical accuracy, and broader access to advanced diagnostic testing for patients and healthcare providers nationwide.
The cobas Mass Spec solution will initially be deployed at Labcorp’s Burlington, North Carolina laboratory, with a launch expected in the first quarter of 2026, followed by phased expansion to additional Labcorp locations. The agreement builds on the long-standing collaboration between Labcorp and Roche and reinforces Labcorp’s commitment to delivering innovative technologies across its Diagnostics and Biopharma Laboratory Services business segments.
Roche’s cobas® Mass Spec solution is a fully automated, integrated in-vitro diagnostics system that brings complex mass spectrometry testing into routine clinical laboratories. It combines the cobas® i 601 analyzer with Ionify® reagents to manage the full workflow from sample preparation to results, eliminating manual steps and reducing complexity and turnaround times. The platform is designed to support a broad and expanding test menu, with approximately 60 assays planned. It is also engineered for future integration with clinical chemistry and immunochemistry analyzers.
“Labcorp is committed to advancing diagnostic science through transformative technologies,” said Marcia Eisenberg, Ph.D., Labcorp’s chief scientific officer. “Integrating Roche’s automated mass spectrometry solution will enable us to deliver greater accuracy and efficiency for critical tests that guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.”
“This collaboration reflects our shared vision to make advanced diagnostics widely accessible,” said Brad Moore, President and CEO, Roche Diagnostics North America. “Together, we are setting a new benchmark for accuracy, reliability and efficiency in patient care.”
