Evaporation-based sample preparation workflow for mass spectrometry

A method for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte in a sample using mass spectrometry, said method comprising:

• a) extracting the analyte from the sample using solid phase extraction (SPE) so as to obtain an SPE extract comprising the analyte, wherein the SPE extract comprises 50 vol % to 100 vol % of an organic solvent, wherein the analyte is a steroid;
• b) concentrating the analyte, said concentrating comprising partially evaporating the solvent from the SPE-extract obtained in a);
• wherein the volume of the SPE-extract subjected to the partial evaporation is reduced by 50% to 95%;
• b1) diluting the concentrated analyte obtained from step b) with a dilution solvent to obtain a diluted analyte, wherein the diluted analyte comprises less than 50 vol % of the organic solvent or a further organic solvent prior to step c);
• and
• c) detecting and/or quantifying the analyte in the sample using mass spectrometry, wherein the mass spectrometry is mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC-MS).