Volatile pH Gradient Mobile Phase Kit

A method of detecting one or more analytes comprised in a matrix of components in a sample, the method comprising:

• injecting the sample into an injection valve, the injection valve being in fluid communication with a first end of a chromatography column;
• pumping a volatile buffer solution having a low pH into the first end of the chromatography column, the volatile buffer solution comprising a first reagent and a second reagent provided from a kit;
• pumping a volatile base solution having a high pH into the first end of the chromatography column, the volatile base solution including a base provided in the kit;
• varying a proportion of the volatile buffer solution to the volatile base solution in the chromatography column by varying corresponding amounts of the volatile buffer solution and the volatile base solution pumped to the first end of the chromatography column, thereby providing a volatile mobile phase with a pH time-gradient flowing through the chromatography column;
• eluting the sample through the chromatography column in the volatile mobile phase thereby separating the analyte from the matrix components;
• injecting the sample into a mass spectrometer to provide a mass spectrum of the one or more analytes.