A first in Canada: CHUM and Roche Diagnostics Canada inaugurate a new era of clinical diagnostics

MONTREAL – The landscape of precision medicine in Canada has reached a major technological milestone today. In a strategic collaboration uniting visionary ambition with the operational excellence of current practices, the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and Roche are launching an unprecedented initiative: the implementation of the cobas® Mass Spec solution, the very first fully automated mass spectrometry platform in the country.

A Game-Changing Innovation

Imagine a technology capable of manipulating molecules with surgical accuracy, but which, until now, required complex and ultra-specialized human intervention. By hosting this new clinical diagnostic solution, CHUM is doing more than just adding equipment to its arsenal; it is becoming the first hospital environment in Canada to test the full automation of this diagnostic "gold standard."

CHUM: The Beating Heart of Innovation

CHUM's selection for this pioneering deployment is no coincidence. Internationally recognized as one of the world’s smartest hospitals, CHUM is establishing itself here as a true "living lab." Under the scientific leadership of Dr Pierre-Olivier Hétu and the mass spectrometry laboratory team, the institution is deploying its unique expertise to translate cutting-edge technology into a solution tailored to the realities of high-volume, decentralised care. This partnership illustrates a perfect synergy: Roche's innovative power backed by the analytical rigour and clinical expertise of a Quebec hospital leader.

From Manual Complexity to Robotic Fluidity

To fully grasp the scale of this advancement, traditional mass spectrometry should be viewed as a painstaking and laborious craft. Roche’s automated solution represents a turning point in the evolution of next-generation laboratory instruments.

Much like the self-guided robots already navigating CHUM’s corridors to optimize logistics, this platform will free experts from repetitive manual tasks. It allows them to focus their efforts where they matter most: validating patient test results to support clinical decisions.

Building Tomorrow's Foundations

It is crucial to note that we are at the dawn of a scientific journey: CHUM is currently dedicated to a rigorous evaluation phase and the development of Canadian data. While this is not yet a routine clinical rollout, the milestones reached today are the foundations of tomorrow's care.

Ultimately, this technology carries an immense promise: to offer unparalleled diagnostic precision to a larger segment of the population. By joining forces, Roche and CHUM are not just testing a machine; they are mapping the trajectory of a more efficient, faster, and more personalized healthcare system for every patient.

Learn more about this collaboration in this CHUM article

About the cobas® Mass Spec Solution

The high specificity, sensitivity, and precision of mass spectrometry are considered the "gold standard" for diagnostics in various clinical situations. This includes, for example, the measurement of steroid hormones in endocrinology, vitamin D testing, as well as the monitoring of immunosuppressants and therapeutic drugs*. The cobas® Mass Spec solution combines the unmatched sensitivity and specificity of mass spectrometry with a fully automated, integrated, and standardized workflow. It makes this traditionally complex analytical method accessible to routine laboratories.

Seamless Integration Part of the trusted cobas® ecosystem, the cobas® Mass Spec solution integrates seamlessly with Roche’s clinical chemistry, immunochemistry systems, and laboratory IT solutions. This allows laboratories to fully optimize and simplify their entire workflow.

Peer Recognition In July 2025, the cobas® Mass Spec solution received the award for Best New Clinical Diagnostic Instrumentation of 2024 at the 2025 Scientists' Choice Awards®. Established in 2007 by SelectScience, these awards feature nominations gathered and evaluated by editors, with the most popular being submitted to their scientific readership for a vote.

For more information on clinical mass spectrometry and the cobas® Mass Spec solution, please click here

References:

*Conklin, S. E. & Knezevic, C. E. Advancements in the gold standard: Measuring steroid sex hormones by mass spectrometry. Clin Biochem (2020)

Julieta Hristova & Dobrin Svinarov (2022) Enhancing precision medicine through clinical mass spectrometry platform, Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, 36:1, 107-117

Ketha SS, Singh RJ, Ketha H. Role of Mass Spectrometry in Clinical Endocrinology. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2017;46(3):593-613.