Kara L. Lynch, PhD

Kara L. Lynch, PhD

Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Division Chief, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory, SFGH
Laboratory Medicine
Division
Chemistry
Specialty Areas
Clinical Chemistry
Clinical Toxicology
Pharmacogenetics
Mass Spectrometry

UCSF
ZSFG Clinical Laboratory
1001 Potrero Ave. NH2M
San Francisco, CA 94110
United States

Hospital Affiliations
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
Research and Clinical Interests

My research interests are in the areas of clinical chemistry, toxicology and pharmacogenetics. In the area of clinical chemistry, we are involved in translational research studies aimed at the clinical evaluation of novel biomarkers or biomarker panels to diagnosis, treat and monitor disease. In toxicology, my research is centered on the use of mass spectrometry to detect small molecules in human samples. Our research studies are focused on uncovering trends in drug misuse and drug adulteration and understanding the clinical implications of these trends. We are also involved in the development and implementation of new mass spectrometry methods and technologies, such as high resolution mass spectrometry, in the clinical laboratory. In the area of pharmacogenetics, we are interested in understanding how genotype influences an individual’s susceptibility to adverse drug reactions and drug-induced toxicity.

Selected Publications
  • Lynch KL, Dominy SS, Graf J, Kral AH. Detection of levamisole exposure in cocaine users by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Anal Toxicol. 2011; 35(3):176-8.
  • Wu AH, Gerona R, Armenian P, French D, Petrie M, Lynch KL. Role of liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR/MS) in clinical toxicology. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2012; 50(8):733-42.
  • Petrie MS, Lynch KL, Wu AH, Steinhardt AA, Horowitz GL. Prescription compliance or illicit designer drug abuse? Clin Chem. 2012; 58(12):1631-4.
  • Shapiro BJ, Lynch KL, Toochinda T, Lutnick A, Cheng HY, Kral AH. Promethazine misuse among methadone maintenance patients and community-based injection drug users. J Addict Med. 2013; 7(2):96-101.
  • Petrie M, Lynch KL, Ekins S, Chang JS, Goetz RJ, Wu AH, Krasowski MD. Cross-reactivity studies and predictive modeling of "Bath Salts" and other amphetamine-type stimulants with amphetamine screening immunoassays. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2013; 51(2):83-91.