Mass spectrometry relies on ionizing molecules and measuring their mass-to-charge ratio. However, in techniques like LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), chromatography columns are used in the liquid chromatography step to separate the components of a sample before they are analyzed by the mass spectrometer. These columns, which can be HPLC, UHPLC, or other specialized types, help enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the mass spectrometric analysis by isolating individual components for accurate detection.