Direct multiclass desorption electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of sleep inducers and ototoxic drugs in dried blood spots.

Rationale: An unconventional and innovative approach for the quantitative determination of 11 ototoxic and narcoleptic drugs in whole blood is described. The multiclass method allows the inclusion of the most widespread drugs on the market (antihistamines, antidepressants, antihypertensives, anxiolytics, opioids, Z-drugs) responsible for 10% of occupational accidents.

Methods: The developed procedure involved the use of the desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) interface for the direct analysis of dried blood spots (DBS).

A 'Dilute and Shoot' Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method for Multiclass Drug Analysis in Pre-Cut Dried Blood Spots.

Drugs able to affect the auditory and nervous systems and consumed by workers to treatdifferent pathologies can represent a possible source of risk in the work environment. All the target compounds involved in the presented project show ototoxic and/or narcoleptic side effects and, for these reasons, occupational safety organizations have recognized them as potential causes of work injuries. A multiclass method for the analysis of 15 drugs among the most widespread worldwide (belonging to nine different classes including antihistamines, beta-blockers, antidepressants, Z-drugs and opioids), was developed and validated.