UPLC-Orbitrap Screening for over 35 Drugs of Abuse and Metabolites in Biological Fluids in Under 10 min.

We present a UPLC-High Resolution Mass Spectrometric method to simultaneously screen for 19 benzodiazepines, 12 opiates, cocaine and three metabolites, and 3 "Z-drug" hypnotic sedatives in both blood and urine specimens. Sample processing consists of a high-speed, high-temperature enzymatic hydrolysis for urine samples followed by a rapid supported liquid extraction (SLE). The combination of ultrahigh-resolution chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry allows all analytes to be uniquely detected with a 10 min analytical run.

Rapid screening for drugs of abuse in biological fluids by ultra high performance liquid chromatography/Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

We present a UPLC(®)-High Resolution Mass Spectrometric method to simultaneously screen for nineteen benzodiazepines, twelve opiates, cocaine and three metabolites, and three "Z-drug" hypnotic sedatives in both blood and urine specimens. Sample processing consists of a high-speed, high-temperature enzymatic hydrolysis for urine samples followed by a rapid supported liquid extraction (SLE). The combination of ultra-high resolution chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry allows all 38 analytes to be uniquely detected with a ten minute analytical run.

An HPLC-HR-MS-MS method for identification of anticoagulant rodenticides in blood.

This paper presents a fully validated method for the qualitative identification of bromadiolone, brodifacoum, coumachlor, coumatetralyl, difenacoum and warfarin in whole blood specimens. Samples are protein precipitated with acetonitrile, processed via solid-phase extraction and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with high resolution tandem mass spectrometric detection. Limits of detection were 10 ng/mL or better for all analytes.

Benzodiazepines and metabolites from biological fluids by liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

Solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry are invaluable techniques for the determination of benzodiazepines and metabolites in biological matrices. The reason for using tandem mass spectrometry is to increase limits of detection without the need for chemical derivatization. Here we describe a technique for the detection of 26 benzodiazepines and metabolites at a detection limit of approximately 1-2 ng/mL in blood and 1-5 ng/mL in urine when screened using a data-dependent scan method.

A gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detection method for helium detection in postmortem blood and tissue specimens.

In cases of death by inert gas asphyxiation, it can be difficult to obtain toxicological evidence supporting assignment of a cause of death. Because of its low mass and high diffusivity, and its common use as a carrier gas, helium presents a particular challenge in this respect. We describe a rapid and simple gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detection method to qualitatively screen a variety of postmortem biological specimens for the presence of helium.

A semi-automated solid-phase extraction liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of tetrahydrocannabinol and metabolites in whole blood.

Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused illicit substances in the USA, making cannabinoids important to detect in clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories. Historically, cannabinoids in biological fluids have been derivatized and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). There has been a gradual shift in many laboratories towards liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for this analysis due to its improved sensitivity and reduced sample preparation compared with GC/MS procedures.

Ethanol analysis from biological samples by dual rail robotic autosampler.

Detection, identification, and quantitation of ethanol and other low molecular weight volatile compounds in liquid matrices by headspace gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID) and headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) are becoming commonly used practices in forensic laboratories. Although it is one of the most frequently utilized procedures, sample preparation is usually done manually. Implementing the use of a dual-rail, programmable autosampler can minimize many of the manual steps in sample preparation.

Further evidence of in vitro production of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in urine samples.

This study was designed to supplement previous studies that documented in vitro production of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in urine samples. Urine samples were provided by subjects who reported that they had never used GHB (n=31). The specimens were stored under standard conditions of refrigeration (5 degrees C) without any preservatives added.

A comprehensive study on the variations in urinary concentrations of endogenous gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).

This study was designed to supplement previous attempts to establish an accurate range of normal endogenous gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) concentrations in random antemortem urine samples. Furthermore, its purpose was to ascertain the effect of gender, race, age, medications, and select medical conditions on endogenous concentrations of GHB in urine and the proposed endogenous urinary GHB cutoff of 10 microg/mL. Urine samples (n = 207) were provided by subjects who reported that they had never used GHB.