Loading...
1 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
- UHPLC-MS/MS methodology for analysis of new synthetic opioids and hallucinogens in whole bloodPublication . Pereira, Joana; Antunes, Mónica; Neng, N.R.; Mustra, Carla; Franco, João; Fonseca, SuzanaBackground & Aims: New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are a real contemporaneous threat, due to their potency, dangerousness, and lack of control/monitoring. The NPS group that has grown the most is the synthetic opioids group, where fentanyl and its analogues stand out. However, the emerging concerning synthetic opioids are nitazenes. Due to their high potency, even minimal consumption doses can lead to severe health effects or even fatal overdoses, making them a public health issue. Notwithstanding, is it also important to remain vigilant towards more “traditional” psychoactive substances like hallucinogens once they have been associated with both intentional and unintentional poisonings/intoxications. This is particularly relevant now that they are also being used for clinical purposes. Therefore, it is essential to establish analytical methodologies for monitoring these compounds. As a result, the aim of this study was to develop, optimize and validate an easy to use, fast, simple, sensitive, robust, and routine flow method for the analysis of new synthetic opioids (fentanyls and nitazenes) and (classic) hallucinogens in whole blood. Methods: The present work describes a method that allows the screening, qualitative confirmation, and quantification of more than 10 psychoactive substances, including new synthetic opioids and hallucinogens. The sample preparation step consisted in 50 µL of whole blood protein precipitation with refrigerated acetonitrile containing formic acid and was optimized using a design of experiments (DoE) approach, namely Full Factorial Design, to achieve the best conditions for compounds extraction from matrix. Following centrifugation, the resulting supernatant extract can be directly injected into an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph coupled to a triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer (Sciex UHPLC-QTRAP-MS® 6500+) and analyzed in a 5-minute run in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode with 2 transitions for each compound. The developed analytical methodology was fully validated according to the guiding principles of the ANSI/ASB Standard 036. To confirm its applicability in a real context, the proposed methodology was applied to the analysis of authentic forensic samples. Results & Discussion: In terms of validation, the methodology linearity was assessed between 1 and 20 ng/mL. The precision and accuracy were satisfactory, with values <15% and within ±15% (20% at the LOQ), respectively. The limits of detection were between 0.1 and 1 ng/mL, depending on the compound. Dilution ratios were also successfully evaluated. Selectivity was confirmed by analyzing spiked samples containing several therapeutic drugs and other drugs of abuse. Conclusion: The proposed methodology provides a valuable and powerful tool for toxicology laboratory, enabling the simultaneous identification, confirmation, and quantification of different families of psychoactive substances, including synthetic opioids and hallucinogens. Its speed, simplicity, effectiveness, and reliability make it particularly advantageous for routine analysis. These combined advantages make it a suitable alternative for routine implementation.