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13-09-2022 | Morphine | Original Article

Development and validation of an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of 25 psychoactive drugs in cerumen and its application to real postmortem samples

Authors: Orthodoxia Mastrogianni, Amvrosios Orfanidis, Evdokia Brousa, Dimitrios-Phaedon Kevrekidis, Heleni Zagelidou, Nikolaos Raikos

Published in: Forensic Toxicology | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Purpose

In the present study, a method for the detection of 25 psychoactive substances in cerumen was developed and validated. This method targets opiates, cocaine, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and antiparkinsons.

Methods

Analysis was performed on a SCIEX Triple Quad 6500+ system after liquid–liquid extraction. Methanol with 1% acetic acid was chosen as the extraction solvent. After the addition of the solvent, samples were vortexed, sonicated, centrifuged and directly injected into the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry system.

Results

The method was found to be selective and sensitive (limit of detection: 0.017 ng–0.33 ng/mg), the assay was linear for all analytes with linear regression coefficient ranging 0.9911–1.00. The values for intra-assay precision was between 4.34 and 14.6% and inter-assay precision between 5.81 and 17.7%, with accuracy within the acceptable criteria for all analytes. All analytes in cerumen specimens were stable for 48 h at 4 °C and 72 h at − 20 °C, whilst no significant matrix effect or carryover was observed. Applicability was proven by analyzing cerumen samples from 25 deceased with a history of drug abuse. All analytes were detected in real samples, thus confirming the sensitivity of the developed method.

Conclusions

According to our knowledge, it is the first time that a method for the simultaneous detection of 25 psychoactive drugs in cerumen was developed, fully validated and finally applied to 25 postmortem samples.

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Title: Development and validation of an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of 25 psychoactive drugs in cerumen and its application to real postmortem samples
Authors: Orthodoxia Mastrogianni
Amvrosios Orfanidis
Evdokia Brousa
Dimitrios-Phaedon Kevrekidis
Heleni Zagelidou
Nikolaos Raikos
Publication date: 13-09-2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore
Keywords: Morphine
Biperiden
Methadone
Published in: Forensic Toxicology / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 1860-8965
Electronic ISSN: 1860-8973
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-022-00640-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Development and validation of an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of 25 psychoactive drugs in cerumen and its application to real postmortem samples

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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