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Validation of two methods for the quantitative analysis of cocaine and opioids in biological matrices using LCMSMS

NCJ Number
308338
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 66 Issue: 3 Dated: 2021 Pages: 1124-1135
Date Published
2021
Length
12 pages
Annotation

This paper presents the authors’ comparison of methods for performing quantitative analysis of opioids, cocaine, and cocaine metabolites in biological matrices, laying out the researchers’ methodology, outcomes, and conclusions.

Abstract

The proliferation of misuse of prescription and non-prescription opioids, in recent years, has caused an opioid epidemic in the United States. Forensic toxicology laboratories often encounter implications of abuse in both driving under the influence of drugs and death investigation cases. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science has seen over a 190 percent increase in the number of reported opioids in death investigation cases over the past several years. Traditionally, analyses are completed by individual drug class, which subsequently requires an individual case to be evaluated using multiple analytical techniques for comprehensive analysis. To ease the impact of increasing case submissions and case complexity, two liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS) methods for the quantitative analysis of opioids, cocaine, and cocaine metabolites in biological matrices have undergone a fit-for-purpose validation. The methods were compared to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each analytical technique. Two sample preparation techniques, protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction, were employed for quantitative validation. Validation aspects evaluated included accuracy and precision, sensitivity, linearity, matrix effects, recovery, carryover, interferences, dilution integrity, and post-extraction stability. Although ionization suppression was noted, it was determined to have minimal effect on the methods. The newly developed methods require less sample volume and combine four analytical techniques into one method, which significantly impacts laboratory productivity. (Published Abstract Provided)

Date Published: January 1, 2021