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SPEC disc solid-phase extraction for rapid broad-spectrum drug screening in urine
R A de Zeeuw1, J Wijsbeek, J P Franke
1Department of Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology, University Centre for Pharmacy, Groningen, The Netherlands. r.a.de.zeeuw@farm.rug.nl
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|March 25, 2000
Summary
A new disc-format solid-phase extraction (SPE) device efficiently isolates drugs from biological fluids. This method offers high recoveries and significantly reduces processing time and elution volumes compared to traditional packed-bed columns.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Broad-spectrum drug screening necessitates comprehensive isolation, detection, and identification of diverse substances.
- Systematic solid-phase extraction (SPE) methods are crucial for efficient drug isolation from biological matrices.
- Analytical toxicology prioritizes speed and cost-effectiveness in method development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a disc-format extraction device for broad-spectrum drug screening in biological fluids.
- To compare the performance of the disc-format SPE with a conventional packed-bed column method.
- To assess the efficiency, recovery, and reproducibility of the disc-format SPE for various drug classes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized SPEC.PLUS.C18AR/MP3 cartridges with hydrophobic and cation exchange properties.
- Spiked human urine with acidic, neutral, and basic drugs at 2 microg/mL.
- Applied preconditioned discs to diluted urine samples, followed by water washing.
- Eluted acidic/neutral drugs with ethyl acetate/acetone and basic drugs with ammoniated ethyl acetate.
- Analyzed eluates using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection.
Main Results:
- The disc-format SPE demonstrated effective extraction of all tested drug types.
- Achieved high drug recoveries ranging from 75-100% with approximately 5% coefficients of variation.
- Resulting eluates exhibited minimal matrix interferences, ensuring sample cleanliness.
- The disc procedure significantly reduced elution volumes and overall processing time by 60-65% compared to packed-bed columns.
Conclusions:
- The disc-format SPE is a viable and efficient alternative for broad-spectrum drug screening in analytical toxicology.
- This method offers advantages in terms of speed, cost-effectiveness, and ease of handling.
- The reduced processing time and elution volumes make it suitable for high-throughput toxicological analysis.