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Substance identification: the weak link in analytical toxicology
1Department of Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology, University Centre for Pharmacy, PO Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands. r.a.dezeeuw@wolmail.nl
Summary
Substance identification in analytical toxicology is poorly addressed, often using non-definitive methods. Improved knowledge, uniform strategies, and better reference data are crucial for accurate toxicological analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Toxicology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Substance identification is critical in analytical toxicology but receives inadequate attention.
- Current "confirmation" approaches often fail to provide unambiguous identification, and "positive match" criteria are insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the deficiencies in current substance identification practices within analytical toxicology.
- To critique existing guidelines for qualitative analysis and propose improvements.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of recent qualitative analysis guidelines from various organizations (SOFT/AAFS, NCCLS, NLCP, WADA, EU).
- Evaluation of the scientific and legal validity of these guidelines.
- Assessment of the focus on mass spectrometry (MS) versus other chromatographic techniques.
Main Results:
- Significant discrepancies exist among guidelines on key issues.
- Guidelines contain scientifically questionable and legally problematic elements.
- Overemphasis on mass spectrometry (MS) neglects other valuable identification techniques and alternatives.
Conclusions:
- Substance identification is a neglected and misunderstood area in analytical toxicology.
- Urgent need for improved general knowledge, standardized analytical strategies, and robust reference substance banks and databases for unambiguous identification.