Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
Rapid analysis of synthetic cannabinoids using a miniature mass spectrometer with ambient ionization capability
Qiang Ma1, Hua Bai2, Wentao Li2
1Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Abstract:
Synthetic cannabinoids are an emerging class of drugs of abuse and are of a great concern for transport control and usage regulation. In this study, we have developed rapid analytical methods using a miniature mass spectrometer for the identification of synthetic cannabinoids, as the traces of bulk powders on surfaces or substances in blood and urine. Significantly simplified work flows were developed by employing two ambient ionization methods, the paper spray and extraction spray ionization. Using five synthetic cannabinoids as examples, a limit of detection of 2 ng was estimated for the detection of trace powders on a bench surface and limits of quantitation as good as 10 ng/mL were obtained for the analysis of blood and urine samples.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS)
A gas chromatograph consists of a long, narrow capillary column with a polysiloxane coating on the inner wall....
Mass Spectrometers
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Mass Spectrometry
ESI utilizes electrical energy to transfer ions from the liquid phase of the sample into the...
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

