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Fatal Intoxication Involving 3-MeO-PCP: A Case Report and Validated Method
Erica Bakota1, Crystal Arndt2, Amelia A Romoser2
1Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77054, USA Erica.Bakota@ifs.hctx.net.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|June 25, 2016
Summary
This case report details a new method to detect 3-methoxy phencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) in postmortem blood. The analysis confirmed 3-MeO-PCP toxicity as the cause of death in a fatal overdose case.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Phencyclidine (PCP) analogs are emerging synthetic drugs of abuse.
- Accurate identification and quantification of these analogs in postmortem samples are crucial for determining cause of death.
Observation:
- A deceased individual initially screened positive for PCP, but confirmatory tests were negative.
- LC-TOF-MS analysis revealed a peak consistent with a PCP analog, later identified as 3-methoxy phencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP).
Findings:
- A validated quantitative LC-MS-MS method was developed for 3-MeO-PCP.
- Postmortem blood analysis detected 139 ± 41 µg/L of 3-MeO-PCP, along with diphenhydramine and amphetamine.
Implications:
- This study provides a validated method for 3-MeO-PCP quantification in forensic casework.
- The findings highlight the importance of testing for novel psychoactive substances in overdose investigations.
- Combined toxicity of 3-MeO-PCP, diphenhydramine, and amphetamine was determined as the cause of accidental death.