Analysis of Acetyl Fentanyl in Postmortem Specimens by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Method...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Acetyl fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, emerged as a public health concern in 2013.
• It acts as a μ-opioid receptor agonist, causing euphoria, CNS depression, and other effects.
• Accurate quantitation in postmortem casework is crucial for forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a sensitive and specific gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for acetyl fentanyl quantitation.
• To analyze demographic data associated with acetyl fentanyl use in postmortem cases.
• To identify potential risk factors for acetyl fentanyl abuse.

Main Methods:

• Solid-phase extraction (SPE) for isolating acetyl fentanyl from biological matrices (blood, urine).
• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for quantitation.
• Validation using Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGFT) parameters.
• Acetyl fentanyl-13C6 used as an internal standard.

Main Results:

• A validated GC-MS method for acetyl fentanyl detection in postmortem blood and urine was established.
• Blood concentrations ranged from 17 to 945 ng/mL.
• Demographic analysis identified white males aged 21-40 with a history of drug use as a high-risk group.

Conclusions:

• Acetyl fentanyl appears less potent than fentanyl, requiring higher doses for desired effects.
• The developed method provides a reliable tool for forensic toxicology.
• Targeted interventions may be beneficial for identified high-risk demographics.