Volumetric absorptive microsampling device for forensic Toxicologic screening: A case report as proof-of-concept

Area of Science:

• Forensic toxicology
• Analytical chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) is an emerging technique for toxicological analysis.
• Its utility in forensic autopsy settings requires further documentation.
• New psychoactive substances (NPS) pose challenges in post-mortem investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Mitra™ VAMS devices for qualitative toxicological screening in a medico-legal autopsy.
• To assess VAMS applicability for identifying new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their metabolites.
• To compare VAMS performance against conventional sampling methods.

Main Methods:

• Autopsy samples (blood, urine, bile, vitreous humor) collected using conventional and Mitra™ VAMS devices.
• Analysis via liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS).
• Employing both targeted and untargeted screening approaches, including molecular networking.

Main Results:

• Comparable qualitative detection profiles between conventional and VAMS samples across all matrices.
• Identification of methamphetamine, opioids, and the synthetic cathinone α-PHP using targeted screening.
• Characterization of α-PHP and its metabolites via untargeted analysis and molecular networking, establishing a metabolic profile.

Conclusions:

• Mitra™ VAMS devices are suitable for qualitative toxicological screening and non-targeted analysis in post-mortem investigations, especially when sample volume is limited.
• Integrating VAMS into a structured workflow combining targeted and non-targeted HRMS enhances forensic toxicological analysis.
• VAMS shows potential for improving forensic identification strategies in challenging cases.