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LC/MS with a particle beam interface in forensic toxicology
1Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Clinics in Laboratory Medicine
|January 19, 1999
Summary
This study highlights the use of high-pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) for screening forensic samples in postmortem and driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases. The method effectively detects various therapeutic and subtherapeutic drug levels, aiding toxicological analysis.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Forensic toxicology relies on various instruments for drug screening and confirmation.
- High-pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) is a powerful technique for analyzing biological samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the application of HPLC/MS for screening forensic postmortem and driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases.
- To present limits of detection and extraction efficiencies for various compounds using this method.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high-pressure liquid chromatograph (HPLC) with a particle beam interface.
- Coupled the HPLC to a mass spectrometer (MS) detector and a photodiode array detector.
- Screened for a wide range of drugs including antidepressants, drugs of abuse, and common medications.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the capability of HPLC/MS to detect therapeutic and subtherapeutic levels of selected drugs.
- Provided limits of detection and extraction efficiencies for numerous compounds.
- Illustrated practical application through case discussions of various drug combinations.
Conclusions:
- HPLC/MS is an effective screening tool for forensic toxicology in postmortem and DWI investigations.
- The method allows for the identification of diverse drug classes and combinations.
- This technique enhances the accuracy and scope of toxicological analyses.