Analysis of psilocin, bufotenine and LSD in hair.
Journal of analytical toxicology – March 01, 2015
Source: PubMed
Summary
Imagine tracing past substance use months later. A new method successfully detects hallucinogens like psilocin, bufotenine, and LSD in hair samples. The technique employs a precise chemical extraction, purification, and highly sensitive mass spectrometry. Rigorously validated, this robust approach confirms its reliability and accuracy, offering powerful insights for forensic and toxicological analysis.
Abstract
A method for the simultaneous extraction of the hallucinogens psilocin, bufotenine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as well as iso-LSD, nor-LSD and O-H-LSD from hair with hydrochloride acid and methanol is presented. Clean-up of the hair extracts is performed with solid phase extraction using a mixed-mode cation exchanger. Extracts are measured with liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The method was successfully validated according to the guidelines of the 'Society of Toxicological and Forensic Chemistry' (GTFCh). To obtain reference material hair was soaked in a solution of the analytes in dimethyl sulfoxide/methanol to allow incorporation into the hair. These fortified hair samples were used for method development and can be employed as quality controls.