A multi-component LC-MS/MS method for detection of ten plant-derived psychoactive substances in urine.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences – April 15, 2009
Source: PubMed
Summary
A breakthrough method now offers faster, more precise detection of ten plant-derived psychoactive substances in urine. This robust technique, including compounds like psilocin and ephedrine, works by directly analyzing urine samples in just 14 minutes. Demonstrating excellent accuracy and sensitivity, it proves highly effective for rapidly diagnosing clinical intoxication cases and covers all relevant concentration ranges.
Abstract
A sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous detection of 10 plant-derived psychoactive substances (atropine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, ephedrine, harmaline, harmine, ibogaine, lysergic acid amide, psilocin, scopolamine and yohimbine) in urine was developed. Direct injection of urine diluted with 3 deuterated internal standards allowed for a readily accessible method suitable for application in clinical intoxication cases. Separation was achieved using reversed phase chromatography and gradient elution with a total analysis time of 14 min. Electrospray ionization was used and ions were monitored in the positive selected reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curves were linear (r(2)>0.999) and the total imprecision at high (1000 microg/L) and low (50 microg/L) substance concentrations were 4.9-13.8% and 8.3-26%, respectively. Infusing the analytes post column and injecting matrix samples showed limited influence by ion suppression. The multi-component method proved to be useful for investigation of authentic cases of intoxication with plant-derived psychoactive drugs and was indicated to cover the clinically relevant concentration ranges.