Methods for GC/MS Analysis of the Most Commonly Seized Drugs of Abuse and Their Metabolites in Biological Samples
Chemosensors – August 04, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Accurate detection of illicit substances is crucial in forensic toxicology. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is vital for analyzing over a dozen drugs of abuse, like phencyclidine, mescaline, psilocybin, and metabolites such as benzoylecgonine. Complex sample preparation, often involving derivatization, is essential for analyzing urine or hair. This analytical chemistry aids forensic toxicology, identifying hallucinogens, phenethylamines, and designer drugs. Precise identification is critical for understanding their pharmacology and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a common analytical technique used for identifying and quantifying drugs of abuse, as well as their metabolites, extracted from biological samples. Depending on the properties of the analyzed compounds, particularly in the case of metabolites, derivatization is often necessary. In this article, we will address the definition, properties, sample preparation, and GC-MS analysis of the most common drugs of abuse in their native (seized) form and their metabolites in biological samples (urine, blood, hair, and tissue). Drugs that will be described are: amphetamines and their derivatives, cannabinoids, cocaine, opioids, lysergide (LSD), benzodiazepines, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), phencyclidine (PCP), mescaline, psilocin, and psilocybin. The literature review showed that the analysis of the drugs of abuse requires a simple extraction procedure and analysis with or without derivatization. However, the analysis of the metabolites requires removing the interferences from the matrix (proteins, other compounds, water, and other species that may interfere with the analysis or contaminate the GC-MS). This review article will provide insights into the available procedures for sample preparation and analytical methods, helping authors gain the necessary information and select the desired procedure for analysis.