Simultaneous Analysis of Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Urine Samples by Solid-Phase Extraction, Derivatization, and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Journal of Forensic Sciences – September 01, 1991
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A highly effective solid-phase extraction method achieved over 65% recovery for amphetamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA from urine samples. Utilizing Bond Elute Certify™ cartridges and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), the process demonstrated less than 5% variability. With a sample size of just 2 mL, the method detected concentrations as low as 50 ng/mL. The analysis provided a near-perfect fit for concentrations ranging from 250 to 4000 ng/mL, highlighting its potential in forensic toxicology and drug analysis.
Abstract
Abstract A rapid and effective solid-phase extraction procedure using Bond Elute Certify™ bonded silica sorbent cartridges was adopted to extract amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy) from urine samples. The extract was derivatized with trichloroacetic anhydride prior to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis with selected ion monitoring of the following ions: 190, 91, 188; 204, 91, 202; 162, 135, 202; 194, 123; and 211, 209 for the derivatized amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, d5-amphetamine, and d9-methamphetamine, respectively. The first of the ions listed for each compound was used for quantitation. The compound d5-amphetamine was used as the internal standard for amphetamine, and d9-methamphetamine was used for methamphetamine and MDMA. Results showed a higher than 65% recovery and a reproducibility with less than a 5% coefficient of variation. When a sample size of 2 mL was used, the lowest detectable concentration was about 50 ng/mL, and a near-perfect fit can be obtained (within the 250 to 4000-ng/mL concentration range studied) using a second-order polynomial model.