Screening for and validated quantification of amphetamines and of amphetamine‐ and piperazine‐derived designer drugs in human blood plasma by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Journal of Mass Spectrometry – June 01, 2003
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A groundbreaking method for detecting designer drugs has shown impressive results, accurately quantifying compounds like PMA and MDMA in human blood plasma. The approach, utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, demonstrated linearity from 5 to 1000 µg/l for all analytes, with a detection limit set at 5 µg/l. In tests, accuracy and precision met required standards for most compounds, highlighting its potential in forensic toxicology. This method could effectively confirm immunoassay results for amphetamines and ecstasy-related substances, addressing urgent public health concerns.
Abstract
Abstract The classical stimulants amphetamine, methamphetamine, ethylamphetamine and the amphetamine‐derived designer drugs MDA, MDMA (‘ecstasy’), MDEA, BDB and MBDB have been widely abused for a relatively long time. In recent years, a number of newer designer drugs have entered the illicit drug market. 4‐Methylthioamphetamine (MTA), p ‐methoxyamphetamine (PMA) and p ‐methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) are also derived from amphetamine. Other designer drugs are derived from piperazine, such as benzylpiperazine (BZP), methylenedioxybenzylpiperazine (MDBP), trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP), m ‐chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) and p ‐methoxyphenylpiperazine (MeOPP). A number of severe or even fatal intoxications involving these newer substances, especially PMA, have been reported. This paper describes a method for screening for and simultaneous quantification of the above‐mentioned compounds and the metabolites p ‐hydroxyamphetamine and p ‐hydroxymethamphetamine (pholedrine) in human blood plasma. The analytes were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the selected‐ion monitoring mode after mixed‐mode solid‐phase extraction (HCX) and derivatization with heptafluorobutyric anhydride. The method was fully validated according to international guidelines. It was linear from 5 to 1000 µg l −1 for all analytes. Data for accuracy and precision were within required limits with the exception of those for MDBP. The limit of quantification was 5 µg l −1 for all analytes. The applicability of the assay was proven by analysis of authentic plasma samples and of a certified reference sample. This procedure should also be suitable for confirmation of immunoassay results positive for amphetamines and/or designer drugs of the ecstasy type. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.