Development and Clinical Application of an LC-MS-MS Method for Mescaline in Urine
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – April 01, 2008
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A groundbreaking method for detecting mescaline in urine samples has been developed, showcasing a detection limit of just 3-5 microg/L. Utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS), the technique demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. Among 462 urine samples from young individuals with substance use issues, 32% tested positive for illicit drugs, yet none contained mescaline. This advancement in forensic toxicology enhances the analytical methods available for screening hallucinogens and could inform future studies on psychedelics and drug analysis.
Abstract
Mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylethylamine) is an hallucinogenic psychoactive substance present in several species of cacti. Mescaline has a documented use dating back 5700 years. In more recent years, the interest in hallucinogenic designer drugs such as ecstasy has also triggered interest in the naturally occurring mescaline. This study was undertaken to develop a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method for the screening and confirmation of mescaline in human urine samples and to apply this method to routine testing in patient samples. For the screening procedure, chromatographic separation was achieved on a 5-microm HyPURITY C(18) column, using a methanol gradient in ammonium acetate buffer. The MS-MS analysis was performed using selected reaction monitoring; the transitions monitored were m/z 212.3 --> m/z 180.3 for mescaline and m/z 221.3 --> m/z 186.3 for the deuterated internal standard (mescaline-d(9)). The detection limit for mescaline in urine matrix was 3-5 microg/L, the upper limit of quantification was 10,000 microg/L, and the total coefficient of variation for spiked samples containing 10 to 1025 microg/L was m/z 195.2) was monitored. The LC-MS-MS method was found to be sensitive and specific for the routine detection of mescaline in urine. Among 462 urine samples collected from young people with alcohol or drug problems, 32% were positive for illicit drugs, but none for mescaline.