Simultaneous determination of methamphetamine, MDMA, and ketamine and their metabolites in urine using a rapid and simple HS-SPME-GC-MS method: A forensic study on drug abuse patterns in South Korea.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences July 14, 2025 Juhyun Sim, So Young Kyung, Jiyeong Jo et al. 4 citations
A rapid, solvent-free method using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed to simultaneously detect methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, and their metabolites in urine. Validation showed excellent linearity and acceptable detection limits. Analysis of 95 authentic urine samples revealed widespread polydrug use: 32 of 72 MDMA- or ketamine-positive cases tested positive for both substances. The metabolite-to-parent drug ratio indicated faster metabolism of ketamine compared to the other drugs. The method provides a reliable, high-throughput approach for forensic urine analysis. The findings highlight the prevalence of MDMA-ketamine co-ingestion in South Korea's club scene and emphasize the need for improved monitoring of polydrug abuse.