Quantification of psilocin in human whole blood using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)
Journal of Forensic Sciences December 22, 2023 Munchelou M Gomonit, Britni Skillman, Madeleine J. Swortwood 6 citations
Psilocybin, a prodrug found in magic mushrooms, is converted in the body to psilocin, the compound responsible for cognitive effects. Existing methods to measure psilocin in plasma, serum, or urine may yield misleading pharmacokinetic data because the blood-to-plasma ratio is unknown. This work developed the first analytical method using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to quantify psilocin in human whole blood. The procedure achieved high recovery (≥89%) with minimal matrix effects, validated per ANSI/ASB 036 guidelines. Linearity ranged from 0.7 to 200 ng/mL, covering previously reported plasma levels. Psilocin was stable at 4°C for 48 hours. The method successfully detected and quantified psilocin at low limits in whole blood, though a proof-of-concept study is still needed.