A simple, quick and non-destructive approach for sampling drugs of abuse in tablets and blotter for qualitative analysis by paper spray mass spectrometry.
Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications November 23, 2023 Mariana C C Diniz, Fabiana de Moura, Yuri Machado et al. 1 citation
A new method uses paper triangles rubbed directly onto seized tablets and blotter paper to detect new psychoactive substances (NPS) via paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS). The approach identified LSD, amphetamines, N-benzyl-substituted phenethylamines, synthetic cathinones, and synthetic cannabinoids in real samples. Sample preservation was excellent: less than 5% mass loss occurred even after 27 consecutive analyses, and no significant signal decrease was observed in the mass spectrometry. The method eliminates wet extraction, using only 10 μL of solvent per analysis, making it fast, inexpensive, and waste-minimizing. The intact sample can be retained for further forensic testing.