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Rapid identification of seized controlled substances and related compounds by tandem mass spectrometry without chromatography
Author(s) -
Fletcher Carl M.,
Sleeman Richard
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.7514
Subject(s) - chemistry , chromatography , mass spectrometry , analyte , tandem mass spectrometry , sample preparation , gas chromatography , consumables , tandem , analytical chemistry (journal) , materials science , composite material
Rationale This study demonstrates the capability of using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for the identification of substances of abuse and related compounds without the need for chromatography. The elimination of chromatography is not only cost‐effective because of reduced sample work‐up and consumables, but also reduces the environmental impact of solvents. Methods Two chromatography‐free techniques were used to screen for a large suite of compounds using a rapid, inexpensive technique: a thermal desorber coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer operated in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. First, questioned materials in solution were introduced via an autosampler; and secondly, the materials were introduced directly by means of disposable toothpicks. The results were compared with those obtained by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results MS/MS was shown to be capable of the identification of the same drugs within the samples as the conventional method of GC/MS, but with better sensitivity and shorter analysis times. Presented herein is an automated screening method based on an algorithm containing more than 60 precursor ion/product ion ‘transitions’ (i.e. 30+ compounds simultaneously; two precursor/product ion transitions per analyte), requiring less than 2 min for identification using an autosampler or instantaneously by means of manual sample introduction. Therefore, by eliminating chromatography, a higher laboratory throughput is achievable with simplified sample preparation. Conclusions An inexpensive, rapid and reliable method was successfully developed for the identification of controlled substances within unknown matrices using MS/MS without any chromatographic separation. This technique could be further validated with reference to an increasing database of MS/MS spectra to help to identify an expanding suite of compounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.