Michael Rummel

Phenomenex

When performing LC–MS-MS analysis, phospholipids are perhaps one of the most troublesome components of bioanalytical samples. The presence of phospholipids not only reduces the column lifetime and sensitivity but can also cause a phenomenon known as ion suppression.

The current state of economic affairs is tumultous; as the economy struggles to bounce back, companies across all industries are becoming more creative in finding ways to reduce costs without sacrificing the quality of their goods or services. According to a recent survey conducted by the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT), 64.5% of forensic labs surveyed are implementing changes, or plan to implement changes, as a result of limited resources.

An update on the sample preparation and LC–MS-MS tools available for allergen detection, as well advantages of those techniques.

Gathering information about the chemical and physical properties of target analytes is an essential step to effective solid-phase extraction (SPE) method development.

The goal of this study was to develop an LC-MS-MS method for urinary synthetic cannabinoids for use in confirmational analysis. Because of the affinity of the Strata-X-Drug N SPE sorbent for synthetic cannabinoids, a rapid extraction procedure featuring a very strong wash was developed. The method also incorporates mass spectrometry polarity switching to achieve detection of the six synthetic cannabinoids. The Kinetex PFP core-shell HPLC/UHPLC column selectivity complimented the scheduled polarity switching by eluting the six compounds in the correct windows of polarity.

Solid phase extraction is an effective technique for cleaning up and concentrating samples. In the following application note we outline a simple approach for solid phase extraction method development using Strata® and Strata™-X SPE sorbents.

Utilizing a fast and simplified solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure with Strata-X-Drug N, barbiturates from urine samples were concentrated and cleaned prior to LC–MS-MS analysis. This SPE sorbent was specifically designed and QC’d for neutral drugs of abuse analysis and does not require conditioning or equilibrating steps, saving both time and solvent while providing high recoveries at the 300 ng/ mL cutoff level.

Barbiturates are a class of antidepressants whose abuse and addiction by recreational users has become a widespread problem (www.nlm.nih.gov). In our work we strived to streamline the barbiturate screening process to provide a fast, cost-effective, and reproducible method from start to finish for forensic labs who are involved in high-throughput processing.