Solid-Phase Microextraction Used in Mycotoxin Analysis

A research group from the University of Waterloo (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) has used solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) to determine the mycotoxin ochratoxin A in human urine. A multifiber SPME device was used with microplates for increased sample throughput. The method reportedly required minimal sample pretreatment to adjust sample pH. Ochratoxin A in urine is a good marker for human exposure to the mycotoxin, and the method is less invasive than blood analysis.