Sample preparation method for the combined extraction of ethyl glucuronide and drugs of abuse in hair. Issue 4 (27th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meier, Ulf; Briellmann, Thomas; Scheurer, Eva; Dussy, Franz
• Is Part Of: Drug testing and analysis. Volume 10:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 701
• Page End: 710
• Publication Date: 2017-11-27
• Subjects: hair analysis -- ethyl glucuronide -- drugs of abuse -- combined extraction -- sample preparation; Drugs -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Drug testing -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; 615.1901
• DOI: 10.1002/dta.2314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-7603

Abstract

Abstract: Often in hair analysis, a small hair sample is available while the analysis of a multitude of structurally diverse substances with different concentration ranges is demanded. The analysis of the different substances often requires different sample preparation methods, increasing the amount of required hair sample. When segmental hair analysis is necessary, the amount of hair sample needed is further increased. Therefore, the required sample amount for a full analysis can quickly exceed what is available. To combat this problem, a method for the combined hair sample preparation using a single extraction procedure for analysis of ethyl glucuronide with liquid chromatography‐multistage fragmentation mass spectrometry/multiple reaction monitoring (LC–MS 3 /MRM) and common drugs of abuse with LC–MRM was developed. The combined sample preparation is achieved by separating ethyl glucuronide from the drugs of abuse into separate extracts by fractionation in the solid‐phase extraction step during sample clean‐up. A full validation for all substances for the parameters selectivity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, matrix effects, and recovery was successfully completed. The following drugs of abuse were included in the method: Amphetamine; methamphetamine; 3, 4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐methylamphetamine (MDMA); 3, 4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA); 3, 4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐ethylamphetamine (MDE); morphine; 6‐monoacetylmorphine; codeine; acetylcodeine; cocaine; benzoylecgonine; norcocaine; cocaethylene; methadone; 2‐ethylidene‐1, 5‐dimethyl‐3, 3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) and methylphenidate. In conclusion, as only 1 sample preparation is needed with 1 aliquot of hair, the presented sample preparation allows an optimal analysis of both ethyl glucuronide and of the drugs of abuse, even when the sample amount is a limiting factor. Abstract : The development and validation of a hair sample preparation with a combined extraction of ethyl glucuronide and drugs of abuse is described. The combined sample preparation allows a reduction of the amount of needed hair sample for an optimal analysis. Additionally, the cost and time of sample preparation when analysis of both substance groups is required can be slightly reduced.