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Meikopoulos T, Gika H, Theodoridis G, Begou O. Detection of 26 Drugs of Abuse and Metabolites in Quantitative Dried Blood Spots by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Molecules 2024; 29:975. [PMID: 38474487 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29050975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A method was developed for the determination of 26 drugs of abuse from different classes, including illicit drugs in quantitative dried blood spots (qDBSs), with the aim to provide a convenient method for drug testing by using only 10 μL of capillary blood. A satisfactory limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.5 ng/mL for 9 of the compounds and 5 ng/mL for 17 of the compounds and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.75 ng/mL for 9 of the compounds and 1.5 ng/mL for 17 of the compounds were achieved for all analytes. Reversed-phase liquid chromatography was applied on a C18 column coupled to MS, providing selective detections with both +ESI and -ESI modes. Extraction from the qDBS was performed using AcN-MeOH, 1:1 (v/v), with recovery ranging from 84.6% to 106%, while no significant effect of the hematocrit was observed. The studied drugs of abuse were found to be stable over five days under three different storage conditions (at ambient temperature 21 °C, at -20 °C, and at 35 °C), thus offering a highly attractive approach for drug screening by minimally invasive sampling for individuals that could find application in forensic toxicology analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meikopoulos
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- BIOMIC_Auth, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Helen Gika
- BIOMIC_Auth, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Theodoridis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- BIOMIC_Auth, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- ThetaBiomarkers, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd., P.O. Box 8318, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Olga Begou
- BIOMIC_Auth, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- ThetaBiomarkers, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd., P.O. Box 8318, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
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2
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Dried matrix spots: an evolving trend in the toxicological field. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022; 18:86-102. [PMID: 35171452 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00434-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Dried matrix spot (DMS) is a sampling technique, primarily used to analyze blood to diagnose metabolic diseases in newborns. As this technique has several advantages, DMS has started to be employed for other purposes using other biological matrices and increasingly in toxicology over the last decade. The aim of this work was to review the analytical methods using DMS which can be applied to drugs of abuse and which have been published since 2010. Three different databases were searched, using dried, spots, and drugs of abuse as the descriptors and using a snowball search. After applying the exclusion criteria, 39 papers remained. The most common publications were related to the use of blood, which corresponded to 77% of the papers, followed by urine and oral fluid, which corresponded to 13 and 10% of the papers, respectively. The selected studies covered different illicit drugs, sample sizes of 5 to 250 µL and spot sizes ranging from 3 to 18 mm in diameter. This review also examined the extraction techniques and the methods employed to analyze various biological matrices and drugs of abuse, mostly by liquid-extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The benefits of DMS include: a simple sample pretreatment, better stability than liquid matrices, a simple extraction procedure, lower costs, and environmental benefits. DMS appears to be a promising technique in the field of toxicology and provides new perspectives for use in forensic laboratories.
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3
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A comparative review on detection of Cocaine using hyphenated techniques. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-021-02039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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4
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Giorgetti A, Pelletti G, Fais P, Giovannini E, Barone R, Pelotti S, Pascali JP. The use of fly artifacts in a crime scene: Is there any application for forensic toxicology? J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:749-755. [PMID: 34729777 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fly artifacts (FA) are bloodstains resulting from insect activity at a crime scene, usually by feeding on human blood. Whether these artifactual stains might be useful for forensic toxicological investigations in cases of absence of conventional and unconventional matrices, for example, in cases concealment of the body or of extensive putrefaction, has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study is to understand if FA trace evidence permits toxicological analysis when traditional matrices are not available. To this aim, FA experimentally produced by Calliphora vomitoria feeding on human blood of a cocaine and heroin user were collected from absorptive and non-absorptive material. FA material was analyzed by a new simple and fast LC-MS/MS method. Results were evaluated in terms of presence of the drug and relative amount of the detected molecules. From a qualitative point of view, the analysis of FA revealed all the substances originally detected in post-mortem blood in both cases. The ratios of cocaine/benzoylecgonine, codeine/morphine, and 6-monoacetylmorphine/morphine recovered in FA from cotton-textile materials and from non-absorptive surfaces were consistent with data resulted from original post-mortem blood. The preliminary study herein reported demonstrated that FA are extremely informative in case of cocaine and heroin users and merit further research in order to be applied in real caseworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Fais
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Giovannini
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella Barone
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jennifer P Pascali
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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5
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Fabris AL, Yonamine M. Dried matrix spots in forensic toxicology. Bioanalysis 2021; 13:1441-1458. [PMID: 34551580 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2021-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dried matrix spots (DMS) has gained the attention of different professionals in different fields, including toxicology. Investigations have been carried out in order to assess the potential of using DMS for the analysis of illicit substances, the main interest of forensic toxicologists. This technique uses minimal volumes of samples and solvents, resulting in simple and rapid extraction procedures. Furthermore, it has proved to increase analyte stability, improving storage and transportation. However, DMS presents some limitations: the hematocrit influencing accuracy and inconsistencies regarding the means of spotting samples and adding internal standard on paper. Thus, we provide an overview of analytical methodologies with forensic applications focusing on drugs of abuse and discussing the main particularities, limitations and achievements.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luis Fabris
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 580, 13B, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Yonamine
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 580, 13B, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
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6
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Moretti M, Freni F, Carelli C, Previderé C, Grignani P, Vignali C, Cobo-Golpe M, Morini L. Analysis of Cannabinoids and Metabolites in Dried Urine Spots (DUS). Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175334. [PMID: 34500772 PMCID: PMC8434267 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dried urine spots (DUS) represent a potential alternative sample storage for forensic toxicological analysis. The aim of the current study was to develop and validate a liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric procedure for the detection and quantitative determination of cannabinoids and metabolites in DUS. A two-step extraction was performed on DUS and urine samples. An LC-MS/MS system was operated in multiple reaction monitoring and positive polarization mode. The method was checked for sensitivity, specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, matrix effects and carryover. The method was applied to 70 urine samples collected from healthy volunteers and drug addicts undergoing withdrawal treatment. The method was successfully developed for DUS. LODs lower than 2.0 ng/mL were obtained for all the monitored substances. All the validation parameters fulfilled the acceptance criteria either for DUS or urine. Among the real samples, 45 cases provided positive results for at least one compound. A good quali-quantitative agreement was obtained between DUS and urine. A good stability of THC, THCCOOH and THCCOOH-gluc was observed after a 24 h storage, in contrast to previously published results. DUS seems to provide a good alternative storage condition for urine that should be checked for the presence of cannabinoids and metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (F.F.); (C.C.); (C.P.); (P.G.); (C.V.)
| | - Francesca Freni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (F.F.); (C.C.); (C.P.); (P.G.); (C.V.)
| | - Claudia Carelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (F.F.); (C.C.); (C.P.); (P.G.); (C.V.)
| | - Carlo Previderé
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (F.F.); (C.C.); (C.P.); (P.G.); (C.V.)
| | - Pierangela Grignani
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (F.F.); (C.C.); (C.P.); (P.G.); (C.V.)
| | - Claudia Vignali
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (F.F.); (C.C.); (C.P.); (P.G.); (C.V.)
| | - Maria Cobo-Golpe
- Servizo de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco s/n, 27002 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Luca Morini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (F.F.); (C.C.); (C.P.); (P.G.); (C.V.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Luginbühl M, Gaugler S. Addressing New Possibilities and New Challenges: Automated Nondestructive Hematocrit Normalization for Dried Blood Spots. Ther Drug Monit 2021; 43:346-350. [PMID: 33973966 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The patient's hematocrit (HCT) level can adversely affect the analysis results when dried blood spots (DBS) are used for sampling. Volumetric DBS sampling has been proposed to nullify the impact of HCT area bias (spreading area) on DBS by normalizing to a known sample volume. However, this strategy ignores DBS-related parameters such as analyte properties (red blood cell-to-plasma ratio) and HCT recovery bias. With the recent release of fully automated HCT measurement systems for DBS analysis, a broad range of end users are now able to measure and correct a sample's HCT level in a nondestructive manner. These systems permit correction for all known HCT-related impacts on DBS, such as analyte properties, HCT recovery bias, HCT area bias, and venous blood-to-DBS ratio, supporting and accelerating future quantitative DBS applications. However, with these novel tools, new questions arise concerning the normalization of analytical results, the choice of technique (single-wavelength reflectance vs near-infrared spectroscopy), and the DBS card-handling process post sampling. Herein, the necessary considerations for end users are addressed and examples are provided.
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8
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Moretti M, Manfredi A, Freni F, Previderé C, Osculati AMM, Grignani P, Tronconi L, Carelli C, Vignali C, Morini L. A comparison between two different dried blood substrates in determination of psychoactive substances in postmortem samples. Forensic Toxicol 2021; 39:385-393. [PMID: 33488834 PMCID: PMC7812343 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Whatman™ 903 cards represent a valid type of support for collection, storage, and analysis of dried blood spots (DBS). Whatman™ FTA (Flinders Technology Associates) are a type of cards soaked in chemicals that cause denaturation of proteins, while preserving DNA and ensuring the safe handling of DBS; to date, these cards are still rarely employed in forensic toxicology. The aim of this study was to analyze several psychoactive substances on not-dried blood on the two different cards and to compare the qualitative and quantitative results. Methods Twenty cardiac postmortem blood samples were collected and deposed on Whatman™ 903 and Whatman™ FTA cards. Spots and not-dried blood were analyzed following our validated and previously published liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. Results We were able to identify: eight drugs of abuse and their metabolites (15 cases), five benzodiazepines and their metabolites (3 cases), six antidepressants (6 cases) and two antipsychotics (3 cases). We observed a perfect qualitative correspondence and a general good quantitative correlation between data obtained from not-dried blood and the two different DBS cards, except for alprazolam, diazepam, desmethyldiazepam, fluoxetine and sertraline, that showed a lower concentration on FTA. Additional experiments suggest that the chemicals, adsorbed on FTA, are not the cause of the loss of signal observed for the substances previously mentioned and that methanol should be preferred as extraction solvent. Conclusions This study proved that FTA cards are a good and a hazard-free alternative sample storage method for analysis of several psychoactive substances in postmortem blood. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11419-020-00567-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Manfredi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Freni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Previderé
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Marco Maria Osculati
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, Pavia, Italy.,Legal Medicine Operative Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Mondino, Pavia, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, PV Italy
| | - Pierangela Grignani
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Tronconi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, Pavia, Italy.,Legal Medicine Operative Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Mondino, Pavia, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, PV Italy
| | - Claudia Carelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Vignali
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Morini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, Pavia, Italy
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9
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Extraction of dried oral fluid spots (DOFS) for the identification of drugs of abuse using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Chan WS, Wong GF, Hung CW, Wong YN, Fung KM, Lee WK, Dao KL, Leung CW, Lo KM, Lee WM, Cheung BKK. Interpol review of toxicology 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:563-607. [PMID: 33385147 PMCID: PMC7770452 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in toxicology from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20.Papers%202019.pdf.
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11
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Dried Blood Spot in Laboratory: Directions and Prospects. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10040248. [PMID: 32340321 PMCID: PMC7235996 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10040248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, dried blood spot (DBS) technology has become a convenient tool in both qualitative and quantitative biological analysis. DBS technology consists of a membrane carrier (MC) on the surface of which a biomaterial sample becomes absorbed. Modern analytical, immunological or genomic methods can be employed for analysis after drying the sample. DBS has been described as the most appropriate method for biomaterial sampling due to specific associated inherent advantages, including the small volumes of biomaterials required, the absence of a need for special conditions for samples’ storage and transportation, improved stability of analytes and reduced risk of infection resulting from contaminated samples. This review illustrates information on the current state of DBS technology, which can be useful and helpful for biomedical researchers. The prospects of using this technology to assess the metabolomic profile, assessment, diagnosis of communicable diseases are demonstrated.
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12
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Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Dib J, Thomas A, Geyer H. Do dried blood spots (DBS) have the potential to support result management processes in routine sports drug testing? Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:704-710. [PMID: 32180361 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dried blood spots (DBS) have been considered as complementary matrix in sports drug testing for many years. Especially concerning substances prohibited in-competition only, the added value of DBS collected concomitantly with routine doping control urine samples has been debated, and an increasing potential of DBS has been discussed in the scientific literature. To which extent and under which prerequisites DBS can contribute to enhanced anti-doping efforts is currently evaluated. As a proof-of-principle, two analytical applications, one targeting cocaine/benzoyl ecgonine and the other prednisone/prednisolone, are presented in this perspective to indicate potential added value but also presently existing limitations of the DBS approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany.,European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Genève and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Josef Dib
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Thomas
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany.,European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents, Cologne, Germany
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13
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Wang H, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Li J, Lin Z, Huang Z, Chang J, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhang C, Rao Y. An LC-MS/MS method for comparing the stability of ethanol's non-oxidative metabolites in dried blood spots during 90 days. Alcohol 2020; 83:29-35. [PMID: 31175945 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Problems of stability were found for biomarkers of alcohol consumption: ethyl glucuronide (EtG), ethyl sulfate (EtS), phosphatidylethanols (PEths), and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in whole blood. The purpose of this study was to establish a method for the determination of these four kinds of ethanol's non-oxidative metabolites in dried blood spots (DBS) by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and to evaluate their stability. In this method, 50 μL of human blood was spotted onto a filter paper for DBS analysis. Samples were extracted by methanol, reconstituted by 2-propanol, and injected into the LC-MS/MS system. Limits of detection were among 0.5-50 ng/mL, and deviations in accuracy and precision were all lower than 15% at three quality control levels. The stability of the four kinds of ethanol non-oxidative metabolites in DBS was investigated during a 90-day range under three temperatures, -20 °C, 4 °C, and 25 °C. EtG and EtS showed a high level of stability in DBS in the 90-day range, regardless of the temperature. FAEEs were unstable after three days. PEths showed stability within 15 days in postmortem DBS and 60 days in antemortem DBS, respectively, at all temperatures.
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14
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Blood and Plasma Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) Coupled to LC-MS/MS for the Forensic Assessment of Cocaine Consumption. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25051046. [PMID: 32110941 PMCID: PMC7179185 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable, feasible analytical methods are needed for forensic and anti-doping testing of cocaine and its most important metabolites, benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, and cocaethylene (the active metabolite formed in the presence of ethanol). An innovative workflow is presented here, using minute amounts of dried blood or plasma obtained by volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), followed by miniaturized pretreatment by dispersive pipette extraction (DPX) and LC-MS/MS analysis. After sampling 20 µL of blood or plasma with a VAMS device, the sample was dried, extracted, and loaded onto a DPX tip. The DPX pretreatment lasted less than one minute and after elution with methanol the sample was directly injected into the LC-MS/MS system. The chromatographic analysis was carried out on a C8 column, using a mobile phase containing aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile. Good extraction yield (> 85%), precision (relative standard deviation, RSD < 6.0%) and matrix effect (< 12%) values were obtained. Analyte stability was outstanding (recovery > 85% after 2 months at room temperature). The method was successfully applied to real blood and plasma VAMS, with results in very good agreement with those of fluid samples. The method seems suitable for the monitoring of concomitant cocaine and ethanol use by means of plasma or blood VAMS testing.
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15
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Moretti M, Freni F, Valentini B, Vignali C, Groppi A, Visonà SD, Osculati AMM, Morini L. Determination of Antidepressants and Antipsychotics in Dried Blood Spots (DBSs) Collected from Post-Mortem Samples and Evaluation of the Stability over a Three-Month Period. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24203636. [PMID: 31600953 PMCID: PMC6832719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
An LC-MS/MS method for the identification and quantification of antidepressants and antipsychotics was developed on dried blood spots (DBSs). Moreover, analyte stability on DBSs within a 3-month period was monitored. Aliquots of 85 µL of blood from autopsy cases were pipetted onto DBS cards, which were dried and stored at room temperature. DBSs were analyzed in triplicate immediately, within the following 3 weeks, and after 3 months. For each analysis, a whole blood stain was extracted in phosphate buffer and purified using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges in order to avoid matrix effects and injected in the LC-MS/MS system. Thirty-nine molecules were screened. Limits of detection (LODs) ranged between 0.1 and 3.2 ng/mL (g) and 0.1 and 5.2 ng/mL (g) for antidepressants and antipsychotics, respectively. Limits of quantification (LOQs) varied from 5 to 10.0 ng/mL for both. Sixteen cases among the 60 analyzed resulted positive for 17 different analytes; for 14 of these the method was fully validated. A general good agreement between the concentrations on DBSs and those measured in conventional blood samples (collected concurrently and stored at -20 °C) was observed. The degradation/enhancement percentage for most of the substances was lower than 20% within the 3-month period. Our results, obtained from real post-mortem cases, suggest that DBSs can be used for routine sample storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Francesca Freni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Valentini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Claudia Vignali
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Angelo Groppi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Damiana Visonà
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Antonio Marco Maria Osculati
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Luca Morini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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16
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Moretti M, Freni F, Tomaciello I, Vignali C, Groppi A, Visonà SD, Tajana L, Osculati AMM, Morini L. Determination of benzodiazepines in blood and in dried blood spots collected from post-mortem samples and evaluation of the stability over a three-month period. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1403-1411. [PMID: 31125516 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We successfully developed and validated an LC-MS/MS method for the identification of 27 and quantification of 9 benzodiazepines and metabolites in whole blood and DBSs. The results provided a good qualitative and quantitative correlation between DBSs stored at room temperature and whole blood stored at -20°C. A good stability for a three-month period was observed for most of the compounds detected in real post-mortem samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Freni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Tomaciello
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Vignali
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelo Groppi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Damiana Visonà
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Tajana
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Luca Morini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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17
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de Lima Feltraco Lizot L, da Silva ACC, Bastiani MF, Hahn RZ, Bulcão R, Perassolo MS, Antunes MV, Linden R. Simultaneous determination of cocaine, ecgonine methyl ester, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene and norcocaine in dried blood spots by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:408-416. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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18
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Freni F, Bianco S, Vignali C, Groppi A, Moretti M, Osculati AMM, Morini L. A multi-analyte LC–MS/MS method for screening and quantification of 16 synthetic cathinones in hair: Application to postmortem cases. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:115-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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19
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Ambach L, Menzies E, Parkin MC, Kicman A, Archer JR, Wood DM, Dargan PI, Stove C. Quantification of cocaine and cocaine metabolites in dried blood spots from a controlled administration study using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:709-720. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Ambach
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bioanalysis, Laboratory of ToxicologyGhent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Eleanor Menzies
- School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences Drug Control CentreKing's College London London UK
| | - Mark C. Parkin
- School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences Drug Control CentreKing's College London London UK
| | - Andrew Kicman
- School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences Drug Control CentreKing's College London London UK
| | - John R.H. Archer
- Clinical ToxicologyGuy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust London UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College London London UK
| | - David M. Wood
- Clinical ToxicologyGuy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust London UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College London London UK
| | - Paul I. Dargan
- Clinical ToxicologyGuy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Christophe Stove
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bioanalysis, Laboratory of ToxicologyGhent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
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