The detection and quantification of lorazepam and its 3-O-glucuronide in fingerprint deposits by LC-MS/MS

Measurement of isoniazid in tuberculosis patients using finger sweat with creatinine normalisation: A controlled administration study

BACKGROUND

Insufficient exposure and poor compliance with anti-tuberculosis (TB) medications are risk factors for treatment failure and the development of drug resistance. Measurement of drugs in biological samples, such as blood and saliva, can be used to assess adherence and make dose adjustments by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Finger sweat testing is a convenient and non-invasive method to monitor patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility of finger sweat testing for medication adherence and as a semi-quantitative tool for TDM analysis.

METHODS

Ten patients provided finger sweat, blood and saliva samples following a controlled dose of isoniazid. Samples were analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Isoniazid can be detected in finger sweat 1-6 h following administration at typically prescribed dosages. The normalisation of isoniazid to creatinine increases the correlation between finger sweat and serum isoniazid concentration and provides a means to account for inconsistent sample volumes.

CONCLUSION

We describe the time-course measurement of isoniazid (or drug-to-creatinine ratio) in finger sweat compared to the pharmacokinetic profile in blood for the first time. This technique, adaptable for other drugs, could reduce the burden on clinics and improve patient experience.

Determination of carbamazepine in fingerprints: a feasibility study to evaluate adherence in epilepsy patients

Background: Fingerprint drug concentrations can be used as a noninvasive and convenient alternative to evaluate adherence to pharmacotherapy. Methods: Fingerprints were applied over glass slides, extracted and analyzed by ultra-high performance LC-MS/MS. The assay and drug adherence questionnaires were applied to 30 epilepsy patients. Results: The assay had linearity in the range 0.05-10 ng fingerprint-1, with precision of 2.16-7.9% and accuracy of 95.0-102.8%. Carbamazepine (CBZ) levels in fingerprints were stable at 45°C for 15 days. Concentrations in patient samples were 0.06-9.28 ng fingerprint-1. A significant difference (p = 0.003) was found between CBZ concentrations in fingerprints between patient groups divided as low and medium/high adherence. Conclusion: This method can potentially be applied to the identification of epilepsy patients with low adherence to CBZ pharmacotherapy.

Drugs detection in fingerprints

Fingerprints left at a crime scene are used to connect the crime to a person who may have been present there. Fingerprints can also be used as alternative material in forensic toxicology. The detection of drugs in fingerprint samples can be used to show that an individual touching an item has consumed specific drugs. The aim of this study was to check the usefulness of fingerprints in drug analyses and detection of some analytes in this material. Fingerprint samples were collected on glass slides from a volunteer who consumed separately tablets containing pseudoephedrine, codeine, dextromethorphan, and used lidocaine spray. Moreover, fingerprints of individuals receiving sertraline, hydroxyzine and trazodone as part of their long-term treatment were analysed. The detection of drugs was conducted using the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. After administration of single doses of drugs, they were detected up to 36 h (pseudoephedrine), 24 h (codeine), and less than 6 h (dextromethorphan and lidocaine) with maximum concentrations observed at 1-4 h. In fingerprints of a person who has finished treatment with hydroxyzine and sertraline it was possible to detect these drugs even 20 days after last drug administration. Cetirizine (hydroxyzine metabolite) and mCPP (trazodone metabolite) were determined in fingerprints of individuals under long-term treatment. This work has demonstrated that forensic toxicology can use fingerprints as alternative material. Drugs can be detected in fingerprints even after their single doses. Parent compounds predominate over metabolites in the fingerprints. The detection window depends on the type of drug and duration of the treatment.

Noninvasive drug adherence monitoring of antipsychotic patients via finger sweat testing

Collection of finger sweat is explored here as a rapid and convenient way of monitoring patient adherence to antipsychotic drugs. Finger sweat samples (n = 426) collected from patients receiving treatment with clozapine, quetiapine and olanzapine were analysed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, including a subgroup of patients with paired plasma samples. Finger sweat samples were also analysed from a negative control group and patients who had handled antipsychotic medication only. The finger sweat test (based on the detection of parent drug in one donated sample) was 100% effective in monitoring adherence within commonly prescribed dosing ranges. In comparison to participants who handled the medication only, the test could distinguish between contact and administration through monitoring of the drug metabolite, or the level of parent drug. Additionally, in a subgroup of patients prescribed clozapine, a statistically significant correlation was observed between the mass of parent drug in finger sweat and plasma concentration. The finger sweat technology shows promise as a dignified, noninvasive method to monitor treatment adherence in patients taking antipsychotics.

Surface-enhanced Raman imaging through sprayed probes for the application in chemical visualization of methamphetamine within fingerprints

For fingerprint-involved forensic investigations, cyanoacrylates and inorganic nanophosphors are mostly used for fingerprint visualization. However, methods to simultaneously report fingerprint images and the corresponding specific chemical information have yet to be realized. In this work, chemical visualization of the analytes in fingerprints is achieved through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements with the aid of spray-dispersed gold nanorods (AuNRs). The optimal coverage of AuNRs was studied by theoretical simulations and experimental operations. A rapid sampling of fingerprints with the chemical of interest was developed by tuning the spray parameters. In particular, the SERS imaging of methamphetamine in fingerprint latent was attempted by addressing the SERS spectral features of methamphetamine. This chemical visualization method reflects both the graphical and chemical characteristics of fingerprints in a single batch measurement, in which methamphetamine can be detected and mapped at the concentration of 10^-5 M. The data processing approach was also modified by employing relevant logical judgments. The improved SERS images with sharpened patterns of fingerprints were obtained by involving the scored multi-peak judgments.

Potential to Use Fingerprints for Monitoring Therapeutic Levels of Isoniazid and Treatment Adherence

A fingerprint offers a convenient, noninvasive sampling matrix for monitoring therapeutic drug use. However, a barrier to widespread adoption of fingerprint sampling is the fact that the sample volume is uncontrolled. Fingerprint samples (n = 140) were collected from patients receiving the antibiotic isoniazid as part of their treatment, as well as from a drug-naive control group (n = 50). The fingerprint samples were analyzed for isoniazid (INH) and acetylisoniazid (AcINH), using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. The data set was analyzed retrospectively for metabolites known to be present in eccrine sweat. INH or AcINH was detected in 89% of the fingerprints collected from patients and in 0% of the fingerprints collected from the control group. Metabolites lysine, ornithine, pyroglutamic acid, and taurine were concurrently detected alongside INH/AcINH and were used to determine whether the fingerprint sample was sufficient for testing. Given a sufficient sample volume, the fingerprint test for INH use has sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%. Normalization to taurine was found to reduce intradonor variability. Fingerprints are a novel and noninvasive approach to monitor INH therapy. Metabolites can be used as internal markers to demonstrate a sufficient sample volume for testing and reduce intradonor variability.

Quantitative analysis of 17 hypoglycemic drugs in fingerprints using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

The objective of this study was to develop, optimize, and validate a method for the determination and quantification of 17 hypoglycemic drugs in fingerprints using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTRAP-MS/MS). We also aimed to apply the present method to the fingerprints collected from patients with hyperglycemia.

METHODS

The scheduled multiple reaction monitoring information-dependent acquisition-enhanced product ion (SMRM-IDA-EPI) scanning mode was utilized. The chromatographic system consisted of an Acquity UHPLC® BEH C18 column (3.0 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) and a mobile phase of 0.01% (v/v) formic acid in water and methanol. Analytes were extracted via a precipitation protein procedure. The method was validated in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance and applied to the analysis of fingerprint deposits from subjects who had taken the drugs.

RESULTS

The limits of detection (LODs) and the lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) of 17 hypoglycemic drugs were 0.001 to 0.020 and 0.002 to 0.050 ng/fingerprint, respectively. The correlation coefficients (r) for the calibration curves were > 0.99 in the range of 0.050-50.000 ng/fingerprint. The matrix effect and recovery of 17 hypoglycemic drugs at three concentrations ranged from 81.1 to 117.3% and 80.0 to 109.6%, respectively. The validation data (intra- and inter-day combined) for accuracy ranged from 85.5 to 117.2%, the CV (%) data were ≤19.7%. All analytes were found to be stable stored in the autosampler (4°C) for 24 h. This validated method was successfully applied to detect hypoglycemic drugs in fingerprints from patients with hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

A quantification method for hypoglycemic drugs in fingerprints was developed, optimized, and validated. This sensitive method could be used for drug monitoring and providing reference information in forensic investigations.

Simultaneous determination and quantitation of hypolipidemic drugs in fingerprints by UPLC-Q-TRAP/MS

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole compound linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TRAP/MS) method was developed and validated for the detection of hypolipidemic drugs in fingerprints. 13 hypolipidemic drugs were well separated by the gradient elution of 0.01% formic acid in water and methanol at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min within 11 min. The analytes were detected in positive (ESI⁺) and negative (ESI^-) modes and scanned using scheduled multiple reaction monitoring-information dependent acquisition-enhanced product ion (SMRM-IDA-EPI) for best selectivity and sensitivity. The calibration curves showed good linearity in the range of 0.050-50.000 ng/patch with coefficients (r²) higher than 0.9904 for all analytes. Meantime, the LODs and LLOQs were in ranges of 0.001-0.034 and 0.003-0.050 ng/patch. The accuracies, intra-day and inter-day precision ranged from -13.3 to 0.3%, 1.1-10.4% and 3.7-14.5%, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 79.9 to 114.8%, while the absolute and relative matrix effects were in the range of 83.0-107.2% and 2.2-9.7%. By comparing the non-spiked fingerprints from healthy volunteers with the fingerprints obtained from patients, demonstrated that the method was competent for determination and quantitation of hypolipidemic drugs in fingerprints.

Evaluation of Latent Fingerprints for Drug-Screening In A Social Care Setting

Sweat deposited via Latent Fingerprints (LFPs) was previously used to detect cocaine, opioids, cannabis and amphetamine via a point-of-care test (POCT). This screening method combined non-invasive sampling with a rapid result turnaround to produce a qualitative result outside of the laboratory. We report the novel application of a LFP drug screening test in a social care setting. Clients were tested on either an ad-hoc or routine basis using the POCT DOA114 (Intelligent Fingerprint Ltd.) drug screening cartridge. Screening cut-off values were 45, 35 and 95 pg/fingerprint for benzoylecgonine (BZE), morphine and amphetamine analytes, respectively. Confirmation LFP samples (DOA150, Intelligent Fingerprinting Ltd.) and oral fluid (OF) were analysed using UPLC-MS/MS. Thirty-six clients aged 36 ± 11 years participated (53% females). Individuals self-reported alcohol consumption (39%) and smoking (60%). Of 131 screening tests collected over 8 weeks: 14% were positive for cocaine; 2% for opioids; 1% amphetamine. Polydrug use was indicated in 10% of tests. Of 32 LFP confirmation tests, 63% were positive for cocaine and BZE. Opioids were also detected (31%) with the metabolite 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) being the most common (16%). In OF, cocaine was the dominant analyte (9%) followed 6-MAM (5%). Comparing positive LFP screening tests with positive OF samples found 39% and 38% were cocaine and opiate positive respectively. Out of the drugs screened for via the LFP POCT, cocaine was the most prevalent analyte in LFP and OF confirmation samples. The study is a step change in the routine drug screening procedures in a social care setting: especially useful for on-site cocaine detection in clients whose drug use was being monitored. Additionally, testing was easily accepted by clients and social care workers.

Recent Advances in Noninvasive Biosensors for Forensics, Biometrics, and Cybersecurity

Recently, biosensors have been used in an increasing number of different fields and disciplines due to their wide applicability, reproducibility, and selectivity. Three large disciplines in which this has become relevant has been the forensic, biometric, and cybersecurity fields. The call for novel noninvasive biosensors for these three applications has been a focus of research in these fields. Recent advances in these three areas has relied on the use of biosensors based on primarily colorimetric assays based on bioaffinity interactions utilizing enzymatic assays. In forensics, the use of different bodily fluids for metabolite analysis provides an alternative to the use of DNA to avoid the backlog that is currently the main issue with DNA analysis by providing worthwhile information about the originator. In biometrics, the use of sweat-based systems for user authentication has been developed as a proof-of-concept design utilizing the levels of different metabolites found in sweat. Lastly, biosensor assays have been developed as a proof-of-concept for combination with cybersecurity, primarily cryptography, for the encryption and protection of data and messages.

Distinguishing between Contact and Administration of Heroin from a Single Fingerprint using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Fingerprints have been proposed as a promising new matrix for drug testing. In previous work it has been shown that a fingerprint can be used to distinguish between drug users and nonusers. Herein, we look at the possibility of using a fingerprint to distinguish between dermal contact and administration of heroin. Fingerprint samples were collected from (i) 10 patients attending a drug rehabilitation clinic, (ii) 50 nondrug users and (iii) participants who touched 2 mg street heroin, before and after various hand cleaning procedures. Oral fluid was also taken from the patients. All samples were analyzed using a liquid chromatography—high resolution mass spectrometry method validated in previous work for heroin and 6-AM. The HRMS data were analyzed retrospectively for morphine, codeine, 6-acetylcodeine and noscapine. Heroin and 6-AM were detected in all fingerprint samples produced from contact with heroin, even after hand washing. In contrast, morphine, acetylcodeine and noscapine were successfully removed after hand washing. In patient samples, the detection of morphine, noscapine and acetylcodeine (alongside heroin and 6-AM) gave a closer agreement to patient testimony on whether they had recently used heroin than the detection of heroin and 6-AM alone. This research highlights the importance of washing hands prior to donating a fingerprint sample to distinguish recent contact with heroin from heroin use.

On the relevance of cocaine detection in a fingerprint

The finding that drugs and metabolites can be detected from fingerprints is of potential relevance to forensic science and as well as toxicology and clinical testing. However, discriminating between dermal contact and ingestion of drugs has never been verified experimentally. The inability to interpret the result of finding a drug or metabolite in a fingerprint has prevented widespread adoption of fingerprints in drug testing and limits the probative value of detecting drugs in fingermarks. A commonly held belief is that the detection of metabolites of drugs of abuse in fingerprints can be used to confirm a drug has been ingested. However, we show here that cocaine and its primary metabolite, benzoylecgonine, can be detected in fingerprints of non-drug users after contact with cocaine. Additionally, cocaine was found to persist above environmental levels for up to 48 hours after contact. Therefore the detection of cocaine and benzoylecgonine (BZE) in fingermarks can be forensically significant, but do not demonstrate that a person has ingested the substance. In contrast, the data here shows that a drug test from a fingerprint (where hands can be washed prior to donating a sample) CAN distinguish between contact and ingestion of cocaine. If hands were washed prior to giving a fingerprint, BZE was detected only after the administration of cocaine. Therefore BZE can be used to distinguish cocaine contact from cocaine ingestion, provided donors wash their hands prior to sampling. A test based on the detection of BZE in at least one of two donated fingerprint samples has accuracy 95%, sensitivity 90% and specificity of 100% (n = 86).

Detection of mephedrone and its metabolites in fingerprints from a controlled human administration study by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and paper spray-mass spectrometry

Mephedrone and one of its metabolites have been detected for the first-time in fingerprints collected from a controlled human mephedrone administration study.

Drug screening using the sweat of a fingerprint: lateral flow detection of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine, opiates and amphetamine

Here, we describe the use of a fluorescence based lateral flow competition assay for the screening of four classes of drugs, viz, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cocaine (through the detection of benzoylecgonine, BZE), opiates (through the detection of morphine, MOR) and amphetamine (AMP) present in the sweat of a fingerprint. The Drug Screening Cartridge was specifically developed for fingerprint sample collection and analysis. For this study, the cut-offs were set at: 190, 90, 68 and 80 pg/fingerprint for THC, BZE, MOR and AMP, respectively. Working with three UK coroners, the Drug Screening Cartridge, together with its fluorescence reader, was applied to the detection of drugs in the sweat of a fingerprint from deceased individuals. The study shows that there was sufficient sweat present on the fingertips to enable analysis and that the Drug Screening Cartridge could detect the presence, or absence, of each drug. The presence of the drugs was confirmed using LC-MS-MS analysis of a second fingerprint sample collected simultaneously. Excellent correlation was achieved between the results obtained from the Drug Screening Cartridge and the LC-MS-MS analysis of the fingerprint samples obtained from 75 individuals. The accuracy of the results was: 99% for THC; 95% for BZE; 96% for MOR and 93% for AMP. The results obtained using the Drug Screening Cartridge were also compared to toxicological analysis of blood and urine samples with good correlation. The accuracy of the results between the Drug Screening Cartridge and blood was: 96%, 92%, 88% and 97% for THC, BZE, MOR and AMP, respectively. The comparison with urine showed an accuracy ranging between 86% and 92%. This fingerprint sample method has a collection time of just 5 s and a total analysis time of <10 mins. These results show that the lateral flow Drug Screening Cartridge is an excellent screening test to provide information on drug use from the sweat in a single fingerprint sample.

Paper spray screening and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry confirmation for medication adherence testing: A two-step process

RATIONALE

Paper spray offers a rapid screening test without the need for sample preparation. The incomplete extraction of paper spray allows for further testing using more robust, selective and sensitive techniques such as liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Here we develop a two-step process of paper spray followed by LC/MS to (1) rapidly screen a large number of samples and (2) confirm any disputed results. This demonstrates the applicability for testing medication adherence from a fingerprint.

METHODS

Following paper spray analysis, drugs of abuse samples were analysed using LC/MS. All analyses were completed using a Q Exactive™ Plus Orbitrap™ mass spectrometer. This two-step procedure was applied to fingerprints collected from patients on a maintained dose of the antipsychotic drug quetiapine.

RESULTS

The extraction efficiency of paper spray for two drugs of abuse and metabolites was found to be between 15 and 35% (analyte dependent). For short acquisition times, the extraction efficiency was found to vary between replicates by less than 30%, enabling subsequent analysis by LC/MS. This two-step process was then applied to fingerprints collected from two patients taking the antipsychotic drug quetiapine, which demonstrates how a negative screening result from paper spray can be resolved using LC/MS.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown for the first time the sequential analysis of the same sample using paper spray and LC/MS, as well as the detection of an antipsychotic drug from a fingerprint. We propose that this workflow may also be applied to any type of sample compatible with paper spray, and will be especially convenient where only one sample is available for analysis.

Noninvasive Detection of Cocaine and Heroin Use with Single Fingerprints: Determination of an Environmental Cutoff

BACKGROUND

Recent publications have explored the possibility of using fingerprints to confirm drug use, but none has yet dealt with environmental contamination from fingertips. Here we explored the possibility of establishing an environmental cutoff for drug testing from a single fingerprint.

METHODS

Fingerprint samples (n = 100) were collected from the hands of 50 nondrug users before and after handwashing to establish separate environmental cutoff values and testing protocols for cocaine, benzoylecgonine, heroin, and 6-monoacetylmorphine. The cutoff was challenged by testing the fingerprints of drug-free volunteers after shaking hands with drug users. Fingerprints from patients who testified to taking cocaine (n = 32) and heroin (n = 24) were also collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A different cutoff value needed to be applied, depending on whether the fingerprints were collected as presented or after handwashing. Applying these cutoffs gave a 0% false-positive rate from the drug-free volunteers. After application of the cutoff, the detection rate (compared to patient testimony) for washed hands of patients was 87.5% for cocaine use and 100% for heroin use.

CONCLUSIONS

Fingerprints show enhanced levels of cocaine, heroin, and their respective metabolites in patients who testified to taking the substances, compared with the population of naïve drug users surveyed, and a cutoff (decision level) can be established. The cutoff is robust enough to account for small increases in analyte observed after secondary transfer.

Rapid, Secure Drug Testing Using Fingerprint Development and Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry

BACKGROUND

Paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is a technique that has recently emerged and has shown excellent analytical sensitivity to a number of drugs in blood. As an alternative to blood, fingerprints have been shown to provide a noninvasive and traceable sampling matrix. Our goal was to validate the use of fingerprint samples to detect cocaine use.

METHODS

Samples were collected on triangular pieces (168 mm2) of washed Whatman Grade I chromatography paper. Following application of internal standard, spray solvent and a voltage were applied to the paper before mass spectrometry detection. A fingerprint visualization step was incorporated into the analysis procedure by addition of silver nitrate solution and exposing the sample to ultraviolet light.

RESULTS

Limits of detection for cocaine, benzoylecgonine, and methylecgonine were 1, 2, and 31 ng/mL respectively, with relative standard deviations &lt; 33%. No matrix effects were observed. Analysis of 239 fingerprint samples yielded a 99% true-positive rate and a 2.5% false-positive rate, based on the detection of cocaine, benzoylecgonine, or methylecgonine with use of a single fingerprint.

CONCLUSIONS

The method offers a qualitative and noninvasive screening test for cocaine use. The analysis method developed is rapid (4 min/sample) and requires no sample preparation.

Webb R, Bosman I, Wolff K, de Puit M. Rapid detection of cocaine, benzoylecgonine and methylecgonine in fingerprints using surface mass spectrometry

Latent fingerprints provide a potential route to the secure, high throughput and non-invasive detection of drugs of abuse.

Direct analyte-probed nanoextraction coupled to nanospray ionization-mass spectrometry of drug residues from latent fingerprints

Here, we present a method of extracting drug residues from fingerprints via Direct Analyte-Probed Nanoextraction coupled to nanospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DAPNe-NSI-MS). This instrumental technique provides higher selectivity and lower detection limits over current methods, greatly reducing sample preparation, and does not compromise the integrity of latent fingerprints. This coupled to Raman microscopy is an advantageous supplement for location and identification of trace particles. DAPNe uses a nanomanipulator for extraction and differing microscopies for localization of chemicals of interest. A capillary tip with solvent of choice is placed in a nanopositioner. The surface to be analyzed is placed under a microscope, and a particle of interest is located. Using a pressure injector, the solvent is injected onto the surface where it dissolves the analyte, and then extracted back into the capillary tip. The solution is then directly analyzed via NSI-MS. Analyses of caffeine, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and ecstasy have been performed successfully.

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography in drug analysis

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) is an increasingly popular alternative to conventional HPLC for drug analysis. It offers increased selectivity and sensitivity, and improved efficiency when quantifying drugs and related compounds in complex matrices such as biological and environmental samples, pharmaceutical formulations, food, and animal feed. In this review we summarize HILIC methods recently developed for drug analysis (2006–2011). In addition, a list of important applications is provided, including experimental conditions and a brief summary of results. The references provide a comprehensive overview of current HILIC applications in drug analysis.

LC–MS metabolomics of polar compounds

The metabolome is the complete set of small molecules coming from protein activity (anabolism and catabolism) in living systems. They have a broad range of chemical structures and physicochemical properties and therefore different analytical methodologies are necessary. Highly polar metabolites, such as sugars and most amino acids are not retained by conventional reversed-phase LC columns. Without sufficient retention, coelution may result in identification problems while the detection of compounds by MS at low concentrations may also be problematic due to ion suppression. In order to retain compounds based on their hydrophilicity, polar stationary phases and hydrophilic-interaction LC provide a complementary tool to reversed-phase LC for untargeted comprehensive metabolite fingerprinting. However, robustness of the methods is still limiting their applications. This review focuses on sample pretreatment, stationary phases, analytical methods and applications for polar compound analysis in biological matrices.