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Moschovakou D, Ntoupa SP, Dona A, Athanaselis S, Spiliopoulou C, Nikolaou P, Papoutsis I. Vitreous humor in the forensic toxicology of quetiapine and its metabolites. Forensic Toxicol 2024:10.1007/s11419-024-00687-z. [PMID: 38615314 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-024-00687-z] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Τhe aim of the present study was to investigate the use of vitreous humor as an alternative biological material in forensic toxicology for the determination of quetiapine, 7-hydroxy-quetiapine, and nor-quetiapine. The distribution of these substances in vitreous humor was studied by determining and correlating their concentrations in vitreous humor with the respective concentrations in blood. METHODS During this study, a method for the determination of these substances was developed, validated and applied to postmortem samples obtained from 16 relative forensic cases. The sample preparation procedure included the isolation of the analytes from vitreous humor and blood samples using solid-phase extraction, with Bond Elut LRC C18 columns followed by derivatization with BSTFA with 1% TMCS prior to GC/MS analysis. RESULTS The developed method is characterized by a dynamic range of 10.0-1000.0 ng/mL (R2 ≥ 0.991) for the three substances, with a limit of detection and quantification of 3.0 and 10.0 ng/mL, respectively. Accuracy and precision were below 8.09% and 8.99%, respectively, for both biological materials, while absolute recovery for the three substances was greater than 81%. According to the results, quetiapine, 7-hydroxy-quetiapine, and nor-quetiapine are easily distributed in vitreous humor. CONCLUSION The results of the study indicate the usefulness of vitreous humor in toxicological analysis for the determination of these substances, especially when the traditional biological materials are not available. The levels of quetiapine and its metabolites in vitreous humor as well as the vitreous humor to blood concentration ratios can provide important information for a more thorough toxicological investigation of forensic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai Moschovakou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 71, Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatina-Panagoula Ntoupa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemisia Dona
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Athanaselis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Spiliopoulou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Nikolaou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Papoutsis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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2
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Hong G, Wang H, Lin Z, Cao L, Shen X, Yan J, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Rao Y. Ethyl sulfate in blood shows the potential to distinguish alcoholic death and postmortem alcohol instillation. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 60:102175. [PMID: 36417774 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102175] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol is often found in the blood of the deceased. To cover up the true cause of victim's death, postmortem instillation of alcohol occurs in some criminal cases. Explaining the finding of alcohol is extremely vital in forensic practice. This study aims to evaluate whether ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) in blood and vitreous humor (VH) can be used to distinguish alcoholic death and postmortem alcohol instillation. Saline or 12.6 g/kg ethanol (antemortem alcohol poisoning group) was introduced into rabbits' stomachs 2 h before sacrificed. Same amount of ethanol was introduced into rabbits' stomachs at 0 h, 0.5 h, 1 h and 2 h after death in four subgroups of postmortem alcohol instillation group, respectively. Cardiac blood and VH were collected at 10 min, 4 h, 10 h and 24 h after death in blank and antemortem alcohol poisoning group, and after instillation of alcohol in postmortem alcohol instillation group. Blood was also collected at 34 h. Ethanol and EtG levels in blood and VH and EtS in VH in antemortem alcohol poisoning group were overlapped with those in postmortem alcohol instillation group. The contents of EtG and EtS in blood in antemortem alcohol poisoning group (mean ≥ 7.833 μg/mL for EtG and ≥ 19.990 μg/mL for EtS) were much higher than those in postmortem alcohol instillation group (mean ≤ 0.118 μg/mL for EtG and ≤ 0.091 μg/mL for EtS), but apparent decomposition was observed in EtG, which might lead to misinterpretation. Blood EtS showed better stability and could be used to distinguish alcoholic death and postmortem alcohol instillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Hong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Zijie Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Xuebo Shen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, People's Republic of China (Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau), Beijing 100192, PR China
| | - Yunfeng Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100038, PR China.
| | - Yulan Rao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
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3
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Alternative matrices in forensic toxicology: a critical review. Forensic Toxicol 2021; 40:1-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-021-00596-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The use of alternative matrices in toxicological analyses has been on the rise in clinical and forensic settings. Specimens alternative to blood and urine are useful in providing additional information regarding drug exposure and analytical benefits. The goal of this paper is to present a critical review on the most recent literature regarding the application of six common alternative matrices, i.e., oral fluid, hair, sweat, meconium, breast milk and vitreous humor in forensic toxicology.
Methods
The recent literature have been searched and reviewed for the characteristics, advantages and limitations of oral fluid, hair, sweat, meconium, breast milk and vitreous humor and its applications in the analysis of traditional drugs of abuse and novel psychoactive substances (NPS).
Results
This paper outlines the properties of six biological matrices that have been used in forensic analyses, as alternatives to whole blood and urine specimens. Each of this matrix has benefits in regards to sampling, extraction, detection window, typical drug levels and other aspects. However, theses matrices have also limitations such as limited incorporation of drugs (according to physical–chemical properties), impossibility to correlate the concentrations for effects, low levels of xenobiotics and ultimately the need for more sensitive analysis. For more traditional drugs of abuse (e.g., cocaine and amphetamines), there are already data available on the detection in alternative matrices. However, data on the determination of emerging drugs such as the NPS in alternative biological matrices are more limited.
Conclusions
Alternative biological fluids are important specimens in forensic toxicology. These matrices have been increasingly reported over the years, and this dynamic will probably continue in the future, especially considering their inherent advantages and the possibility to be used when blood or urine are unavailable. However, one should be aware that these matrices have limitations and particular properties, and the findings obtained from the analysis of these specimens may vary according to the type of matrix. As a potential perspective in forensic toxicology, the topic of alternative matrices will be continuously explored, especially emphasizing NPS.
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4
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Kumar P, Sharma A, Kumar D, Sharma L. Use of Spectroscopic Methods and Their Clinical Applications in Drug Abuse: A Review. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2021; 53:360-373. [PMID: 34376090 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2021.1958196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Assurance of substance abuse in plasma and different parts of the body is vital in clinical and legal toxicology. Detection techniques are evaluated for their appropriateness in scientific and clinical sciences, where extraordinary prerequisites must be met. Recognition and affirmation are for the most part done by gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography (LC-MS), Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), Magnetic resonance imaging, Positron Emission Tomography, Infrared Spectroscopy, and UV Spectroscopy. Progressed spectroscopic techniques provided helpful quantitative or qualitative data about the natural chemistry and science of exploited substances. These spectroscopic techniques are assumed as quick, precise, and some of them are non-damaging investigation apparatus that may be assumed as a substitution for previously used compound investigation. Spectroscopy with its advances in technology is centralized to novel applications in the detection of abused drug substances and clinical toxicology. These techniques have attracted growing interest as forensic tools for the early detection and monitoring of exploited drugs. This review describes the principle, role, and clinical application of various spectroscopic techniques which are utilized for the identification of drug abuse like morphine, cocaine, codeine, alcohol, amphetamines, and their metabolites in whole blood, plasma, hair, and nails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Aditi Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Lalit Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
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5
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Wójtowicz A, Wietecha-Posłuszny R, Snamina M. Contemporary trends in drug analysis of vitreous humor: A critical review. Trends Analyt Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2020.115935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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6
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Álvarez-Freire I, Brunetti P, Cabarcos-Fernández P, Fernández-Liste A, Tabernero-Duque MJ, Bermejo-Barrera AM. Determination of benzodiazepines in pericardial fluid by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 159:45-52. [PMID: 29980018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In Forensic Toxicology it is sometimes impossible to obtain a valid blood sample to perform toxicological analysis due to several factors like advanced state of decomposition, severe burns, bleed to death…. Pericardial Fluid has already been studied during the last years and has been proposed as a valid specimen for toxicological tests. Over the years, the consumption of benzodiazepines spread among the drug dependent population and became noticeable in drug facilitated assault cases and road accidents. Improvement of the analytical methodology required for detecting the presence of these drugs in biological samples is of great importance for forensic toxicology, in order to correctly diagnose an exposure or a poisoning. In this study, 9 benzodiazepines (diazepam, nordiazepam, midazolam, bromazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam and alprazolam) have been determined in pericardial fluid. For this purpose a solid phase extraction (SPE) was carried out using Bond Elut Certify cartridges. After the derivatization of six of the nine benzodiazepines, gas chromatography coupled to a selective mass detector was used as the technique for the separation of the analytes. The method developed was fully validated for the 9 analytes and was applied to real samples of pericardial fluid received at the Forensic Toxicology Service of the University of Santiago de Compostela. Finally, they were compared with blood results looking for the existence of a possible correlation between both biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Álvarez-Freire
- Forensic Toxicology Service, Forensic Sciences Institute, Medicine School, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - P Brunetti
- Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Facoltà di Farmacia, Via Aurelio Saffi, 2, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - P Cabarcos-Fernández
- Forensic Toxicology Service, Forensic Sciences Institute, Medicine School, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Fernández-Liste
- Galicia´s Legal Medicine Institute (IMELGA), Courthouse Building, C/ Viena s/n, 15707, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M J Tabernero-Duque
- Forensic Toxicology Service, Forensic Sciences Institute, Medicine School, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A M Bermejo-Barrera
- Forensic Toxicology Service, Forensic Sciences Institute, Medicine School, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Bévalot F, Cartiser N, Bottinelli C, Fanton L, Guitton J. Vitreous humor analysis for the detection of xenobiotics in forensic toxicology: a review. Forensic Toxicol 2015; 34:12-40. [PMID: 26793276 PMCID: PMC4705140 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-015-0294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Vitreous humor (VH) is a gelatinous substance contained in the posterior chamber of the eye, playing a mechanical role in the eyeball. It has been the subject of numerous studies in various forensic applications, primarily for the assessment of postmortem interval and for postmortem chemical analysis. Since most of the xenobiotics present in the bloodstream are detected in VH after crossing the selective blood-retinal barrier, VH is an alternative matrix useful for forensic toxicology. VH analysis offers particular advantages over other biological matrices: it is less prone to postmortem redistribution, is easy to collect, has relatively few interfering compounds for the analytical process, and shows sample stability over time after death. The present study is an overview of VH physiology, drug transport and elimination. Collection, storage, analytical techniques and interpretation of results from qualitative and quantitative points of view are dealt with. The distribution of xenobiotics in VH samples is thus discussed and illustrated by a table reporting the concentrations of 106 drugs from more than 300 case reports. For this purpose, a survey was conducted of publications found in the MEDLINE database from 1969 through April 30, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Bévalot
- Laboratoire LAT LUMTOX, 71 Avenue Rockefeller, 69003 Lyon, France.,Institut de Médecine Légale, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Nathalie Cartiser
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie, ISPB-Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | | | - Laurent Fanton
- Département de Médecine Légale, Hôpital Edouard-Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Place D'Arsonval, 69437 Lyon Cedex 03, France.,CREATIS CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1044, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSA Lyon, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69621 Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Jérôme Guitton
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie, ISPB-Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France.,Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165 Chemin Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre Bénite Cedex, France
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8
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Peres MD, Pelição FS, Caleffi B, De Martinis BS. Simultaneous Quantification of Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates and Cannabinoids in Vitreous Humor. J Anal Toxicol 2013; 38:39-45. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkt093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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9
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Brunet B, Mura P. L’humeur vitrée en toxicologie médico-légale : revue de la littérature et applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1051/ata/2012004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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10
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Sabatasso S, Vaucher P, Augsburger M, Donzé N, Mangin P, Michaud K. Sensitivity and specificity of NT-proBNP to detect heart failure at post mortem examination. Int J Legal Med 2011; 125:849-56. [PMID: 21597901 PMCID: PMC3192281 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-011-0581-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
NT-proBNP, a marker of cardiac failure, has been shown to be stable in post mortem samples. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of NT-proBNP to detect heart failure in the forensic setting. One hundred sixty-eight consecutive autopsies were included in the study. NT-proBNP blood concentrations were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay kit. Cardiac failure was assessed by three independent forensic experts using macro- and microscopic findings complemented by information about the circumstances of body discovery and the known medical story. Area under the receiving operator curve was of 65.4% (CI 95%, from 57.1 to 73.7). Using a standard cut-off value of >220 pg/mL for NT-proBNP blood concentration, heart failure was detected with a sensitivity of 50.7% and a specificity of 72.6%. NT-proBNP vitreous humor values were well correlated to the ones measured in blood (r (2) = 0.658). Our results showed that NT-proBNP can corroborate the pathological findings in cases of natural death related to heart failure, thus, keeping its diagnostic properties passing from the ante mortem to the post mortem setting. Therefore, biologically inactive polypeptides like NT-proBNP seem to be stable enough to be used in forensic medicine as markers of cardiac failure, taking into account the sensitivity and specificity of the test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sabatasso
- University Centre of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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11
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Applicability of an on-site test for its use in post-mortem blood. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2011; 13:240-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2011] [Revised: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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12
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A rapid analytical method based on microwave-assisted extraction for the determination of drugs of abuse in vitreous humor. Anal Bioanal Chem 2011; 401:2177-86. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-5279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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13
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Kovatsi L, Rentifis K, Giannakis D, Njau S, Samanidou V. Disposable pipette extraction for gas chromatographic determination of codeine, morphine, and 6-monoacetylmorphine in vitreous humor. J Sep Sci 2011; 34:1716-21. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2011] [Revised: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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14
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Bioanalytical methods for the determination of cocaine and metabolites in human biological samples. Bioanalysis 2011; 1:977-1000. [PMID: 21083066 DOI: 10.4155/bio.09.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Determination of cocaine and its metabolites in biological specimens is of great importance, not only in clinical and forensic toxicology, but also in workplace drug testing. These compounds are normally screened for using sensitive immunological methods. However, screening methods are unspecific and, therefore, the posterior confirmation of presumably positive samples by a specific technique is mandatory. Although GC-MS-based techniques are still the most commonly used for confirmation purposes of cocaine and its metabolites in biological specimens, the advent of LC-MS and LC-MS/MS has enabled the detection of even lower amounts of these drugs, which assumes particular importance when sample volume available is small, as frequently occurs with oral fluid. This paper will review recently-published papers that describe procedures for detection of cocaine and metabolites, not only in the most commonly used specimens, such as blood and urine, but also in other 'alternative' matrices (e.g., oral fluid and hair) with a special focus on sample preparation and chromatographic analysis.
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Barroso M, Gallardo E, Vieira DN, Queiroz JA, López-Rivadulla M. Bioanalytical procedures and recent developments in the determination of opiates/opioids in human biological samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2011; 400:1665-90. [PMID: 21442365 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-4888-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Revised: 03/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The use and abuse of illegal drugs affects all modern societies, and therefore the assessment of drug exposure is an important task that needs to be accomplished. For this reason, the reliable determination of these drugs and their metabolites in biological specimens is an issue of utmost relevance for both clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories in their fields of expertise, including in utero drug exposure, driving under the influence of drugs and drug use in workplace scenarios. Most of the confirmatory analyses for abused drugs in biological samples are performed by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric methods, but use of the more recent and sensitive liquid chromatography-(tandem) mass spectrometry technology is increasing dramatically. This article reviews recently published articles that describe procedures for the detection of opiates in the most commonly used human biological matrices, blood and urine, and also in unconventional ones, e.g. oral fluid, hair, and meconium. Special attention will be paid to sample preparation and chromatographic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barroso
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal-Delegação do Sul, Rua Manuel Bento de Sousa, 3, 1150-219 Lisboa, Portugal.
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16
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Dulaurent S, Moesch C, Marquet P, Gaulier JM, Lachâtre G. Screening of pesticides in blood with liquid chromatography-linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2010; 396:2235-49. [PMID: 20143224 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-009-3443-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Revised: 12/23/2009] [Accepted: 12/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In clinical or forensic toxicology, general unknown screening procedures are used to identify as many xenobiotics as possible, belonging to numerous chemical classes. We present here a general unknown screening procedure based on liquid chromatography coupled with use of a single linear ion trap mass spectrometer, and focus on the identification of pesticides and/or metabolites in whole blood. After solid-phase extraction (SPE), the compounds of interest were separated using a reversed-phase column and identified by the mass spectrometer operated first in the full-scan mass spectrometry (MS) mode, in the positive and negative polarities, followed by MS(2) and MS(3) scanning of ions selected in data-dependent acquisition. The total scan time was 2.45 s. Two mass spectral libraries (MS(2) and MS(3)), each of 450 spectra, were created for the 320 pesticides and metabolites detected after injection of pure solutions. Robustness of the spectra and matrix effects were studied and were satisfactory for the present application. Detection limits for the 320 compounds were studied by extracting 1 mL spiked blood at concentrations between 10 microg/L and 10 mg/L. If necessary, it was possible to decrease the detection limits of some compounds by 10-100-fold by scanning MS(2) in only one polarity, owing to a shorter total scan time. However, at the same time, the detection specificity decreased as no confirmation could be recorded in the following MS(3) scan and no information could be registered in the other polarity. So, in these rare cases, confirmation by another method was required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Dulaurent
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CHU de Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France.
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Fernández AA, Amigó N, Carboné MT, Mora A, Pinto M, Beltran J, Gassó S. Application of the Cozart DDS system to postmortem screening of drugs of abuse in vitreous humor. Forensic Toxicol 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-009-0071-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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18
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Phencyclidine and cannabinoids in vitreous humor. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2008; 10:201-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2008.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2007] [Revised: 01/09/2008] [Accepted: 01/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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19
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Phipps RJ, Smith JJ, Darwin WD, Cone EJ. Chapter 2 Current methods for the separation and analysis of cocaine analytes. HANDBOOK OF ANALYTICAL SEPARATIONS 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-7192(06)06002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Brettell
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Cedar Crest College, 100 College Drive, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104-6196, USA
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