Analytical Toxicology involves methods for comprehensive screening of biological matrices for the presence abused drugs. Routine analysis of samples in clinical and forensic settings demands quick and efficient extraction procedures. Smaller sorbent amounts utilized by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) products allow scaling-down of starting sample size and minimize the total solvent volumes required to wash matrix components and elute the target analytes. 2 mg or less of sorbent particles embedded in a disc membrane allows for sample enrichment and high throughput processing. As compared to lose sorbent, disk format eliminates channeling effects and reduces dead volume. Removal of the evaporation step from the procedure also decreases overall turn-around time.
In this application note, a method for extracting a large drugs of abuse panel from urine and plasma using UCT’s Micro-Prep® HLB microelution plate has been described. This plate consists of a highly retentive uncharged hydrophilic and lipophilic sorbent which can effectively retain a range of acids, neutrals and bases via reverse-phase. HPLC separation was carried out using UCT’s Selectra® PFPP column prior to detection by LC‐MS/MS. The pentafluorophenylpropyl phase can undergo dipole– dipole, and pi–pi interactions, imparting unique selectivity and retention mechanisms to the column that distinguish it from a traditional biphenyl phase. The total run time was 13 minutes at a 0.4 mL/min flow rate.
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