AbstractA comparative analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) for the detection of opioids in blood samples is presented. The Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) was concerned that the opioid drug class was not accurately detected at low concentrations due to the use of LC-QTOF as a non-targeted screening method for multiple classes

AbstractA comparative analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) for the detection of opioids in blood samples is presented. The Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) was concerned that the opioid drug class was not accurately detected at low concentrations due to the use of LC-QTOF as a non-targeted screening method for multiple classes

A procedure has been developed for the determination of third generation synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluid samples by using a semi-automated microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) procedure and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) determination. Five synthetic cannabinoids were employed as model compounds 5F-ADB, MMB-CHMICA, THJ-2201, CUMYL-4CN-BINACA, and MDMB-CHMCZCA. The most adequate

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a major public health problem, primarily due to the increased number of acute poisoning cases. Detection of these substances is a challenge. The aim of this research was to develop and validate a sensitive screening method for 104 drugs of abuse, including synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, fentanyl analogues, phenethylamines, and other abused psychoactive

While earlier studies have attempted to resolve the challenges encountered when interpreting gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) concentrations in hair (primarily due to its endogenous presence), few have had large sample sizes. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the inter-individual variation of endogenous GHB concentrations. The second objective, to be detailed in another report, was to

In the world of forensic and clinical toxicology, proper sample preparation is one of the key steps in identification and quantification of drugs of abuse. Traditional extraction methods such as solid-phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction are often laborious and not-selective for the target analytes being measured. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) can be synthesized for sample extraction

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is misused as an intoxicant, either alone or concurrently with other substances. Because GHB is illegal, the precursor chemicals 1,4-butanediol and gamma-butyrolactone are also misused for the same effect, either through pre-ingestion alteration or endogenous metabolism to GHB. We describe a case of a 50-year-old-man with a history of polysubstance misuse who experienced

In case of basic biological materials (blood, urine, vitreous humor) being unavailable, bone marrow can be used for toxicological tests. The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of various xenobiotics in the bone marrow, as well as in the blood and the vitreous humor. The analysis was performed in the biological material originating from the autopsy (n = 120), using the LC–MS method and

The popularity of electronic cigarettes (electronic nicotine delivery systems or ENDS) has grown rapidly over the past decade. With the continued evolution of ENDS, and the arrival of newer replaceable pod devices on the market, it is prudent to examine their emissions to help determine potential health risks to the user. Metal containing particles were examined in aerosol from several pod-based devices

A method for analyzing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC (THC-OH), and 11-nor-Δ9-THC-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) in postmortem solid specimens using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) was developed and validated. A Stomacher instrument was used to prepare these tissues before extraction. Prior to solid phase extraction, liver, kidney, stomach, lung, brain, muscle

Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, with a half-life of about 30 hours, that is commonly prescribed in the treatment of depression and obsessive and compulsive disorders. Though its more favorable adverse effect profile in comparison to tricyclic antidepressants, overdosages could lead to severe central nervous system depression.

In clinical toxicology, laboratories need screening methods allowing unambiguous identification of the compounds in a short turnaround time to either confirm or exclude the hypothesis of drug overdose, or poisoning with a toxicant.

The emergence of potentially dangerous new psychoactive substances (NPS) is challenging for forensic laboratories, as well as the ability to develop and validate methods for a rapid and unambiguous monitoring of these compounds. Thereupon, the aim of this work was to establish a methodology for the identification and quantification of four synthetic cathinones already seized in Portugal [4-chloroethcathinone

Flualprazolam is a designer benzodiazepine and novel psychoactive substance (NPS) that is increasing in prevalence and appearing in forensic investigations. Flualprazolam was quantitatively confirmed in 197 blood samples from medicolegal death investigations and human performance cases reported between August 2019 and February 2020. Drug screening was performed using liquid chromatography–time-of-flight

To evaluate trends related to accidental overdose deaths in Oklahoma, with a focus on opioids and methamphetamine. All accidental drug overdose deaths in the state of Oklahoma from 2002 to 2017 were reviewed. Opioids were grouped into the following categories: all opioids, prescription opioids, synthetic opioids, and heroin. Age-adjusted death rates for methamphetamine and each opioid category were

The highest concentrated metabolite of (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in urine, the main psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, is 11-nor-9-carboxy-(−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-β-D-glucuronide [(−)-trans-THC-COOH-Gluc]. Even though reference standards for THC, 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) and THC-COOH are commercially available as the biological (−)-trans-stereoisomers, the reference

Opioids are the drugs most commonly detected in overdose deaths and the second most consumed worldwide.

In this paper, the identification and full characterization of a novel non-fentanyl opioid sourced online, which is a member of the 1-substituted-4-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperazine derivatives related to MT-45, is reported. The sample was sold under the name ‘diphenpipenol’, (3-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-phenylethyl]phenol), although extensive NMR analysis showed that the product obtained

Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) remain one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the European drug market. In December 2018, Cumyl-CH-MEGACLONE, a novel SC based on a γ-carboline-1-one core structure was firstly identified in Hungary, and later also other European countries. This work aims to reveal the pharmacological characteristics and phase-I metabolism of Cumyl-CH-MEGACLONE

A number of errors with potentially significant consequences may be introduced at various points in the analytical process which result in skewed, erroneous analytical results. Precautionary procedures such as contamination control, following established sample collection protocols, and having a complete understanding of the long-term stability of the elements of interest can minimize or eliminate

Benzodiazepines are widely used in the treatment of sleep and anxiety disorders, as well as epileptic seizures and alcohol withdrawal because of their broad therapeutic index and low cost. Due to their central nervous system depressant effects they are also often implicated in traffic accidents and drug-related intoxications. With the increasing number of designer benzodiazepines used in a recreational

AbstractA comparative analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) for the detection of opioids in blood samples is presented. The Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) was concerned that the opioid drug class was not accurately detected at low concentrations due to the use of LC-QTOF as a non-targeted screening method for multiple classes

AbstractA comparative analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) for the detection of opioids in blood samples is presented. The Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) was concerned that the opioid drug class was not accurately detected at low concentrations due to the use of LC-QTOF as a non-targeted screening method for multiple classes

Selegiline is a selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor, used for reducing symptoms in early-stage Parkinson’s disease. The metabolites of selegiline include l-methamphetamine, l-amphetamine, and desmethylselegiline. The stereoisomers of selegiline metabolites, d-methamphetamine and d-amphetamine, are highly addictive psychostimulants and some of the most abused drugs in South Korea.

A procedure based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed for the analysis of benzodiazepines (nordiazepam, oxazepam, lormetazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam, bromazepam and alprazolam) in postmortem human ribs. Powdered bone samples, including marrow remains inside, with the internal standard diazepam-d5 were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with 100 μL of β-glucoronidase and were incubated

In the past dozen years, the cases of tramadol intoxication have become frequent in many countries. Most previous studies focused on tramadol’s pharmacology, such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics. However, the dynamic distribution and postmortem redistribution (PMR) of tramadol remain unclear. Our study aimed to investigate these two issues systematically in various specimens

The described procedure provides a rapid technique for the detection and semi-quantitation of a large number of drugs in blood. This procedure uses a minimal sample volume and employs a one-step liquid extraction and automated data processing to yield rapid turnaround times. 327 of the most commonly used medicinal and illicit drugs in Australia were selected including various amphetamines, anesthetics

In mid-2019, medical, forensic and legal communities were notified that a certain shipment of evacuated blood sampling tubes were recalled by the manufacturer. This recall order described that the preservative sodium fluoride (100 mg) and anticoagulant potassium oxalate (20 mg) were missing from a small batch of 10 mL-evacuated tubes. This gave cause for concern for possible implications in criminal

AbstractA comparative analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) for the detection of opioids in blood samples is presented. The Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) was concerned that the opioid drug class was not accurately detected at low concentrations due to the use of LC-QTOF as a non-targeted screening method for multiple classes

AbstractA comparative analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) for the detection of opioids in blood samples is presented. The Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) was concerned that the opioid drug class was not accurately detected at low concentrations due to the use of LC-QTOF as a non-targeted screening method for multiple classes

Synthetic cannabinoids represent a chemically diverse class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) responsible for large analytical and interpretative challenges for forensic toxicologists. Between 2016 and 2019, the three most prevalent synthetic cannabinoids in the United States were MMB-FUBINACA (FUB-AMB), 5F-MDMB-PINACA (5F-ADB), and 5F-MDMB-PICA, based on results from seized drug and toxicology

This article presents newly developed screening and confirmation analytical procedures to detect the misuse of nine prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors of the hypoxia-inducible factor: daprodustat, desidustat, FG2216, IOX2, IOX4, JNJ-42041935, molidustat, roxadustat and vadadustat, targeting either the parent drugs and/or their main metabolite(s). For the sample pre-treatment, different extraction protocols

Oxycodone is an opioid with strong analgesic effects widely used to treat acute and chronic pain. Interpretation of oxycodone concentrations in postmortem cases is complicated due to tolerance and overlapping concentrations for fatal and non-fatal levels. In this study, our aim was to develop and validate a method for oxycodone and its three metabolites: noroxycodone, oxymorphone, and noroxymorphone

This study describes twelve cases of drivers stopped for impaired driving, where a designer benzodiazepine was detected, specifically etizolam or flubromazolam. Etizolam was detected in three cases, with blood concentrations ranging from 40 to 330 ng/mL. Two of these cases had low concentrations of methamphetamine and/or amphetamine, and in the third case tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] was detected. Flubromazolam

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are prohibited as performance enhancing drugs in sports. Among them, testosterone and its precursors are often referred to as "pseudo-endogenous" AAS, that is, endogenous steroids that are prohibited when administered exogenously. To detect their misuse, among other methods, the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratories monitor the steroid profile (concentrations

The analgesics, codeine, fentanyl, oxycodone and tramadol frequently occur in postmortem cases and determining their role in the cause of death can be challenging. However, postmortem blood is susceptible to redistribution and may not be available in cases of severe blood loss, putrefaction or burns. Brain tissue may serve as a viable supplement to blood or on its own, as it is resistant to postmortem

A 23-month old boy was brought to a medical center by his mother, as she noticed that the father has gripped him around the neck and this had left marks. As a result of this, a child protection medical examination was requested. However, there was a significant chronology of mental health issues in the mother. Among the mother's medications, quetiapine and propranolol were the more active. Given a

Regarding ‘Evaluation of Oral Fluid as a Specimen for DUID’ by Veitenheimer and Wagner (2017; Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 41, 517–522), five (5) false positives are listed for THC in Table IV, but there should actually be zero (0). Therefore, the Results section (fourth paragraph) should read ‘The ELISA showed two FPs for amphetamine, while the DDS®2 showed one FP for cocaine and no FPs for THC’

The use of designer benzodiazepines appears to be increasing in many countries, but data concerning blood concentrations is scarce, making interpretation of concentrations difficult. The aim of this study was to report blood concentrations of clonazolam, diclazepam, etizolam, flualprazolam, flubromazepam, flubromazolam and phenazepam, and to investigate the relationship between blood concentrations

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are useful for extracting chemical compounds due to their properties, such as surface area and the potential for chemical modification. Especially the formation of carbon nanotubes with carboxylic acid functional group makes them disperse in water-based samples and have strong interaction forces with cationizable analytes. Based on these features, carboxylic acid functionalized

The analysis of blood samples for forensic or clinical intoxication cases is a daily routine in an analytical laboratory. The list of "suspect" drugs of abuse and pharmaceuticals that should be ideally screened is large, so multi-targeted methods for comprehensive detection and quantification is a useful tool in the hands of a toxicologist. In this study the development of an UHPLC-MS-MS method is

BACKGROUND Total urinary 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH) concentrations are generally reported following cannabis administration. Few data are available for glucuronide and minor cannabinoid metabolite concentrations. METHODS All urine specimens from 11 frequent and 9 occasional cannabis users were analyzed for 11 cannabinoids for up to 85 h by LC-MS-MS following controlled smoked,

Metabolites of synthetic cannabinoids are widely used as markers for identifying synthetic cannabinoids' intake. Polydrug use involving synthetic cannabinoids and ethanol may generate new metabolites, namely synthetic cannabinoid ethyl esters, hereby shown for the first time as new blood markers of synthetic cannabinoid-alcohol concomitant abuse. We report a case involving both the presence of 5F-PB22

Amphetamine and its derivatives' consumption is still an important public health issue, namely in terms of compounds variability and disposition to consumers. However, some of them, like MDMA, still live in the illicit market, with continuous success. Nevertheless, there is always new information and data on MDMA intoxication, both in vivo and in postmortem context. The authors report an intoxication

This work focuses on the development, validation and application of an analytical method for the determination of twenty organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in human tissues using salting out liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) for sample preparation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyse the obtained extracts. Measurement of the concentration

A microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) procedure for rapid concentration of methadone and its primary metabolite (EDDP) in hair samples was developed. The miniaturized approach coupled to gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS) was successfully validated. Hair samples (50 mg) were incubated with 1 mL of 1 M sodium hydroxide for 45 minutes at 50 °C, time after which the extract

Methanol, an aliphatic alcohol widely used in the industry, causes acute and chronic intoxications associated with severe long-term health damage, including permanent visual impairment, brain damage, mainly necrosis of the basal ganglia, and high mortality due to cancer. However, the role of formaldehyde, an intermediate metabolite of methanol oxidation, in methanol toxicity remains unclear. Thus,

The study reports the detection of a newly emerged drug, deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine (2-oxo-PCE), an analog of ketamine, through forensic drug and toxicological examinations of exhibits from drug seizure cases and blood samples taken from drivers of driving under the influence of drug (DUID) cases respectively in Hong Kong. The submission of 2-oxo-PCE in both types of cases was firstly encountered in

Illicit fentanyl occurrence in Los Angeles, California has increased along with the emergence of several fentanyl analogues (fentalogs). The following two case studies address the original identification of cyclopropyl fentanyl in cases investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner in the summer of 2017. In the first case study, cyclopropyl fentanyl was the only drug

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in human blood samples is a marker for alcohol usage. Typically, PEth is detected by reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with negative ion tandem mass spectrometry, investigating the fatty acyl anions released from the precursor ion upon collision-induced dissociation (CID). It has been established that in other classes of asymmetric glycerophospholipids the unimolecular

In this study, solid tissues such as the lung, liver, kidney and urine were highlighted to profile the AB-PINACA in vivo metabolites in a fatal abuse case, although such metabolite analysis is usually made with urine specimens. We compared the relative peak intensities of in vivo metabolites of AB-PINACA in lung, liver, kidney and urine specimens collected at the autopsy of its abuser with its in vitro

The unpredictable pharmacological and toxicological effects associated with the recreational use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a threat to the public health. Analysts are constantly facing a challenge to identify these designer drugs. In this article, five seized samples were submitted for analysis using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Essential and non-essential element concentrations in human blood provide important information on the nutritional status of individuals, and can assist in the screening or diagnosis of certain disorders and their association with other causative factors. A simple and sensitive method, suitable for use with small sample volumes, for quantification of multiple trace element concentrations in whole blood

High doses of nutmeg (seeds from Myristica fragrans Houtt.) can be abused as a psychoactive drug due to phenylpropene ingredients. During controlled abstinence, e.g., in forensic psychiatric clinics, nutmeg abuse has to be distinguished from an ingestion of other spices having phenylpropene ingredients (e.g., black pepper or garden lovage) or unintentional low-dose nutmeg intake. The aim of this study

The production and consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) has been raising a major concern worldwide. Due to easy access and available information, many NPSs continue to be synthesized with an alarming increase of those available to purchase, despite all the control efforts created. A new analytical method was developed and validated to determine a group of phenethylamines and synthetic

Betel nut is the fruit of Areca palm, growing in Papua New Guinea. Mixed with limestone and stick mustard, arecoline and guvacoline, which are present in betel nut, are hydrolyzed into arecaidine and guvacine, respectively. As part of the study on dietary habits of Papuans residents, our laboratory was asked to analyze the four alkaloids in hair to document long-term exposure. Hair samples were collected

An amphetamine interference was observed during the development of an liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) multi-class confirmation method for the determination of 47 drugs and metabolites in urine. The interference passed all qualitative criteria for amphetamine leading to potential false-positive results. Upon investigation, it was found that the amphetamine interference

The determination of cocaine (COC) and its metabolites ecgonine methyl ester (EME), benzoylecgonine (BZE), norcocaine (NCOC) and cocaethylene (CE) in human plasma is relevant in clinical and forensic toxicology. An efficient extraction and clean-up of plasma specimens for the simultaneous determination of BZE along with COC and basic metabolites is challenging due to their widely different polarities

As cannabis has become more accessible, use of alternative methods for cannabis administration such as vaporizers has become more prevalent. Most prior controlled pharmacokinetic evaluations have examined smoked cannabis in frequent (often daily) cannabis users. This study characterized the urinary excretion profile of 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH), the primary analytical outcome

Monitoring of new phenethylamine designer drugs in oral fluid (OF) is a crucial aim in workplace testing and driving under the influence of drug programs. In this study a simple and very quick method for the quantification of 11 illicit drugs in OF, which gave negative results to immunoassay tests, is proposed. Sample treatment and extraction of analytes were simultaneously achieved by applying supramolecular