LC–MS–Based Methods for Identifying Drugs of Abuse in Oral Fluids for Forensic Toxicology Applications
This article reviews key developments and potential advantages of using LC–MS for forensic toxicology, including the option of using oral fluid samples.
Forensic toxicology screening methods are widely used to test biological samples for the presence of pharmaceutical drugs as well as drugs of abuse and their metabolites. Screening has most commonly been performed on urine or blood samples, using immunoassays or gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). However, these methods have various limitations that include risks of false positives and false negatives, lack of specif city, and limited throughput. Moreover, these methods are unable to keep up with continual developments relating to drug abuse. For example, they are not suitable for detecting drugs from numerous different classes simultaneously, and are not always easy to adapt for detecting new drugs. In recent years, forensic toxicology laboratories have begun developing liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-based (LC–MS) methods for drug screening. This article reviews key developments and potential advantages of using LC–MS for forensic toxicology, including the option of using oral fluid samples.
RAFA 2024 Highlights: Contemporary Food Contamination Analysis Using Chromatography
November 18th 2024A series of lectures focusing on emerging analytical techniques used to analyse food contamination took place on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at RAFA 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic. The session included new approaches for analysing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated alkanes (PCAS), Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH), and short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs).
Advancing Bladder Cancer Research with Mass Spectrometry: A FeMS Interview with Marta Relvas-Santos
November 12th 2024LCGC International interviewed FeMS Empowerment Award winner Marta Relvas-Santos on her use of mass spectrometry to identify potential biomarkers and therapies for bladder cancer. She also shared insights on her work with FeMS and advice for fellow scientists.
