AN OPTIMIZED GC-MS METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF COCAINE AND ITS MAJOR METABOLITES

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a simple yet sensitive, reliable and robust method for qualitative determination of cocaine and a series of its tropane metabolites in biological samples (blood, urine, etc.). The method should be optimized for routine forensic expertise in analytical toxicology. Material/Methods: Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been used as the method for analytical identification. Certified analytical standards were used as a reference material for validation. Results: Sample preparation procedure has been simplified and organized in such a way, that only common reagents are required. Initial matrix purification is done by means of solid phase extraction (SPE), during which a carefully chosen set of simple solvents is applied. Additional derivatization (BSTFA/MTBSTFA) has been shown to be of a major importance for benzoylecgonine determination. Limit of detection (LOD) has been determined to be as low as 50 ng/mL for cocaine and 25 ng/mL for benzoylecgonine. Results are given within 90 minutes.

Keywords

• cocaine
• benzoylecgonine
• solid phase extraction
• analytical toxicology
• drugs of abuse
• forensic expertise