Development and Validation of a Non-Targeted Screening Method for Most Psychoactive, Analgesic, Anaesthetic, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Coagulant and Anti-Hypertensive Drugs in Human Whole Blood and Plasma Using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

(1) Background: In toxicological laboratories, various screening methods can be used to identify compounds involved in intoxication. High-resolution mass spectrometry has been increasingly used in this context for the last years, because of its sensitivity and reliability. Here, we present the development and validation of a screening method that uses liquid chromatography coupled with a high-resolution mass spectrometer. (2) Methods: This method required only 100 µL of whole blood or plasma sample. Pretreatment consisted of a rapid and simple deproteinisation with methanol/acetonitrile and zinc sulphate. This new assay was validated according to international guidelines. (3) Results: To perform the method validation, 53 compounds were selected. The selection criteria were as follows: various chemical structures and therapeutic families (>15), large m/z distribution, positive or negative ionisation mode, and various elution times. The assays showed high selectivity and specificity, with optimal process efficiency. The identification limits, determined using predefined criteria, were established at sub-therapeutic or therapeutic concentrations. Applicability was evaluated using spiked plasma controls and external quality controls. (4) Conclusions: The new method was then successfully applied to routine clinical and forensic samples.

Keywords

• high-resolution mass spectrometry
• Orbitrap
• drug screening
• poisoning
• plasma
• whole blood