Mass Spectrometer Detects Drugs in Oral Fluid Analysis

The TSQ Quantum GC triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometer from Thermo Scientific performs rapid confirmation and quantitation analyses and achieves optimal quantitative precision and linearity. A forensic toxicology application demonstrates the advanced analytical capabilities of the mass spectrometer for monitoring marijuana in oral fluid.

While detecting 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the pharmacologically active compound found in marijuana, has become imperative, the analysis is challenging due to the low concentrations of THC found in oral fluid and the low volumes of oral fluid generally available for analysis. In addition, the chemical background from the oral fluid matrix can limit the low detection levels required for this analysis.

The TSQ Quantum GC overcomes these challenges, routinely measuring THC in oral fluid at a 2-ng/mL cutoff level and below with minimal matrix interferences. Methods have been developed for sample preparation, acquisition and analysis for this forensic toxicology assay. Experimental results demonstrate that the analyzer, operated in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, is both selective and sensitive enough for accurate trace THC measurements in oral fluid.

In addition, the application achieves high quantitative precision with coefficients of variation (CV) of 6% or less at 0.8 and 2.5 ng/mL and exceptional linearity and accuracy from 0.2 to 20 ng/mL with no significant carryover.

All method development and validations were performed in an extracted oral-fluid calibrating matrix, proving the GC can dependably monitor trace levels of THC in oral fluid. In addition, ToxLab Forms 2.5 software provides automated sample analysis and quantitation and can be used for method validation, including assessments of precision and linearity.

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