LCMS-96_Identifying psychotropics using Toxtyper _2014.indd

Various instrument types and LC-MS approaches have been explored in an attempt to develop a comprehensive analysis method for detecting and definitely identifying as many compounds as possible in a single run. However, everyday analyses often require the detection of a defined set of substances (for example, hypnotics in cases of drugfacilitated assault (DFA). The aim of this project was to develop an analysis method for psychotropic medical drugs based on the ToxtyperTM open library concept. Psychotropic drug data from the Toxtyper library [1] and spectra obtained from reference standards were combined in a new spectral library. These data were used to compile a scheduled precursor list (SPL) to trigger data-dependent acquisition of spectra. A conventional ESI source and an ionBoosterTM source were used for ionization. All other parameters were adopted from the original Toxtyper approach. Samples were analyzed on a Dionex RSLC coupled to a Bruker Daltonics amaZon speed ion trap mass spectrometer. For evaluation, several drug-free serum samples spiked with different mixes of psychotropic drugs at low concentration levels and several serum samples from authentic cases were analyzed in parallel to the routine toxicological analyses. Authors Jürgen Kempf, Laura M. Huppertz Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Germany Markus Meyer Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Bremen, Germany Application Note LCMS-96 Adopting Forensic Analyses to Specific Lab Needs – Identifying Psychotropics in Serum Using the Toxtyper Open Library Concept