On-site testing of multiple drugs of abuse in urine by a miniature dual-LIT mass spectrometer

There is an increasing need for rapid and on-site detection of emerging drugs of abuse. In this work, we developed a method using a miniature dual-LIT (linear ion trap) mass spectrometer recently developed with comprehensive tandem mass spectrometry analysis capability, for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple drugs of abuse. Paper-capillary spray cartridges were used with related workflow established to simplify overall analysis procedure. Quantitation of ketamine and methamphetamine was achieved by beam-type collision-induced dissociation on the miniature dual-LIT mass spectrometer and a linear concentration range of 100-5000 ng/mL was obtained. The system has been applied in analysis of real urine samples from individuals addicted to morphine and methamphetamine use. The changes of the ratio of cocaine to its metabolite benzoylecgonine were also explored to estimate the time of cocaine intaking.

In this work, we developed a method for fast analysis of DOAs based on a miniature dual-LIT MS system. Paper-capillary spray cartridges and related workflow were established for the simple analysis procedure. Its analytical performance has been validated by analyzing eight common DOAs and four new DOAs in different types of biological matrices, showing good qualitative and quantitative capabilities. This method has been applied into quantitative analysis of real urine samples from users of morphine and methamphetamine. Results showed that the miniature MS system is applicable to fast and on-site testing of multiple DOAs in biofluid samples.