Validation of a method for simultaneous analysis of cocaine, benzoylecognine and cocaethylene in urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract

The present study describes a method for simultaneous analysis of cocaine, benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene in urine samples. After solid phase extraction, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was used for identification and quantification. The calibration curves were linear at 20 – 3000 ng/mL, r2 0.9997 for benzoylecgonine, 15 – 2000 ng/mL, r2 0.9985 and r2 0.9993 for cocaine and cocaethylene, respectively. Accuracy values: cocaine: 93,5-102,1%; benzoylecgonine: 97,5-104,8%; cocaethylene: 90,6-101,5%. Precision values: cocaine: C.V 5,4-14,6%; benzoylecgonine: C.V 7,8-12,3%; cocaethylene: C.V 5,9-12,3%. Detection and quantification limit values: cocaine and cocaethylene:10 ng/mL and 15 ng/mL, respectivalty; benzoylecgonine:15 ng/mL and 20 ng/mL, respectivaley. Recovery values: cocaine: 78,0-85,8%; benzoylecgonine: 74,0-79,8%; cocaethylene: 83,0-91,5%. The method described is advantageous compared to others, as it simultaneously detects the major analytes found in urine samples due to cocaine use and has been successfully validated.