Analysis of illicit drugs in human biological samples by LC-MSn

Abstract

There are several classes of illegal substances with different psychotropic effects. It is possible to select a biological matrix and a suitable analytical strategy depending on the aim of the analysis and/or on the availability of the sample or on which kind of information is needed. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS) has provided a helpful tool in this field especially for hydrophilic, thermolabile, and nonvolatile analytes, which analysis is sometimes critical by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Specific guidelines or procedures have been adopted in order to assist the chemist and to direct him/her towards the practical applications, for which a new analytical method is being created, including measures of verification and external assessment.