Separation, identification and quantification of tetrodotoxin and its analogs by LC–MS without calibration of individual analogs

We report here a simple and rapid method of separation, identification and quantification of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its analogs in partially purified extract by LC–MS. Except for the main component calibration of individual components was not necessary. TTX and four of its analogs in the puffer fish extract were identified and quantified. The limits of detection and quantification, the linear range and accuracy of the protocol were validated.