Rapid multi-residue analysis of antibiotics in muscle by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A way of carrying out simple and rapid multi-residue analysis of antibiotics in porcine and bovine muscle by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) is described. The method has previously been published as a screening method, but the scope has now been extended to quantification and confirmation.Nineteen compounds from five different classes of antibiotics, i.e. tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones, (-lactams and macrolides, are included in the method. The samples are extracted by a single extraction using 70% methanol, diluted with water and injected in the LC–MS/MS. The run time is 7 min per injection. About 60 samples can be analysed in 24 h. By using this method the need for a separate screening step prior to confirmation is eliminated and consequently the total time from sampling to a confirmed result will be considerably reduced.Validation was performed according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC.