Ultra high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry screening method for direct analysis of designer drugs, “spice” and stimulants in oral fluid

An ultra high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–ESI–MS/MS) screening method for the direct analysis in oral fluid (OF) of 24 drugs, including new synthetic cannabinoids and so-called “smart” designer drugs, in a single chromatographic run was set up. Benzylpiperazine, methylone, 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI), fenproporex, 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA), 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (4-MEC), 4-methylamphetamine (4-MA), methylbenzodioxolylbutanamine (MBDB), mephedrone, methylthioamphetamine (MTA), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), mefenorex, nabilone, furfenorex, clobenzorex, JWH-200, AM 694, JWH-250, JWH-073, JWH-018, JWH-019, JWH-122, HU 210 and CP 47497 were determined in a chromatographic run of 9 min only with no sample pre-treatment, after addition of ISs and dilution in mobile phase A. This method is designed to be applied to 250 μL of OF sample, anyway is suitable to be used on smaller volumes (till 100 μL). LODs vary from 1 ng/mL to 20 ng/mL. No interfering peaks were observed due to similar analytes, common therapeutic drugs or endogenous compounds. Matrix effect, although present especially for mephedrone, is acceptable, allowing the detection of the compounds at the LODs described. The developed method was applied on 400 real OF samples from on-site tests performed by police officers.

► We set up a UHPLC/MS method for designer and “smart” drugs detection in oral fluid.
► Sample preparation is minimal and sensitivities are fit-for purpose.
► Also drugs not covered by immunochemical on-site kits can be detected.
► It is of great concern for driving under the influence of drugs determination.