Determination of biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure in oral fluid using solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A new, simple and sensitive method was described for the simultaneous determination of nicotine, cotinine and trans-3′-hydroxycotinine in oral fluid samples using solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). This technique was developed using only 0.2 mL of sample, and deuterated analogues were used as internal standards. The method was found to be linear between 0.5 and 1000 ng/mL, with determination coefficients higher than 0.996 for all analytes. Intra- and interday precision and accuracy were in conformity with the criteria normally accepted in bioanalytical method validation. All analytes were stable in the samples for at least 24 h at room temperature, for at least 72 h at 25 °C in processed samples and for at least three freeze/thaw cycles. Absolute recoveries ranged from 89 to 92% for all analytes. GC–MS/MS has demonstrated to be a powerful tool for the simultaneous quantitation of the analytes, providing adequate selectivity and sensitivity. In addition, its performance characteristics allow its routine use in the analysis of biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure, extending the window of analyte detection in nicotine cessation programs, using a sample amount as low as 0.2 mL of human oral fluid.

► First GC–MS/MS method for the determination of nicotine and metabolites in oral fluid samples. ► Excellent quantitation limits using only 0.2 mL of sample. ► Absolute recoveries higher than 85% for all compounds. ► Low limits allow monitoring tobacco smoke exposure in non-smoking individuals.