Article

Multi-analyte procedures for screening for and quantification of drugs in blood, plasma, or serum by liquid chromatography-single stage or tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS) relevant to clinical and forensic toxicology.

Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland, D-66421 Homburg (Saar), Germany.
Clinical Biochemistry (impact factor: 2.08). 05/2005; 38(4):310-8. DOI:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2005.01.014 pp.310-8
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT This paper reviews multi-analyte procedures for screening and quantification of drugs in blood, plasma, or serum using liquid chromatography coupled with a single stage or tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS, LC-MS/MS). These procedures are relevant tools in clinical and forensic toxicology, and cover analysis of amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, opioids, anesthetics, hypnotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, neuroleptics, antihistamines, sulfonylurea-type antidiabetics, beta-blockers, and other cardiac drugs. Basic information on the procedures is given in two tables and multi-analyte screening, identification, and quantification are illustrated in three figures. A critical discussion on the pros and cons of such LC-MS procedures is also included.

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Hans H Maurer