Comparison of Sample Preparation Methods for Forensic Opiate Analysis by Liquid Chromatograph-tandem Mass Spectrometry (Lc/ms/ms)

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative methods for the analysis of opiates on the liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) were developed and validated. The qualitative method was developed for the analysis of seven opiate compounds: 6-acetylmorphine (6-MAM), codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. A quantitative method was developed for the quantitation of four opiate compounds: codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. The validation was based on draft forensic validation Blood specimens were prepared using a dilute and shoot (D&S) method and a solid phase extraction (SPE) method. While the comparison data showed that the SPE was more sensitive for the analysis of opiates, the D&S method also produced accurate and reliable results at the levels required for forensic purposes