ABSTRACT:

LC/MS systems have made a significant impact on sample preparation requirements in forensic toxicology. In particular, highly sensitive LC/MS triple quadrupole instruments allow for low volumes of sample solutions, even when trying to achieve very low detection limits. In addition, the ability of HPLC separations minimizes the needs for rigorous extraction processes to purify samples for analysis. In this presentation, we demonstrate an improved automated protein precipitation method¹ that provides rapid and sensitive analyses of comprehensive drugs and metabolites in whole blood. The method uses an automated protein precipitation procedure with Tip-on-Tip filtration to provide robust sample preparation while minimizing opportunity for human error. By using a very sensitive LC/MS system, we show a quick, low cost sample preparation procedure for accurately and reproducibly quantitating drugs and metabolites in whole blood.

This method uses our patent-pending Tip-on-Tip technology, a Hamilton Heater Shaker and a Sciex 6500+ triple quad MS system. All extractions were performed using a Hamilton Microlab Nimbus96 automated liquid handler.