In forensic toxicology, understanding what is in a sample and how much of it is there, quickly, accurately, and confidently, can make all the difference. Whether it is an overdose investigation, a sudden death case, or surveillance for emerging public health risks, laboratories are under pressure to deliver high-quality results with tighter turnaround times and broader analytical scope.That is where high-resolution, accurate-mass (HRAM) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=134&amp;manufacturerItems=3">Orbitrap mass spectrometry</a> really shines, especially when paired with streamlined workflows and intelligent data analysis.<h3>What’s new?</h3>A recent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/tn_002551_cl_phsa_orbitrap_forensic_tn002551_na_en_a34276b79b.pdf">Technical Note (TN-002551) </a>details a rapid LC-HRAM-Orbitrap method developed collaboratively with the B.C. Provincial Toxicology Centre for postmortem blood analysis. This workflow was designed to deliver routine screening and quantitation while also enabling retrospective data mining to identify unknown or emerging compounds in circulation.Here is what makes this approach compelling:<ul><li>High sensitivity and resolution: The Thermo Scientific Q Exactive HF hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap system enables faster scan speeds and precise mass measurement, which boosts confidence in detecting drugs, even at low levels, in complex postmortem matrices.</li><li>Robust routine productivity: Running routine screens in approximately 12.5 minutes significantly speeds workflow throughput, which is critical as labs face growing caseloads.</li><li>Retrospective analysis: One of the biggest advantages of HRAM data is the ability to re-interrogate stored data files for novel psychoactive substances after the initial screen is complete. This capability eliminates the need to re-run samples, saving time and preserving limited sample material.</li></ul>A standout example from the technical note was the identification of bromazolam, a designer benzodiazepine that was not part of the original routine panel. Through retrospective analysis, its prevalence in postmortem cases was revealed and quantified, demonstrating the real-world value of full-scan HRAM data.<h5>Supporting broad drug panels</h5>As highlighted in a previous THC tips and tricks blog post, cannabinoids and their metabolites can be challenging when analyzed alongside other drugs of abuse. HRAM MS improves selectivity and confidence when multiple drug classes are analyzed together, making it easier to integrate THC and related compounds into comprehensive toxicology workflows.<h5>Why this matters for forensic toxicology today</h5>The opioid crisis, the continued emergence of novel psychoactive substances, and evolving public health threats demand analytical tools that are both robust and adaptable. HRAM Orbitrap LC-MS not only improves detection and quantitation across a wide range of drugs of abuse, but also enables:<ul><li>Retrospective discovery of unknown compounds</li><li>Faster delivery of actionable results to coroners and public health agencies</li><li>Improved surveillance of emerging drug trends</li></ul>As toxicology laboratories look to future-proof their operations, combining powerful instrumentation, intelligent software, and optimized workflows will be key. Methods like those described in TN-002551 demonstrate how HRAM Orbitrap mass spectrometry continues to elevate forensic toxicology workflows.<h3>Resources</h3><ul><li>Featured technical note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/tn_002551_cl_phsa_orbitrap_forensic_tn002551_na_en_a34276b79b.pdf">Rapid, high-resolution postmortem toxicology analysis using Orbitrap mass spectrometry</a></li><li>Previous blogs in this series:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/6189">Sample Preparation Strategies for Toxicology Workflows</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/6587">Beyond Blood: HRAM-Powered Postmortem Toxicology at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/6860">Advancing Drug Analysis with VeriSpray PaperSpray Mass Spectrometry</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/6953">Boosting Productivity in Toxicology Labs</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/7190">Behind the Bench: Tips to Simultaneously Analyze THC, Its Metabolites, and Other Drugs of Abuse</a></li></ul></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/forensics/forensic-toxicology.html">Forensic toxicology webpage</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/mass-spectrometer-price-affordability-programs.html">Affordability resources</a></li></ul><blockquote>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#PostmortemAnalysis #HRAMOrbitrapMS #ForensicToxicology #NPS</blockquote>

Sharper, Faster, Smarter: HRAM Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry Meets Postmortem Toxicology

We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming free online webinar on June 11, 2026 focused on one of the most pressing challenges in environmental monitoring and water quality management — PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve and compliance deadlines approach, laboratories, water utilities, and environmental professionals need robust, reliable, and cutting-edge analytical solutions to stay ahead.<blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/91d97003-fe33-4dca-b80b-160d9f8a5655@485ca04e-6f74-4050-9764-cdb4bfa89c25">Registration HERE</a></blockquote><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ALS_analyzy_PFAS_a9e4a87fbc.jpg" alt="ALS: Advanced PFAS Analytical Services " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ALS_analyzy_PFAS_a9e4a87fbc.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="600" height="336"><h4>🎤 Our Speaker</h4>The webinar will be hosted by Jana Kováčová, Ph.D., PFAS Regional Lead for Continental Europe Environmental Division, who has dedicated the last several years to the field of PFAS analysis and determination in ALS laboratories. Jana is a recognized expert in PFAS environmental analytics and will share practical insights and the latest developments in analytical strategies to help your organization achieve and maintain compliance.<h4>🎯 What You Will Learn</h4><ul><li>Latest regulatory developments and compliance requirements for PFAS in water, including EU Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184 and its implications for water suppliers and laboratories.</li><li>Regulatory updates for surface water and groundwater — what's new and what to expect next.</li><li>Overview of advanced analytical strategies for PFAS detection and quantification in water matrices and how we analyse PFAS samples.</li><li>Key analytical challenges associated with PFAS testing — from ultra-trace detection to matrix interferences and contamination control.</li><li>The critical importance of using tested sampling containers and sample preservation to ensure reliable results.</li><li>Illustrative examples of results from real-world PFAS water analyses.</li><li>How ALS can support your needs with accredited PFAS testing services.</li></ul><h4>👥 Who Should Attend</h4>This webinar is designed for our clients, professionals, laboratory and technical staff, scientists, as well as anyone with an interest in analytical chemistry who wants to better understand the occurrence of these "forever chemicals" in the environment. &nbsp;<h4>💬 Q&amp;A Session</h4>There will be a live Q&amp;A session at the end of the webinar. You are welcome to submit your questions in advance during registration or ask them live on the day.<h4>📅 Additional Webinar Info:</h4><ul><li>Platform: Microsoft Teams (online)</li><li>Time: 10:00 CEST</li><li>Language: English</li><li>Duration: approx. 45 - 60 minutes (incl. Q&amp;A) Extras: If you are unable to attend on the day, please register and we will provide you with the recording of the webinar.</li></ul><h4>🔬 About ALS Environmental</h4>ALS is a global leader in environmental testing and analytical services, providing accredited PFAS analysis to clients across Europe and beyond. Our dedicated PFAS experts help clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape with confidence.<blockquote>For further information, please contact us on: marketing.cz@alsglobal.com</blockquote>We look forward to welcoming you to this important discussion on PFAS compliance in water.

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Invitation to the ALS Webinar PFAS in Water 2026: Achieving Compliance through Advanced Analytical Strategies

Sharper, Faster, Smarter: HRAM Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry Meets Postmortem Toxicology

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