Analysis of Seized Drugs by Direct Ionization ASAP-MS

The analysis of seized drugs plays a vital role in the effectiveness of national and international programs which aim to control the use, trafficking, and distribution of illegal drug substances.

However, the sheer number of samples received for analysis, places a huge burden on the drug control laboratories and drug enforcement agencies. The increase in number, diversity, and potential toxicity of drugs with the continued emergence of potent novel psychoactive substances (NPS) also presents significant challenges for drug control laboratories to keep their screening methods up to date with all compounds of concern.

Typical workflows include colorimetric tests, FTIR, or TLC presumptive screening analysis followed up by confirmatory analysis using gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). However, for many drugs, colorimetric tests are not available or result in a high rate of false positives, FTIR results of mixtures can be inconclusive and TLC analysis can be time consuming. This can lead to more samples requiring analysis by GC-MS leading to sample bottlenecks and backlogs.

Therefore, methods that can facilitate a fast, but accurate, screening of drugs are of interest. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of RADIAN™ ASAP Mass Detector, a compact device based on Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe-Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS), as a simple, yet rapid, screening tool for seized materials.

Learning objectives from the webinar – what you will learn:

• How direct ionization mass spectrometry can be used to rapidly screen seizures for drugs

• The mechanism of ASAP ionization and its suitability for rapid screening for drugs

• Sample preparation and analytical methodology for common drugs and NPS

Presenter: Emily Lee (Application Scientist, Forensics, Research & Development, Waters Corporation)

Emily Lee is an Application Scientist at Waters Corporation. Emily is part of a global team dedicated to the development of applications and analytical solutions for Forensics and Toxicology. Emily has gained experience in the use of various Waters mass spectrometry technologies for the analysis of forensic and toxicologically relevant analytes. Prior to working at Waters, Emily has experience working in forensic toxicology laboratories, with high sample turnover and fast turnaround times. Emily was involved in many aspects of day-to-day laboratory operations including sample extraction, analysis, method development and validation, analytical troubleshooting, and reporting. Emily also gained a MSc in Forensic Science (Toxicology) at the University of Huddersfield.