Optimization of QuEChERS extraction for detection and quantification of 20 antidepressants in postmortem blood samples by LC-MS/MS

Author(s)

Campelo, Jacqueline de M. ; Rodrigues, Tais B. ; Costa, Jose L. ; Santos, Jandyson M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Forensic Science International; v. 319, p. 8-pg., 2021-02-01.

Abstract

In this study, a comprehensively optimization of QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method using design of experiments (DOE) was conducted to evaluate the best conditions to obtain the most effective extraction. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was performed to identify and quantify the antidepressants, with electrospray ionization acquired in positive mode. The method was validated for all analytes; the calibration curves were linear from 10-1000 ng/mL, with R-2>0.98, and with LOD and LOQ defined as 10 ng/mL. Method imprecision and bias were less than 14.3% and 18.9%, respectively. Neither carryover nor interferences were observed. Overall, the optimized method was applied in postmortem real sample analysis to quantify the antidepressants. This study showed a viable method that can be applied for routine forensic analysis, with a quick and easy sample preparation and a rapid total run time of 8 min for each analysis. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/00432-1 - The Toxicology of New Psychoactive Substances (NSP): epidemiology of consumption by the analysis of hair and oral fluid samples
• Grantee: José Luiz da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants