Background

In forensic toxicology, LC/MS has become a preferred method for the routine

quantitative and qualitative analysis of drugs of abuse, such as opioids,

amphetamines, benzodiazepines, tradozone, PCP and cocaine. LC/MS requires

less sample preparation, no sample derivatization, and allows for the simultaneous

analysis of multiple compounds in a single run, thus enabling a fast and high

throughput analysis in a cost effective manner.

The Approach

Agilent’s 1290 Infi nity LC and 6460 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS system enabled with

Agilent Jet Stream technology delivers the ultimate in sensitivity, selectivity and

speed for the analysis of drugs of abuse. This performance enhancement is leveraged

by Agilent’s industry proven reliability and robustness for utmost productivity and

cost effectiveness.

The industry leading MassHunter software enables a simple workfl ow for the

routine and precise quantitation of drugs of abuse. Linearity of calibration curves

as well as accuracy of quality control and sample data can be quickly verifi ed using

the Batch at a Glance feature. Processed data can be viewed in a variety of user-

defi ned customizable report formats or exported directly to a laboratory informatics

management system (LIMS) in .xml or .csv format.

ANALYSIS OF DRUGS OF ABUSE IN URINE

Agilent 6460 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS

delivers a 5-minute high-throughput

method for analysis of multiple

compounds per sample

Figure 1: Examples of target compounds

Diazepam

Methamphetamine

Cocaine

Trazodone

Morphine

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Forensic Toxicology

x106

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4 4.2

OxycodoneMDEA

Cocaine

Trazadone

Nitrazepam

Methadone

Diazepam

Counts vs. Acquisition Time (min)

Figure 2: Sensitive and accurate detection of standard compounds extracted from urine

Figure 3: Excellent linearity and sensitivity allows the accurate quantifi cation of A. cocaine

and B. codeine

Key Benefi ts

• LC/MS enables sensitive and

accurate quantitation with reduced

sample preparation

• LC/MS delivers a selective, cost effective

and less time-consuming method

• The Agilent 6460 Triple Quad LC/MS

system with Jet Stream technology delivers

sub-5 minute high-throughput method

• Agilent’s Forensic Toxicology application

kit provides easy method setup for up to

200 compounds

• MassHunter Quantitative Analysis Software

delivers fast results and interpretation

through advanced software tools

x106

0

0.5

1.0

R2= 0.9924

B. Codeine

Concentration (ng/ml)

Re

spo

nse

s

0 10 20 30 40 50

Concentration (ng/ml)

0

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

R2= 0.9947

A. Cocaine

Re

spo

nse

s

0 10 20 30 40 50

www.agilent.com/lifesciences/clinresMS

For Forensic Use.

Information is subject to change without notice.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2011 Published in USA, July 20, 2011

5990-8649EN