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New sample prep methods manual for forensic toxicology

By Joni Stevens
Agilent Sample Prep Applications Chemist

When you extract compounds from complex matrixes, you want to make sure that your sample prep is effective, consistent, cost-effective, and has a proven history. The Agilent Bond Elut Certify family has been helping analysts meet these needs for more than 20 years. In addition to being versatile and flexible, robust Certify methods from GC/MS and LC/MS can be easily transferred because the elution solvent works with both. This means that you have the flexibility to use the same elution solvents and methods with different instruments.

Extraction protocols for consistent results

The new complimentary Agilent Bond Elut Certify and Certify II Methods Manual features detailed sample preparation methods using Bond Elut Certify and Certify II SPE, with a focus on extraction protocols covering controlled substances, drugs of abuse, and pharmaceuticals in a range of sample types, including urine, blood, meconium, and plasma. The results from one such example are shown in Figure 1. For the sample prep, to 5 mL of urine, add internal standard(s) and 2 mL of β-glucuronidase (5,000 F units/mL Patella Vulgata in 1.0 M acetate buffer, pH 5.0). Next mix/vortex and hydrolyze for 3 hours at 65 °C. Allow to cool before proceeding.

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Figure 1. Extracting anabolic steroids from urine using GC or GC/MS with 130 mg Bond Elut Certify 12102051 or 12113050.

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Figure 2. Extracting benzodiazepines from urine using GC or GC/MS with 130 mg Bond Elut Certify 12102051 or 12113050.

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Figure 3. A general drug screening method for urine or plasma using GC or GC/FID with 130 mg Bond Elut Certify 12102051 or 12113050.

In another example of forensics sample prep methodology, Bond Elut Certify uses a non-polar C8 sorbent and a strong cation-exchanger to extract basic (cationic) drugs from urine and blood, but it is also very effective for extraction of many compounds from a diverse range of aqueous matrixes. See Figure 2.

Agilent Bond Elut Certify II was developed specifically for the rapid and effective extraction of acidic drugs and metabolites from urine and other biological matrixes. It has non-polar C8 and strong anion exchange sorbents. Bond Elut Certify II is optimized for acidic drugs such as 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol-carboxylic acid, salicylic acid, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and other compounds that possess both non-polar and anionic characteristics. This method is illustrated in Figure 3.

You can also look at Agilent Application Note 5991-4695EN for more details on forensics sample prep methods and applications.

Agilent solutions for forensics applications

Agilent has the solutions you need for forensic toxicology, including sample prep, instruments, analyzers, columns, and supplies. The in-depth Agilent Bond Elut Certify and Certify II Methods Manual provides detailed method parameters for drugs of abuse testing, from sample prep through mass spec analysis. The guide also includes an overview of key protocols and tips for working with specific analytes (as shown in the examples above). Order your complimentary copy of Agilent Bond Elut Certify and Certify II Methods Manual or download the pdf today.

For more on sample prep, view a new instructional video demonstrating the core concepts surrounding Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and the best practices for sample prep, or take a moment to read about our other sample prep solutions for forensics.

For Forensic Use.

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