Measurement of heroin and its metabolites by isotope-dilution electron- impact mass spectrometry

B. A. Goldberger, W. D. Darwin, T. M. Grant, A. C. Allen, Y. H. Caplan, E. J. Cone

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

A solid-phase extraction procedure was developed for the isolation of heroin, 6-acetylmorphine, and morphine from blood, plasma, saliva, and urine with subsequent assay by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Aprotic solvents, mild elution conditions, and an enzyme inhibitor were used to ensure maximum analyte stability. Samples were extracted and the extract was divided into two equal portions. One portion was assayed directly for heroin; detector response was linear over a concentration range of 1.0 to 250 μg/L. The second part of the extract was reacted with N-methyl-bis- trifluoroacetamide and assayed for the trifluoroacetyl derivatives of 6- acetylmorphine and morphine; detector response was linear over a concentration range of 1.0 to 500 μg/L. The limit of sensitivity was 1.0 μg/L for each analyte. Hydrolysis of heroin to 6-acetylmorphine during extraction and analysis was <5%. The method can be used to corroborate heroin use and to study the pharmacological effects of heroin and its metabolites.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)670-675
Number of pages6
JournalClinical chemistry
Volume39
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 6-acetylmorphine
  • abused drugs
  • gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
  • metabolism
  • morphine
  • saliva
  • solid-phase extraction
  • urine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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