Development and validation of a liquid chromatography –tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method including 25 novel synthetic opioids in hair and subsequent analysis of a Swiss opioid consumer cohort

This study investigated the prevalence and abuse patterns of novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) among Swiss opioid users by means of a validated LC –MS/MS-based hair analysis method. Among a cohort of 439 Swiss opioid users, a positivity rate for NSOs of 2.5% was found, including NSOs such as butyrylfentanyl or acrylfentanyl. These findings contribute to the development of appropriate public health and policy measures to mitigate the risks as sociated with NSO abuse. AbstractMajor public health concern is raised by the evidence that common drugs like heroin are now frequently laced or replaced with highly potent novel synthetic opioids (NSOs). The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence and patterns of NSOs in a cohort of Swiss opioid users by hair analysis. Hair analysis is considered an ideal tool for retrospective consumption monitoring. Hair samples from 439 opioid users in Zurich were analyzed. Study inclusion required a previous positive hair test result for heroin metabolites, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, or tramadol. The samples were extracted with a two-step extraction procedure, followed by a targeted LC –MS/MS (QTRAP® 6500+) analysis in multiple reaction monitoring mode for a total of 25 NSOs. The method underwent full validation and demonstrated good selectivity and sensitivity with limits of detection (LOD) as low as 0.1 pg/mg. The analyzed sample cohort demonstrated a positivity rate for NSO s of 2.5%, including the following NSOs: butyrylfent...
Source: Drug Testing and Analysis - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research