Uncharted Territory: Innovative Approaches to Novel Benzodiazepine Analysis in Toxicology
A rapid and comprehensive UPLC System-MS/MS method for the analysis of benzodiazepines in Urine
- Emily Lee1, Gareth Hammond1, Lisa Calton1, Jonathan Danaceau2
- 1Waters Corporation, Wilmslow, United Kingdom. 2Waters Corporation, Milford, USA
Abstract
Benzodiazepines are important forensic toxicology drugs which are widely prescribed for neurological and psychiatric disorders but also have a high potential for abuse. Since the mid-2000s, the continued emergence of new designer benzodiazepines, with unknown potency and risks, have raised public health and safety concerns. A particular concern is the growing use of designer benzodiazepines to make counterfeit tablets of commonly prescribed benzodiazepine medication, which can be unknowingly taken. The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive forensic toxicology method for confirmatory analysis of 26 traditional and designer benzodiazepines via UHPLC MS/MS which includes a rapid and simplified mixed-mode sample preparation method in urine samples.
Development of a confirmatory analytical method for benzodiazepines in post-mortem blood
- Borislav Lazarov1, Laura Hikin1, Kate Rice-Davies1
- 1University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Abstract
Benzodiazepines are among the most frequently misused substances in the United Kingdom, often used alongside other drugs of abuse (e.g. opioids). Both traditional representatives of the benzodiazepine drug class and novel substances (“designer” benzodiazepines) are commonly implicated in drug-related fatalities. A confirmatory analytical method was developed for the quantitation of a drug panel consisting of 12 analytes, including both traditional and designer benzodiazepines, in post-mortem blood. The method employs rapid extraction via protein precipitation and analysis by UPLC-MS/MS. Following the extraction, automated solvent strength reduction is performed by the autosampler, thereby reducing the analysis time. The analysis employs isotopic dilution for diazepam and nordiazepam to accommodate high concentration levels for both analytes while maintaining low limits of quantitation for the potent “designer” benzodiazepines.
For Forensic Toxicology Use Only
What you will learn:
- Advanced sample extraction procedures for novel benzodiazepines in both urine and post-mortem samples
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in analysis of traditional and novel benzodiazepines
- Hear from experts in the field who will share their research findings and practical findings
Who should attend:
- Forensic and Clinical Toxicologists
- Analytical Chemists
- Laboratory Technicians
Presenter: Emily Lee (Application Scientist, Forensics, Research & Development, Waters Corporation)
Emily Lee is an Application Scientist at Waters Corporation. Emily is part of a global team dedicated to the development of applications and analytical solutions for Forensics and Toxicology. Emily has gained experience in the use of various Waters mass spectrometry technologies for the analysis of forensic and toxicologically relevant analytes. Prior to working at Waters, Emily has experience working in forensic toxicology laboratories, with high sample turnover and fast turnaround times. Emily was involved in many aspects of day-to-day laboratory operations including sample extraction, analysis, method development and validation, analytical troubleshooting, and reporting. Emily also gained a MSc in Forensic Science (Toxicology) at the University of Huddersfield.
Presenter: Borislav Lazarov (Analytical Chemistry Specialist, University Hospitals of Leicester)
Borislav holds a BSc in Chemistry and an MSc in Organic Chemistry, both completed in his home country of Bulgaria. He began his career in 2016, gaining extensive experience in Food and Environmental laboratories, where he honed his skills on a wide range of analytical instrumentation. A standout moment in his career was his time at SOCOTEC, where he conducted bespoke analyses, including full material characterization of unknown substances. In 2021, Borislav joined the University Hospitals of Leicester as an Analytical Chemistry Specialist. In this role, he is responsible for the development, validation, and implementation of novel analytical methods for both the post-mortem toxicology and clinical teams. His work is pivotal in delivering accurate and reliable results to support relevant toxicological and clinical investigations.
