Microextraction by packed sorbent for the determination of selected synthetic cathinones and 2C-P in hair

New psychoactive substances (NPS), including synthetic cathinones and phenethylamines, pose significant challenges due to their evolving chemical structures and health impacts. This study aimed to optimize and validate a methodology for detecting and quantifying a number of synthetic cathinones [methylone, ethylone, pentedrone, 4-chloroethcathinone (4-CEC), penthylone, α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP), 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), 4‑chloro-α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (4-Cl-α-PVP), as well as phenethylamine 2,5-dimethoxy-4(n)-propylphenethylamine (2C-P)], in hair samples using microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We developed an environmentally friendly and cost-effective MEPS procedure, which was validated for selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and recovery. Results demonstrated that the method effectively detects analytes with limits of quantification as low as 10 pg/mg. The method successfully identifies MDPV in concentrations consistent with those observed in chronic and acute drug consumption cases, proving its suitability in forensic and clinical toxicology. This approach offers a robust solution for forensic and clinical applications, by combining efficient sample clean-up with precise analytical capabilities.