A Comprehensive HPLC-HRMS/MS Targeted Screening Method to Detect 90 New Psychoactive Substances in Oral Fluid Samples

dilution) followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole-Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). Chromatographic separation was achieved in 11 min using a biphenyl column and a gradient elution. The method was validated according to ANSI/ASB Standard 036 guidelines, covering 90 substances including synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., HHC, MDMB-4en-PINACA), synthetic cathinones, and high-risk synthetic opioids such as nitazenes and fentanyl analogues. Results showed high sensitivity, with limits of identification (LOI) reaching 1 ng/mL for 44.4% of the analytes and 5 ng/mL for 37.8%, while the remaining compounds showed higher LOIs ranging from 10 to 100 ng/mL. No significant matrix interference or carryover was observed. The method was successfully applied to real samples from external quality control programs and forensic cases. This robust and versatile screening tool is suitable for clinical and forensic applications, supporting the monitoring of emerging NPS trends.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Biology
Published
2026-04-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15080616
Primary Topic
Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

A Comprehensive HPLC-HRMS/MS Targeted Screening Method to Detect 90 New Psychoactive Substances in Oral Fluid Samples

Fabio Altieri, Annagiulia Di Trana, Adele Minutillo, Ilaria Spinella et al.
Biology
Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
article

A Comprehensive HPLC-HRMS/MS Targeted Screening Method to Detect 90 New Psychoactive Substances in Oral Fluid Samples

Fabio Altieri, Annagiulia Di Trana, Adele Minutillo, Ilaria Spinella, Simona Pichini
article en

Abstract

dilution) followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole-Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). Chromatographic separation was achieved in 11 min using a biphenyl column and a gradient elution. The method was validated according to ANSI/ASB Standard 036 guidelines, covering 90 substances including synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., HHC, MDMB-4en-PINACA), synthetic cathinones, and high-risk synthetic opioids such as nitazenes and fentanyl analogues. Results showed high sensitivity, with limits of identification (LOI) reaching 1 ng/mL for 44.4% of the analytes and 5 ng/mL for 37.8%, while the remaining compounds showed higher LOIs ranging from 10 to 100 ng/mL. No significant matrix interference or carryover was observed. The method was successfully applied to real samples from external quality control programs and forensic cases. This robust and versatile screening tool is suitable for clinical and forensic applications, supporting the monitoring of emerging NPS trends.

BiologyVol. 15(8)
Istituto Superiore di Sanità (IT), Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 25%
Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.