Drug Testing and Analysis最新文献

{"title":"The 43rd Manfred Donike Workshop on Doping Analysis","authors":"Mario Thevis","doi":"10.1002/dta.70037","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70037","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Between February 17 and 20, 2025, the 43rd edition of the Manfred Donike Workshop on Doping Analysis was conducted in Cologne, Germany. A total of 200 antidoping scientists from 28 nations and all continents attended this event, which featured 128 contributions on antidoping research of outstanding breadth and quality.</p><p>The 2025 edition of the Manfred Donike Workshop was characterized by numerous presentations featuring analytical considerations and methodological improvements concerning detection strategies, metabolism studies on new as well as established substances, and general observations relevant for routine sports drug testing activities, particularly at the operational level of antidoping laboratories. A considerable number of studies dealt with steroidal compounds, and also, investigations into methods addressing erythropoiesis-stimulating agents of peptidic as well as nonpeptidic nature and gene doping practices were reported.</p><p>For instance, the datasets on metabolic biotransformations of anabolic agents and the effect of different routes of administrations were complemented regarding the anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) clostebol [<span>1</span>] and methyltestosterone [<span>2</span>], yielding distinct metabolite profiles supporting result interpretation and, thereby, the assessment of whether a reported exposure scenario is compatible with the analytical results of the doping control test. Further, the pattern of metabolites produced from 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone (trestolone) [<span>3</span>] and methyldienolone [<span>4</span>] was studied, and target analytes suggesting superior limits of detection and/or extended detection windows in routine doping controls were identified, while a steroidal supplement claiming to contain the AAS desoxymethyltestosterone was shown to contain the (minor) methyltestosterone metabolite 17,17-dimethyl-18-nor-5α-androst-13-en-3β-ol [<span>5</span>].</p><p>Focusing on detecting the illicit use of testosterone as transdermal and/or esterified formulation, the added value of the serum testosterone/luteinizing hormone (T/LH) ratio [<span>6</span>] and dried blood spot (DBS) analyses [<span>7</span>] was assessed, indicating that T/LH offered the more sensitive detection capability when compared to established T/androstenedione evaluations, and steroid esters were successfully identified in DBS samples collected from self-declared users. For urine steroid profiling, the potential effect of probiotics was investigated, particularly the scenario of intravaginal application, corroborating that the target analytes and their concentration ratios remained unaffected [<span>8</span>]. Confirmation of pseudoendogenous testosterone in doping control samples is commonly accomplished with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), and the utility of producing formylated derivatives for gas chromatography/combustion (GC/C) IRMS testing as alternative to, for example, acetylation and, thereby, reducing ","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 3","pages":"423-425"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/dta.70037","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146155406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"27th Meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT)","authors":"Donata Favretto, Sabina Strano Rossi, Brice Appenzeller, Vincent Cirimele","doi":"10.1002/dta.70015","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70015","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Lisbon, June 7–9, 2023</p><p>“Tudo vale a pena quando a alma não é pequena”—Fernando Pessoa</p><p>It was with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of scientific community that we gathered in the beautiful city of Lisbon for the 27th Meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT). Held from June 7 to 9, 2023, at the Nova Medical School, the event brought together researchers, forensic scientists, and toxicologists from across the globe to share their latest work and strengthen collaborative ties in the ever-evolving field of hair testing.</p><p>Over the course of 3 days, the meeting showcased an impressive spectrum of scientific contributions, spanning from innovative analytical methodologies to real-world forensic applications. The program included four invited lectures from leaders in the field, addressing core issues such as drug monitoring in Europe (João Matias, EMCDDA), laboratory practice in hair testing (María del Mar Ramírez Fernández), nail analysis as an alternative matrix (Ana De-Castro-Ríos), and multivariate modelling of hair data (Marco Vincenti).</p><p>The oral communications covered a wide array of topics:</p><p>Method development and validation: including UPLC-MS/MS protocols for GHB and NPS [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3798], ethyl glucuronide and propofol by MEPS [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3824; https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3856], amphetamines determination [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3779; https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3891], and the need for internal QC hair samples; improved methods of analysis [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3840; https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3675].</p><p>Clinical and forensic applications: from documenting fetal drug exposure and child abuse [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3674] to DFSA investigations [DTA-24-0132.R1], doping passive exposure assessments [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3676], and medical errors [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3809].</p><p>Public health and epidemiology: presenting studies on designer opioid prevalence [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.38521; https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3852], teenage drug abuse, chronic nicotine exposure in youth populations, profol and fentanyl misuse [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3663], and alcohol misuse [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3702].</p><p>Emerging themes: such as untargeted hair lipidomics and proteomics to detect cosmetic hair treatments [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3741], and the comparison between hair and nails [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3748]; the interpretation issues were discussed [https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3692].</p><p>Poster communications provided valuable extensions to these themes, including work on metals exposure in children and ayahuasca use.</p><p>In addition to the rich oral and poster sessions, the congress featured interactive discussions on best practices, quality assurance, and interpretation challenges in hair toxicology. Several studies emphasized the value of improving extraction workflows, sample stability, and multi-analyte detection.<","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 3","pages":"332-333"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/dta.70015","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145740033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification and Structural Elucidation of a New Synthetic Cannabinoid, MDMB-5′Br-PINACA, in Seized Herbal Materials","authors":"Alexandre Barcia de Godoi,&nbsp;Lucas André Zeoly,&nbsp;Rafael Lanaro,&nbsp;Ingrid Simões Oliveira,&nbsp;Mariana Cepollaro Diana,&nbsp;Mauricio Yonamine,&nbsp;Jose Luiz Costa","doi":"10.1002/dta.70012","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70012","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) remain the most frequently detected class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) worldwide. Despite a recent decline in the overall number of newly reported NPS, SCs continue to emerge with remarkable structural diversity. Here, we report the discovery and structural elucidation of MDMB-5′Br-PINACA, a previously unreported SC identified in three seized herbal materials. The compound was isolated by semipreparative liquid chromatography and subsequently characterized using an integrated analytical approach combining gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In addition to MDMB-5′Br-PINACA, other SCs were detected in the analyzed materials, such as 5F-ADB and MDMB-4en-PINACA, also including the synthetic precursor MDMB-INACA. Other NPS classes were also observed, including designer benzodiazepines (<i>N</i>-desalkylgidazepam and bromazolam), and synthetic opioids (metonitazene). Recent years have also seen the emergence of brominated SCs as a strategy to evade legislative control, with several 5-bromo analogs detected across different regions. This analytical workflow enabled the unambiguous identification of MDMB-5′Br-PINACA and provided a detailed chemical profile of the seized samples, highlighting the continued evolution and complexity of NPS mixtures in herbal formulations. The findings emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and early detection of emerging substances, which are essential not only for forensic and toxicological investigations but also for public health surveillance and the development of evidence-based drug control and harm-reduction policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 3","pages":"334-340"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12983053/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145766638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Robust Multistep Digestion Method for Microplastics Detection in Human Tissue by MicroRaman Analysis","authors":"Jennifer P. Pascali,&nbsp;Lucio Litti,&nbsp;Arianna Fornasari,&nbsp;Arianna Giorgetti,&nbsp;Michele Pozzebon,&nbsp;Rossella Barone,&nbsp;Antonio Ragusa,&nbsp;Paolo Fais","doi":"10.1002/dta.70024","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70024","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The presence of microplastics (MPs) in human tissues has raised growing concerns, necessitating robust protocols for their reliable extraction and analysis. This study systematically evaluated and optimized digestion protocols to efficiently process a variety of human tissues—placenta, lung, kidney, adipose tissue, muscle, spleen, liver, thyroid, and brain—while preserving the integrity of MP particles. Initial assessments employing single-reagent protocols such as nitric acid (HNO₃), proteinase K enzymatic digestion, and Fenton oxidative digestion demonstrated limited effectiveness, due to incomplete tissue breakdown or formation of turbid digestates that hindered filtration. Building upon these results, combined digestion approaches were investigated to improve organic matter removal and facilitate filtration through fine pore-size filters (0.2 μm). The optimized 3-day protocol included an initial oxidative Fenton digestion followed by enzymatic digestion (proteinase K). The final step involved lipid removal through ethanol addition and sonication, resulting in clear digestates amenable to filtration. This protocol efficiently digested complex tissue matrices, reducing filter clogging at 1-μm size pore and preserving various common MP polymers, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyamides (PA6 and PA12). Application of the optimized digestion allowed successful isolation and characterization of MPs using optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The method showed improved reproducibility and reliability over single-reagent protocols, making it suitable for comprehensive MP analysis in human tissues. The application of an efficient and robust protocol for tissue digestion may contribute to advance human exposure assessment and toxicological studies related to MP contamination.</p>","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 3","pages":"370-375"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12983055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145916227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lomerizine M6—An Important Urinary Metabolite in Anti-Doping Control Analysis for Correct Detection of Trimetazidine Abuse in Both Females and Males","authors":"Kim Pettersson Bohlin,&nbsp;Lena Ekström,&nbsp;Anton Pohanka,&nbsp;Mikael Lehtihet,&nbsp;Magnus Ericsson","doi":"10.1002/dta.70030","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70030","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Distinguishing between intake of the prohibited substance trimetazidine from administration of approved migraine medicine containing the nonprohibited substance, lomerizine, is crucial for anti-doping control laboratories. Investigations in males after lomerizine intake have been conducted leaving lomerizine M6 as the most useful metabolite. To our knowledge, the excretion profile of lomerizine among women has not been studied and leaves a potential gap to be misused by athletes in the case of appeal of a reported adverse analytical finding. We have investigated lomerizine M6 in women to address the gender-specific biology to correctly detect misusage of the prohibited substance trimetazidine within sports. To determine the importance of lomerizine M6 in trimetazidine cases, we analyzed urine samples collected from 12 individuals (eight females and four males) over 144 h, after oral intake of 5-mg lomerizine dihydrochloride. A dilute and shoot method was used, and the samples were analyzed on a LC-HRMS instrument. In all study subjects, trimetazidine was found from 2 h up to 48 h, and lomerizine M6 was detected from 2 h and onward. Lomerizine was only detected above the limit of identification of the method for a few of the subjects. The study demonstrated that by monitoring lomerizine M6, it was possible to determine the origin of trimetazidine in women. The metabolism for lomerizine dihydrochloride does not appear to differ significantly between genders. However, lomerizine M6 concentrations are not always higher than trimetazidine concentrations. Special care should be taken when interpreting trimetazidine concentrations at 1 ng/mL or below.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 3","pages":"405-413"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146045851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Multitarget Screening Method for the Detection of Small Peptides in Dried Blood Spots for Doping Control Analysis","authors":"Gaia Boschetti,&nbsp;Tobias Langer,&nbsp;Claudio Medana,&nbsp;Silke Grabherr,&nbsp;Tiia Kuuranne,&nbsp;Olivier Salamin,&nbsp;Raul Nicoli,&nbsp;Claudia Mumenthaler,&nbsp;Alessandro Musenga","doi":"10.1002/dta.70027","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70027","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Over the past few years, dried blood spots (DBS) have been approved as a valid matrix for drug testing in sport. They undoubtedly offer advantages but also pose analytical challenges. For example, various DBS supports are nowadays available (polymeric and cellulose based) and an extraction method suitable for one support is not necessarily transferable to a different one. Herein, we present a qualitative screening method for the detection of a representative selection of small peptides and their metabolites in both cellulose and polymeric DBS. The analytes were extracted using an extraction solvent containing formic acid 1% in water/acetonitrile/methanol (70/15/15), followed by a second extraction with acetate buffer. To remove interferences and increase sensitivity, the combined extracts were further purified using solid-phase extraction (mixed-mode, weak cation exchange). Analysis was performed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry (orbitrap Q-Exactive). The analysis time was 7.5 min, and the acquisition was performed in full-scan mode, with the addition of some product ion scan acquisitions to increase selectivity or sensitivity for a few compounds that were particularly challenging. The method permits the analysis of small peptides on both polymeric and cellulose DBS samples with the same procedure for either matrix. Validation was performed following the World Anti-Doping Agency regulations, and the method proved satisfactory in terms of selectivity and sensitivity (limits of detection in the low ng/mL range) and applicable to the analysis of sport samples for the detection of small peptides.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 3","pages":"393-404"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146040012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Urinary and Plasma Profiles of Betamethasone and Triamcinolone Acetonide Following Intra-Articular and Related Administrations","authors":"Sergi Coll,&nbsp;Claudia Bressan,&nbsp;Núria Monfort,&nbsp;Jone Llorente-Onaindia,&nbsp;Jordi Monfort,&nbsp;Jordi Santiago,&nbsp;Ramon Balius,&nbsp;Daniel Brotons,&nbsp;Rosa Ventura","doi":"10.1002/dta.70032","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70032","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Since 2022, intra-articular (IA) and periarticular (PA) administrations of glucocorticoids (GC) have been prohibited in sports during competitions. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma and urinary concentrations of betamethasone (BET) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) following IA and PA administrations, in order to verify the suitability of the minimum reporting levels (MRL) and washout periods established by WADA and to assess their systemic effects. Urine and plasma samples were collected after IA or PA administration in patients or athletes receiving GC treatment. For BET, 12 participants received IA, and 20 received PA injections; for TA, eight participants received IA, and six received PA administrations. Sample analysis was performed using validated LC-MS/MS methods. The elimination profiles of BET after both IA and PA administrations were comparable, with high concentrations observed during the first postadministration day followed by a progressive decline. Similar plasma concentrations were obtained after both routes, with a similar effect on cortisol levels, indicating a clear systemic effect. For TA, different excretion patterns were observed depending on the administration route. After IA injections, TA displayed a profile similar to that of BET. In contrast, following PA administration, TA concentrations in urine and plasma were lower and remained relatively constant over several days. The degree and duration of cortisol suppression after PA administration varied among participants, with some showing a short effect. The results obtained support the MRL for IA and PA administrations defined by WADA. However, the washout period for BET is recommended to be increased to 5 days.</p>","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 3","pages":"426-438"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12983050/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146177123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distribution of Clomiphene and Its Metabolites in Antidoping Samples—A 3-Year Perspective","authors":"Vinod S. Nair,&nbsp;Mari Heybroek,&nbsp;Geoffrey D. Miller,&nbsp;Chad Moore,&nbsp;Thane Campbell,&nbsp;Daniel Eichner","doi":"10.1002/dta.70036","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70036","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Clomiphene use substantially enhances endogenous testosterone production in males. Consequently, it is included under Section 4.2 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and prohibited at all times (in and out of competition). Previous research has highlighted the prolonged excretion and detection windows for clomiphene and its metabolites after cessation of use. In addition to therapeutic use in humans, clomiphene may also be used to increase egg production in laying hens. Accordingly, clomiphene and/or its metabolites may also be detected in human urine after consumption of eggs or meat from treated poultry. To address some of these complexities, WADA has issued targeted guidance in Technical Letter TL26, mandating a minimum reporting level for clomiphene. This short communication evaluates results from clomiphene findings in 325 urine samples over the past 3 years and examines how reporting would be affected by the criteria outlined in TL26.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 3","pages":"419-422"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146163207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis and Identification of In Vitro Metabolites of Exercise Mimetic SLU-PP-332 ERRα/β/γ Agonist for Doping-Control Purposes","authors":"Nuraly K. Avliyakulov,&nbsp;Tim Sobolevsky,&nbsp;Elizabeth Ahrens","doi":"10.1002/dta.70035","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70035","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Exercise mimetics mimic physical activity and prevent development and progression of chronic metabolic diseases, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits the use of exercise mimetics and metabolic modulators in sports. SLU-PP-332 is a small, synthetic ERRα/β/γ agonist recently developed using a rational drug design approach. SLU-PP-332 has been shown to increase oxidative muscle fibers, fatty acid oxidation, and enhance exercise endurance. In mouse models of metabolic syndrome, it increased energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity and conferred cardiac protection against pressure overload-induced heart failure by transcriptionally activating a wide spectrum of metabolic genes involved in fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function. The identification of metabolites of this emerging therapeutic molecule is a critical step towards detecting its misuse. The aim of the study was identification of Phase I and II metabolites generated in vitro using pooled human liver S9 fractions. Metabolites were analyzed using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–MS/HRMS). Five monohydroxylated (M1–M5), three dihydroxylated (M6–M8), and four reduced dihydroxylated metabolites (M9–M12) were identified. Metabolites M13 and M19 showed direct glucuronidation and sulfation of the parent compound, respectively. Metabolites M14–M18 and M20–M22 showed glucuronidation and sulfation with hydroxylation of the naphthalene or phenolic rings, respectively. M1, M7, M9, M10, M13, M14, M19, and M20 were the most abundant of the 22 metabolites and potentially useful for doping-control purposes. Further studies are necessary to fully elucidate the structures of the metabolites.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 3","pages":"439-450"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rapid Identification of New Psychoactive Substances in Letters by LA-APCI-MS","authors":"Mark Wesner,&nbsp;Hannah Rämisch,&nbsp;Laura Besch,&nbsp;Johannes Schmeinck,&nbsp;Uwe Karst","doi":"10.1002/dta.70003","DOIUrl":"10.1002/dta.70003","url":null,"abstract":"<p>New psychoactive substances (NPS), especially synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA), are increasingly smuggled into prisons via infused mail. Consumption of those substances by inmates in prisons is associated with increased aggression, violence, and organized crime. Onsite detection of infused mail often is challenging. Because the infused papers do not show any visible stains or olfactory changes, physical inspection is often insufficient. The applicability of further conventional on-site detection methods like immunoassays and sniffer dogs is severely limited. Because of the rapidly changing supply of already circulating and newly emerging NPS, it is impractical to impossible to keep up with the development of immunoassays or the training of sniffer dogs. Hence, confiscated mail samples are routinely tested by either liquid chromatography or gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (MS), which is costly and time-consuming. In this study, recent advancements in the hyphenation of laser ablation (LA) and molecular MS were investigated regarding the possible application for the rapid and easy detection of NPS in prison mail. Utilizing an in-house developed LA-MS hyphenation based on atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), 31 mail samples confiscated in German prisons were analyzed. It was possible to correctly identify 27 samples containing SCRAs. For these positive samples, it was also possible to detect the specific compounds each paper was infused with. The use of LA-APCI-MS has simplified sample preparation and reduced analysis time per sample to 1 min.</p>","PeriodicalId":160,"journal":{"name":"Drug Testing and Analysis","volume":"18 2","pages":"198-206"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12861598/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145595659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}