title: The non-destructive identification of solid over-the-counter medications using single particle aerosol mass spectrometry.
abstract: Single over-the-counter medication tablets were analyzed in real time using Single Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (SPAMS). Dual-polarity time-of-flight mass spectra were obtained for micrometer-sized single particles dislodged from a single tablet without destroying the shape or markings of each tablet. The solid tablet was placed in a modified-top glass vial and shaken to dislodge and introduce micrometer-sized particles into the SPAMS system. Unique spectra from these particles were obtained in less than 1 s for single tablets of aspirin, ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, loratadine, or diphenhydramine. The signals obtained allowed the non-destructive identification of an individual tablet in seconds. SPAMS presents an ideal system for high-throughput analysis of solid drugs.
authors.affiliation: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
authors.forename: Audrey N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: George R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Farquar
authors.forename: A Daniel
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frank
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols / Q000737:chemistry; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000032:analysis*; D010316:Particle Size; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013607:Tablets / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D013607:Tablets