title: LC-MS in analytical toxicology: some practical considerations.
abstract: Liquid chromatography, coupled with single-stage or tandem mass spectrometry, is a powerful tool increasingly used in analytical toxicology. However, the atmospheric pressure ionization processes involved are complex, and subject to interference from matrix components, for example. Further, the techniques used in sample preparation, chromatography and mass analysis are developing rapidly. An understanding of the advantages and limitations of LC-MS ensures appropriate analyses are performed, and that reliable results are generated. Consideration should be given to the influence of the sample preparation and chromatographic conditions on the ionization of the analyte at the mass spectrometer interface. This review aims to provide some practical guidance and examples to aid method development for commonly encountered analytes in analytical toxicology.
authors.affiliation: Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK.
authors.forename: Lewis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Couchman
authors.forename: Phillip E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D006801:Humans; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D018675:Toxicity Tests