Screening of synthetic cannabinoids in preserved oral fluid by UPLC-MS/MS.
BACKGROUND
The abuse of a rapidly changing range of synthetic cannabinoids is increasing worldwide. Oral fluid, which contains the parent compounds and is easily collected, could be a good alternative medium for drug screening for synthetic cannabinoids.


RESULTS
A method for screening of 18 synthetic cannabinoids in preserved oral fluid collected with the Intercept® collection device, using UPLC-MS/MS, was validated. Limits of quantification ranged from 0.2 to 2 ng/ml in oral fluid. In several real cases, AM-2201 and/or JWH-018 were found.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented method allowed rapid and sensitive screening of synthetic cannabinoids in preserved oral fluid collected with the Intercept collection device.
Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Abuse, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway.
Elisabeth L
EL
Oiestad
Unni
U
Johansen
Asbjørg S
AS
Christophersen
Ritva
R
Karinen
D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D015198:Designer Drugs / Q000032:analysis / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000032:analysis / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D015394:Molecular Structure; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
D002186:Cannabinoids; D015198:Designer Drugs; D013287:Illicit Drugs