earticle

영어

Benzodiazepines (BDZ) are mainly used as a tranquilizer for anxiety, tension and depression. These drugs have a potential for abuse and addiction, serious side effects may occur when used for a long time or in combination with other central nervous system inhibitors including alcohol. As the distribution of counterfeit medicines has increased, and new BDZ also have been sold on the illicit market, it is increasing possibility of abuse, and the risk of being used for crimes such as sexual assault and gambling fraud increases. In this study, we developed a simultaneous analysis method for 27 new BDZ in urine. The urine samples were hydrolyzed with β-glucuronidase, and extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI) positive mode was used for analysis. The analysis method was validated with respect of parameters such as limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision, matrix effect, recovery and efficiency. The LOD ranged from 0.5 to 5 ng/mL and LOQ ranged from 2 to 10 ng/mL. The accuracy and precision ranged from -18.5% to 13.3% and 0.2% to 18.4%, respectively. The matrix effect, recovery and efficiency range was 67% to 130%, 52% to 110% and 50% to 124%, respectively. Of the target substances covered in this study, 25 BDZ satisfied the validation criteria. By applying this analysis method to the forensic investigation, it could be a significant contribution to demonstrate new BDZ intoxication and abuse rapidly and accurately.