Analysis of cocaine and metabolites in brain using solid phase extraction and full-scanning gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry

Forensic Sci Int. 1994 May 13;65(3):149-56. doi: 10.1016/0379-0738(94)90270-4.

Abstract

A method is described for the determination of cocaine, benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene in the human brain using Clean Screen solid phase extraction cartridges and gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry with electron impact and full scan analysis. The procedure uses deuterated internal standards. Run-to-run and within-run coefficients of variation are < 7% and the sensitivity proved to be 50 ng/g from 1 g of sample. The procedure has been applied to a number of forensic cases involving cocaine intoxication. Cocaine was relatively unstable in brain tissue stored at 4 degrees C when compared to storage at -80 degrees C.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Chemistry*
  • Cause of Death
  • Cocaine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cocaine / analysis*
  • Cocaine / blood
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Humans
  • Narcotics / analysis*
  • Narcotics / blood
  • Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors / analysis*
  • Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors / blood

Substances

  • Narcotics
  • Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors
  • benzoylecgonine
  • cocaethylene
  • Cocaine