A GC/MS Reference Data System for the Identification of Drugs of Abuse

Abstract

Reference mass spectra data for 133 drugs of abuse is presented and discussed. The data is generated via a two-column GC-quadrupole mass spectrometer system after each drug has been extracted and presented to the instrument in a form compatible with that encountered in human toxicological analysis. The drugs include barbiturates, phenethylamine derivatives, opiate and synthetic narcotics, as well as urine metabolites. The data is presented in two indices, each in the form of a unique digital code which allows either manual or computer library search for identification purposes. A master, coded alphabetical drug name index is supplemented by a base peak index designed to provide rapid identification of unknown spectra. The coding system and practical use of the mass spectra, which are an adjunct to a previously published GC detection system, are discussed and two case examples given. Computer programs and necessary hardware for automatic library search are mentioned as the most elegant method by which the analytical system can rapidly assist the belabored toxicologist in his efforts to specifically identify submicrogram amounts of drugs in human biological specimens.