Characterization of an Amphetamine Interference from Gabapentin in an LC-HRMS Method.

An amphetamine interference was observed during the development of an liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) multi-class confirmation method for the determination of 47 drugs and metabolites in urine. The interference passed all qualitative criteria for amphetamine leading to potential false-positive results. Upon investigation, it was found that the amphetamine interference was correlated with the presence of high levels of gabapentin. Gabapentin is routinely detected in patient urine specimens at levels in excess of 1 mg/mL as it is widely prescribed at high doses and does not undergo significant metabolism. The source of the interference was identified as a gabapentin in-source fragment isomeric with protonated amphetamine. Here we describe the characterization of this interference and how its effect was mitigated in the LC-HRMS method.

Identification of Novel Opioid Interferences using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Novel opioid interferences were observed during the development of a high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry urine drug testing method for 47 analytes from multiple drug classes. The interferences affected both analytes and internal standards and were only observed when the method was challenged with patient samples. Some interferences were attributable to isomeric opioid metabolites not previously reported while others were due to interference from in-source dissociations or 13C isotopic contributions from known opioid metabolites not typically monitored as analytes. Based on patient drug profiles, known and inferred metabolism, accurate mass, retention time and MS/MS spectrum, the putative identity of each interference was assigned and later confirmed, when possible, using an authentic standard. Opioids are some of the most frequently monitored analytes in urine drug testing laboratories. Because of the potential for co-purification, co-chromatography and spectral similarity, it is anticipated that the reported opioid metabolite interferences could be present with other method conditions and instrument platforms. The objectives of this work are to raise awareness of these interferences and emphasize the importance of evaluating patient samples for potential interferences during method development.