A robust method for detection of THC and its metabolites in blood has been developed using SPE extraction and GC/MS/MS with backflushing. The dynamic range of quantification was 0.1 to 50 ng/mL for THC and 11-OH-THC, and 1 to 100 ng/mL for THCA, with a run time of 6 minutes and a cycle time of 8 minutes.
The document outlines a rapid and robust analytical method developed by Agilent Technologies for the detection of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites, 11-OH-THC, and THCA in blood samples. The method utilizes solid-phase extraction (SPE) with High Flow Bond Elut Certify II cartridges followed by derivatization and analysis via Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).
The procedure employs an Agilent 7890N gas chromatograph equipped with a Low Thermal Mass (LTM) module and backflushing capabilities, coupled to an Agilent 7000B Triple Quadrupole GC/MS system. This setup enables a short run time of 6 minutes and a cycle time of 8 minutes while maintaining high sensitivity and robustness against matrix interferences.
| Run time | 6 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cycle time | 8 minutes |
| Dynamic range for THC and 11-OH-THC | 0.1 to 50 ng/mL |
| Dynamic range for THCA | 1 to 100 ng/mL |
| Correlation coefficient (R²) | 0.999 |
The experiments were performed on an Agilent 7890N gas chromatograph coupled to a 7000B Triple Quadrupole GC/MS.
Agilent High Flow Bond Elut Certify II solid-phase extraction columns were used.
The dynamic range of quantification was 0.1 to 50 ng/mL for THC.