This system addresses the challenges faced by laboratories performing toxicology screens on forensic samples by combining fast GC to reduce run time, simultaneous collection of scan, SIM, and NPD data in one shorter run, backflushing to prevent detector fouling, and Deconvolution Reporting Software (DRS) to simplify data interpretation. The system is able to find all the molecules detected by the conventional method in significantly less time.
The document details a method for analyzing large numbers of forensic toxicology samples containing complex matrix interferences. The approach combines fast gas chromatography (GC) to reduce run times with simultaneous collection of scan, Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM), and Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector (NPD) data in a single shorter run.
Key features include backflushing to prevent heavy matrix components from fouling detectors and the use of Deconvolution Reporting Software (DRS) to simplify data interpretation. The method identifies up to 278 target compounds, including fentanyl, by utilizing full-spectrum searching against a library, ion ratios in ChemStation, and NPD response.
| Total run time | 8.5 min |
|---|---|
| Column length | 15.0m |
| Oven voltage | 240V |
| NPD temperature | 310°C |
The cycle time required per sample is reduced by 85%.
Deconvolution Reporting Software (DRS) simplifies data interpretation, especially in dirty samples.