Methods for GC/MS Analysis of the Most Commonly Seized Drugs of Abuse and Their Metabolites in Biological Samples
Chemosensors August 4, 2025 Ivan Kojić, Violeta M. Đurović, Yulia A. Smyatskaya et al. 5 citations
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is widely used to identify and quantify drugs of abuse and their metabolites in biological samples. Many compounds, especially metabolites, require derivatization before analysis. This review describes sample preparation and GC-MS analysis for common drugs in their native form and for metabolites in urine, blood, hair, and tissue. Drugs covered include amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opioids, LSD, benzodiazepines, GHB, phencyclidine, mescaline, psilocin, and psilocybin. Analysis of the parent drugs typically needs simple extraction with or without derivatization, while metabolite analysis requires removing matrix interferences such as proteins and water. The article provides an overview of available procedures to help researchers select appropriate methods.