Quantification of LSD in illicit samples by high performance liquid chromatography

A method using high performance liquid chromatography to quantify LSD in blotter papers seized in Minas Gerais was optimized and validated. The method showed linearity between 0.05 and 20.00 μg/mL, with satisfactory precision (intra-assay relative standard deviation 4.4%, inter-assay 6.4%) and mean recoveries of 83.4% and 84.9% at two concentration levels. Detection and quantification limits were 0.01 and 0.05 μg/mL, respectively. Analysis of 22 seized blotters found a mean of 67.55 μg of LSD per blotter (relative standard deviation 27.5%). The method demonstrated satisfactory analytical performance and is suitable for determining LSD in illicit samples.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In the present study, a method using high performance liquid chromatography to quantify LSD, in blotter papers seized in Minas Gerais, was optimized and validated. Linearity, precision, recovery, limits of detection and quantification, and selectivity were the parameters used to evaluate performance. The samples were extracted with methanol:water (1: 1) in an ultra-sound bath. The linearity between 0.05 and 20.00 μg/mL (0.5 and 200.0μg of LSD/blotter) was observed with satisfactory mean intra and inter assay precision (RSDr = 4.4% and RSD R = 6.4%, respectively) and with mean recoveries of 83.4% and 84.9% to the levels of 1.00 and 20.00 μg/mL (10 and 200μg LSD/blotter). The limits of detection and quantification were 0.01 and 0.05 μg/mL, respectively (0.1 and 0.5 μg of LSD/blotter). The samples of blotters (n =22) were analyzed and the mean value of 67.55 μg of LSD/blotter (RSD=27.5%) was found. Thus, the method used showed satisfactory analytical performance, and proved suitable as an analytical tool for LSD determination in illicit samples seized by police forces.