Detection and semi-quantitative determination of designer benzodiazepines in serum using LC-MSn

Benzodiazepines play an important role in forensic toxicology as they are widely prescribed in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and also used as drugs of abuse. In 2012 the group of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) including numerous synthetic cannabinoids and designer stimulants (“bath salts”) was extended by the inclusion of benzodiazepine-type compounds.

The presented method allows automated identification and semi-quantitative determination of 58  benzodiazepines, including 19 designer benzodiazepines. Limits of detection of the assay allow the detection of  sub-therapeutic concentrations or concentrations in the low therapeutic range for the majority of medical  benzodiazepines, making the screening applicable for clinical research and forensic analysis. The automated semi-
quantitative analysis enables a quick toxicological evaluation of the results and aids in the establishment of  subsequent analytical strategies in cases of limited sample availability. Although this approach requires a more time consuming sample preparation when compared to routine immunoassays, unambiguous identification and semi-quantitative determination of compounds offers more detailed sample information.