Determination of flunitrazepam and 7-aminoflunitrazepam in human urine by on-line solid phase extraction liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry

A method using an on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography with electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ES-MS/MS) for the determination of flunitrazepam (FM2) and 7-aminoflunitrazepam (7-aminoFM2) in urine was developed. A mixed mode Oasis HLB SPE cartridge column was utilized for on-line extraction. A reversed phase C₁₈ LC column was employed for LC separation and MS/MS was used for detection. Sample extraction, clean-up and elution were performed automatically and controlled by a six-port valve. Recoveries ranging from 94.8 to 101.3% were measured. For both 7-aminoFM2 and FM2, dual linear ranges were determined from 20 to 200 and 200-2000 ng/ml, respectively. The detection limit for each analyte based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 ranged from 1 to 3 ng/ml. The intra-day and inter-day precision showed coefficients of variance (CV) ranging from 4.6 to 8.5 and 2.6-9.2%, respectively. The applicability of this newly developed method was examined by analyzing several urine samples.     

Headspace liquid-phase microextraction of methamphetamine and amphetamine in urine by an aqueous drop

This study developed a headspace liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) method by using a single aqueous drop in combination with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV detection for the determination of methamphetamine (MAP) and amphetamine (AP) in urine samples. The analytes, volatile and basic, were released from sample matrix into the headspace first, and then protonated and dissolved in an aqueous H₃PO₄ drop hanging in the headspace by a HPLC syringe. After extraction, this drop was directly injected into HPLC. Parameters affecting extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized. This method showed good linearity in the investigated concentration range of 1.0-1500 μg L⁻¹, repeatability of the extraction (R.S.D. < 5%, n = 6), and low detection limits (0.3 μg L⁻¹ for both analytes). Enrichment factors of about 400-fold and 220-fold were achieved for MAP and AP, respectively, at optimum conditions. The feasibility of the method was demonstrated by analyzing human urine samples.     

Rapid identification and quantification of methamphetamine and amphetamine in hair by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry coupled with micropulverized extraction,aqueous acetylation and microextraction by packed sorbent

We developed a rapid identification and quantification method for the toxicological analysis of methamphetamine and amphetamine in human hair by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry coupled with a novel combination of micropulverized extraction, aqueous acetylation and microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) named MiAMi–GC/MS. A washed hair sample (1–5 mg) was micropulverized for 5 min in a 2 mL plastic tube with 250 μL of water. An anion-exchange sorbent was added to adsorb anionic interferences. After removing the residue with a membrane-filter unit, sodium carbonate and acetic anhydride was admixed in turn. Acetylation was completed in approximately 20 min at room temperature. The acetylated analytes in the reaction liquid were concentrated to an octadecylsilica sorbent packed in the needle of a syringe by a CombiPAL autosampler. Elution was carried out with 50 μL of methanol, and the entire eluate injected into a gas chromatograph using a programmable temperature vaporizing (PTV) technique. The time required for sample preparation and GC/MS analysis was approximately 1 h from a washed hair sample, and an evaporation process was not required. Ranges for quantification were 0.20–50 (ng/mg) each for methamphetamine and amphetamine using 1 mg of hair. Accuracy and relative standard deviation (RSD) were evaluated intraday and interday at three concentrations, and the results were within the limit of a guidance issued by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For identification, full-scan mass spectra of methamphetamine and amphetamine were obtained using 5 mg of fortified hair samples at 0.2 ng/mg. The extraction device of MEPS was durable for at least 300 extractions, whereas the liner of the gas chromatograph should be replaced after 20–30 times use. The carry over was estimated to be about 1–2%. This sample-preparation method coupled with GC/MS is fast and labor-saving in comparison with conventional methods.     

Determination of 7-aminoflunitrazepam in urine by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction with liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) and liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ES-MS/MS) procedure was presented for the extraction and determination of 7-aminoflunitrazepam (7-aminoFM2), a biomarker of the hypnotic flunitrazepam (FM2) in urine sample. The method was based on the formation of tiny droplets of an organic extractant in the sample solution using water-immiscible organic solvent [dichloromethane (DCM), an extractant] dissolved in water-miscible organic dispersive solvent [isopropyl alcohol (IPA)]. First, 7-aminoFM2 from basified urine sample was extracted into the dispersed DCM droplets. The extracting organic phase was separated by centrifuging and the sedimented phase was transferred into a 300 μl vial insert and evaporated to dryness. The residue was reconstituted in 30 μl mobile phase (20:80, acetonitrile:water). An aliquot of 20 μl as injected into LC-ES-MS/MS. Various parameters affecting the extraction efficiency (type and volume of extraction and dispersive solvent, effect of alkali and salt) were evaluated. Under optimum conditions, precision, linearity (correlation coefficient, r² = 0.988 over the concentration range of 0.05-2.5 ng/ml), detection limit (0.025 ng/ml) and enrichment factor (20) had been obtained. To our knowledge, DLLME was applied to urine sample for the first time.     

Distribution characteristics of methamphetamine and amphetamine in urine and hair specimens collected from alleged methamphetamine users in northern Taiwan

This study was conducted to better understand the distribution characteristics of methamphetamine and amphetamine in urine and hair specimens collected from alleged methamphetamine users in the local population. It is anticipated that the data hereby obtained will be helpful to the interpretation of the time and pattern of drug use. Eight alleged methamphetamine-using arrestees from Keelung Police Department (north of Taipei, Taiwan) consented to contribute both urine and hair specimens. Each arrestee contributed seven urine specimens collected at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h, respectively, after the arrest. Hair specimens were cut into 2-cm sections. The limits of detection and quantitation of the urine protocol were 40 and 50 ng/mL, respectively, for both amphetamine and methamphetamine, while the corresponding limits of detection and quantitation for the hair protocol were 0.8 and 1.0 ng/mg, respectively. The concentration variations of methamphetamine and amphetamine in the urine specimens exhibited three distinct patterns: (a) continuous decrease in the analytes’ concentrations for specimens collected at hours 0-120; (b) increase in the analytes’ concentrations in specimens collected at hours 0-12, followed by decrease; (c) increase in analytes’ concentrations in specimens collected at later times. Together with the amphetamine/methamphetamine concentration ratios found in these urine specimens, the observed trends in the changes of the analytes’ concentrations are helpful for the interpretation on the time of drug use. Unlike urine specimens, amphetamine/methamphetamine concentration ratios in various hair specimens and hair sections remain relatively constant.     

Determination of faropenem in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantitative detection method, using cefalexin as internal standard, was developed for the analysis of faropenem in human plasma and urine. After precipitation of the plasma proteins with acetonitrile, the analytes were separated on a C18 reversed-phase column with 0.1% formic acid-methanol (45:55, v/v) and detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. Calibration curves with good linearities (r=0.9991 for plasma sample and r=0.9993 for urine sample) were obtained in the range 5-4000 ng/mL for faropenem. The limit of detection was 5 ng/mL. Recoveries were around 90% for the extraction from human plasma, and good precision and accuracy were achieved. This method is feasible for the evaluation of pharmacokinetic profiles of faropenem in humans, and to our knowledge, it is the first time the pharmacokinetic of faropenem has been elucidated in vivo using LC-MS/MS.     

Online solid-phase extraction liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of buprenorphine and three metabolites in human urine

An online solid-phase extraction (SPE) liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method for the determination of buprenorphine (Bup), norbuprenorphine (nBup), buprenorphie-3-beta-d-glucuronide (Bup-3-G) and norbuprenorphie-3-beta-d-glucuronide (nBup-3-G) in human urine was developed and validated. A mixed mode SPE column with both hydrophilic and lipophilic functions was used for online extraction. A C18 column was employed for LC separation and ESI-MS/MS was utilized for detection. Buprenorphine-D(4) (Bup-D4) and norbuprenophine-D3 (nBup-D3) were used as internal standards for quantitative determination. The extraction, clean-up and analysis procedures were controlled by a fully automated six-port switch valve. Identification and quantification were based on the following transitions: m/z 468-->414 for Bup, m/z 414-->364 for nBup, m/z 644-->468 for Bup-3-G and m/z 590-->414 for nBup-3-G, respectively. Good recoveries from 93.6% to 102.2% were measured and satisfactory linear ranges for these analytical compounds were determined. Minimal ion suppression effect (approximately 7% response decrease) was determined. Intra-day and inter-day precision showed coefficients of variance, CV, ranged from 3.3% to 10.1% and 4.4% to 9.8%, respectively. Accuracy ranging from 97.0% to 104.0% was determined. The applicability of this newly developed method was demonstrated by analyzing human urine samples from the patients in Bup treatment program for therapeutic monitoring purpose.     

Determination of melamine in milk-based products and other food and beverage products by ion-pair liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

This paper describes a fast method for the sensitive and selective determination of melamine in a wide range of food matrices, including several milk-based products. The method involves an extraction with aqueous 1% trichloroacetic acid before the injection of the 10-fold diluted extract into the liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) system, using labelled melamine as the internal standard. As melamine is present in aqueous media in the cationic form, the chromatographic separation in reversed-phase LC requires the use of anionic ion-pair reagents, such as tridecafluoroheptanoic acid (THFA). This allows a satisfactory chromatographic retention and peak shape in all the types of food samples investigated. The method has been validated in six food matrices (biscuit, dry pasta and four milk-based products) by means of recovery experiments in samples spiked at 1 and 5 mg kg⁻¹. Average recoveries (n = 5) ranged from 77% to 100%, with excellent precision (RSDs lower than 5%) and limits of detection between 0.01 and 0.1 mg kg⁻¹. In addition, accuracy and robustness of the method was proven in different soya-based matrices by means of quality control (QC) sample analysis. QC recoveries, at 1 and 2.5 mg kg⁻¹, were satisfactory, ranging from 79% to 110%. The method developed in this work has been applied to the determination of melamine in different types of food samples. All detections were confirmed by acquiring two MS/MS transitions (127 > 85 for quantification; 127 > 68 for confirmation) and comparing their ion intensity ratio with that of reference standards. Accuracy of the method was also assessed by applying it to a milk-based product and a baking mix material as part of an EU proficiency test, in which highly satisfactory results were obtained.     

Determination of ethambutol by ion-pair reversed phase liquid chromatography with UV detection

An ion-pair reversed phase liquid chromatography method for the antituberculosis drug ethambutol hydrochloride was developed using sodium 1-heptanesulfonate (4.0 mg/ml) as an ion-pairing (IP) reagent. To enable detection of the ethambutol with a UV detector without sample pretreatment, the pH 4.5 aqueous tetrahydrofuran (THF) (25%, v/v) mobile phase contained 1.0 mM Cu(II), which forms a UV-absorbing complex with the analyte. At a column temperature of 35 °C, ethambutol gives a symmetrical peak with a retention time of 5 min. Chromatographic conditions were optimized through study of the effects of mobile phase composition and pH, Cu(II) and IP reagent concentration, and column temperature. The method is shown to be simple, precise, efficient, robust, linear up to at least 0.25 mg/ml, and to have a limit of quantitation of 6 μg/ml.     

Determination of methotrexate in human urine at trace levels by solid phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

For biological monitoring of hospital personnel occupationally exposed to antineoplastic agents, highly sensitive and specific methods are required. In order to detect trace MTX urinary concentrations, a precise and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) procedure, incorporating solid phase extraction, has been developed. Urine samples were purified by solid phase extraction (SPE) on octadecyl bonded, endcapped silica SPE columns. After eluting with methanol, the solvent was evaporated obtaining a 25-fold concentration of the analyte. This procedure was validated by using 7-OHMTX as internal standard. Calibration curves had correlation coefficients always higher than 0.999, and the limit of detection was assessed at 0.2 microg L(-1). High specificity of the HPLC-MS/MS technique assures that no interfering substances are detected rather than the analyte of interest.     

Determination of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates by ion-pair solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography

In this paper, the potential use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as solid phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent was evaluated for preconcentration of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) using ion-pair (IP)-SPE with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH). The LAS homologues present in the aqueous sample were ion-paired with TBAH and the solution was passed through the MWCNT cartridges. The analytes retained in the cartridge were eluted with methanol and the concentrated methanol extract was analysed by HPLC-UV. In order to obtain the satisfactory recovery of LAS homologues, various parameters including the type and amount of the ion-pair reagents, the desorption and enrichment conditions such as the effect of eluent and its volume, pH, the flow rate, the ultrasonic time of sample, and the volume of sample solution were systematically optimized. Under the optimal conditions, LAS homologues could be easily extracted by the proposed SPE cartridge. The favorable limits of detection (LOD) for LAS homologues were in the range from 0.02 to 0.03 μg L⁻¹, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 1.55-2.54% for 10 μg L⁻¹ LAS (n = 6). The proposed method has been successfully applied for the analysis of LAS homologues in aqueous environmental samples. A comparison study with ion-pair solid extraction on MWCNTs, C8 and C18 as adsorbents for LAS demonstrated that ion pair-based solid extraction on MWCNTs adsorbent was advantageous over C8 and C18, the widely used traditional adsorbents.     

Determination of pesticides in surface and ground waters by liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry

The sensitive multiresidual analytical method for simultaneous analysis of 14 most commonly used agricultural pesticides in Serbia was developed and optimized. The selected insecticides, fungicides and herbicides belong to seven chemical classes (organophosphates, neonicotinoids, carbamates, diacylhydrazines, benzimidazoles, triazines and phenylureas). The method was based on solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The following parameters that may affect the SPE procedure efficiency were optimized: the sorbent type in combination with different elution solvents, the sample pH and the sample volume. For each pesticide, MSⁿ analysis was performed and distinctive ions and transitions were selected for identification and quantification, as well as for confirmation purposes. External matrix-matched calibration method was used to eliminate variable matrix effect and ensure precise quantification. Good recoveries (72-129%), and low limits of detection (0.4-5.5 ng L⁻¹) and quantification (1.1-18.2 ng L⁻¹) were achieved for all selected pesticides. The developed and optimized method was successfully applied in the analysis of several river waters, as well as ground waters in Serbia, influenced by agriculture. The most frequently detected pesticide was carbendazim. Dimethoate, carbofuran and propazine were also found in the investigated samples.     

固相萃取-高效液相色谱-串联质谱法测定畜禽粪便中的残留抗生素

建立了固相萃取-高效液相色谱-串联质谱法(HPLC-MS/MS)同时测定畜禽粪便中四环素类化合物(四环素、金霉素、土霉素)、喹诺酮类化合物(诺氟沙星、环丙沙星、洛美沙星)和磺胺二甲嘧啶7种抗生素的检测方法。样品中的抗生素用含有甲醇、乙酸和水(6:3:1, 体积比)的混合溶液提取后,经HLB固相萃取小柱纯化富集,采用Symmetry C₁₈色谱柱分离,0.3%甲酸水溶液和0.3%甲酸乙腈溶液作为流动相进行梯度洗脱,电喷雾正离子(ESI⁺)模式电离,多反应监测(MRM)模式检测,外标法定量。结果表明,四环素类化合物和喹诺酮类化合物在50~1000 μg/L、磺胺二甲嘧啶在5~100 μg/L的范围内具有良好线性。3倍信噪比下,四环素类化合物、喹诺酮类化合物和磺胺二甲嘧啶的检出限分别为0.25~7.18、0.15~3.16和0.04 μg/kg。在猪粪和鸡粪样品中添加0.1~10 μg/g水平的四环素类化合物、喹诺酮类化合物和磺胺二甲嘧啶,其平均添加回收率为40%~124%,相对标准偏差(RSD)为3.0%~9.5%。采用该方法对部分养殖场的猪粪和鸡粪进行了检测,结果表明,四环素类化合物均有不同程度的检出,喹诺酮类化合物和磺胺二甲嘧啶有部分检出。该方法具有灵敏度和准确度高的特点,可满足畜禽粪便中四环素类化合物、喹诺酮类化合物及磺胺二甲嘧啶的检测。     

固相萃取/液相色谱-串联质谱法测定食品中二甲基黄

建立了液相色谱-串联质谱(LC-MS/MS)测定食品中二甲基黄(DMY)的分析方法。样品经乙酸乙酯提取,二甲基黄专用固相萃取小柱(ProElut DMY SPE)净化,XDB-C18色谱柱(50 mm×4.6 mm,1.8μm)分离,并以5mmol/L乙酸铵水溶液(含0.1%(v/v)甲酸)-乙腈(含0.1%(v/v)甲酸)为流动相,梯度洗脱,电喷雾正离子模式(ESI~+)电离,多反应监测模式(MRM)检测,内标法定量。结果表明,DMY在0~50μg/L范围内线性关系良好,相关系数(r~2)均大于0.999。方法的检出限(LOD,S/N3)和定量限(LOQ,S/N10)分别为2μg/kg和10μg/kg。不同食品基质中,DMY在10、20和100μg/kg的添加水平下的平均加标回收率为93.3%~98.9%,相对标准偏差为1.6%~3.9%(n=6)。该方法有效补偿了液相色谱-串联质谱检测过程中的离子化抑制效应,灵敏度和准确度高,适用于腐乳、辣椒酱、禽蛋、豆干、糖果和火腿中DMY的测定。     

Determination of selenoamino acids using two-dimensional ion-pair reversed phase chromatography with on-line detection by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Analytical methods for the speciation of nine selenium species (selenite, selenate, selenourea, trimethylselenonium ion, selenocystamine, selenocystine, selenocysteine, selenomethionine and selenoethionine) that are commonly encountered in biological and environmental samples were developed. Good separation was achieved by either a mixed ion-pair reversed phase chromatography (LiChrosorb RP 18, 2.5 mM 1-butanesulfonate-8 mM tetramethylammonium hydroxide-4 mM malonic acid-0.05% methanol, pH 4.5) or a conventional ion-pair reversed phase chromatography (Inertsil ODS, 10 mM tetraethylammonium hydroxide-4.5 mM malonic acid, pH 6.8) with on-line ICP-MS detection. Using a 20-μl sample loop, low detection limits around 1 ng ml⁻¹ expressed as Se were achieved for the examined selenium species. The methods were used for the determination of selenoamino acids in a selenium nutritional supplement. The developed methods were found to be rather robust. No alteration of the separation was observed when the protease enzymatic extracts were analyzed without dilution. Both water extracts and enzymatic extracts were chromatographed first with the mixed ion-pair reversed phase chromatographic system, then the major chromatographic peaks were collected and analyzed by the second ion-pair reversed phase chromatographic system for a further verification of their identity. Selenomethionine was found to be the major selenium species in the supplement. A major unknown species, probably Se-adenosylhomocysteine, could be determined in the extracts. A biological reference material, Dolt-2, was also examined for the selenoamino acids. Selenocystine and selenomethionine could be detected in its enzymatic extract, suggesting that Dolt-2 may be used as a reference material for the identification of selenoamino acids in biological and environmental samples. As selenoethionine does not occur naturally in the investigated samples, it is added as an internal standard in this study.     

Determination of aristolochic acids in medicinal plant and herbal product by liquid chromatography-electrospray-ion trap mass spectrometry

This paper describes a liquid chromatography-electrospray-ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-ES-ITMS) method for the determination of aristolochic acid I and II (AA-I and AA-II) in medicinal plants and Chinese herbal remedies. A reversed phase C₁₈ column with gradient elution was utilized. The effects of mobile phase additives, acetic acid and ammonium acetate, on LC separation and ES ionization were investigated. For both AA-I and AA-II, the [M+NH₄]⁺ ion was found to be the precursor ion for target MS/MS analysis. The MS/MS product ion, [M+H−44]⁺, was used for the quantitative measurement of AA-I and AA-II. The linearity was good from 0.03 to 5 μg ml⁻¹ and good correlation (r²=0.999) over the range examined was determined for both AA. The detection limit based on a signal-to-noise ratio of three was 0.012 and 0.015 μg ml⁻¹ for AA-I and AA-II, respectively. Various Chinese herbal remedies obtained from renal failure patients and medicinal plants were examined by this newly developed method.     

Determination of aromatic sulfonates in coastal water by on-line Ion-pair solid-phase extraction/ion-pair liquid chromatography with UV detection

Summary A method for determining aromatic sulfonates in sea water is presented. Ion-pair solid phase extraction is coupled on-line to ion-pair liquid chromatography with UV detection. In the enrichment step, the recoveries from 100 mL of sea water were higher than 65% for most analytes. Linearity was good and detection limits were between 0.02 and 1 μgL⁻¹. The repeatability of the method, expressed as % of relative standard deviation (n=3) was between 1 and 15%. The method was checked in coastal water near the commercial port of Tarragona, where effluents from the petrochemical industry are discharged. All the samples taken were found to contain 2-naphthalenesulfonate.     

Direct enantiomeric analysis of amphetamine in plasma by simultaneous solid phase extraction and chiral derivatization

Summary An analytical approach has been developed for the one step determination of enantiomeric amphetamine composition in plasma, using on-line, pre-column solid phase derivatization with reversed phase HPLC separation. The high molecular weight protein components were excluded by the small pore structure of the polymer and washed out of the reaction column before derivatization. Spiked amphetamine in human plasma was extracted and derivatized by the polystyrene based FMOC-L-prolyl solid phase reagent. The derivatized diastereomers were separated on a conventional ODS column with an ACN/H₂O mobile phase. No kinetic resolution or racemization was observed in this solid phase derivatization. Calibration plots and reproducibility experiments were performed to demonstrate the validity of the new approach. Automation of the procedure provided a simple and reproducible method for direct chiral recognition in plasma samples.     

Determination of fungicides in wine by mixed-mode solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

A novel procedure for the determination of nine selected fungicides (metalaxyl-M, azoxystrobin, myclobutanil, flusilazole, penconazole, tebuconazole, propiconazole, diniconazole and difenoconazole) in wine samples is presented. Sample enrichment and purification is simultaneously performed using mixed-mode, anion exchange and reversed-phase, OASIS MAX solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Analytes were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry using atmospheric pressure electrospray ionization (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Parameters affecting the chromatographic determination and the extraction-purification processes were thoroughly investigated. Under optimized conditions, 10 mL of wine were firstly diluted 1:1 with ultrapure water and then passed through the mixed-mode SPE cartridge at a flow of ca. 5 mLmin(-1). After a washing step with 5 mL of an aqueous NH(4)OH solution (5%, w:v), analytes were recovered with just 1 mL of methanol and injected in the LC-MS/MS system without any additional purification. The selective extraction process avoided significant changes in the ionization efficiency for red and white wine extracts in comparison with pure standards in methanol. Performance of the method was good in terms of precision (RSDs<11%) and accuracy (absolute recoveries>72%, determined against pure standards in methanol) reporting method LOQs in the range of 0.01-0.79 ngmL(-1) for target compounds, which are far below the EU maxima residue levels (MRLs) for fungicides in vinification grapes and wine. Several commercial wines from different geographic areas in Spain were analyzed. In most samples, metalaxyl-M and azoxystrobin were found at concentrations up to several ngmL(-1).     

Determination of vitamin B5 in human urine by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

In the present work, we have developed a simple and rapid liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method for the identification and quantification of vitamin B5 in human urine. Urine was spiked with vitamin B5 internal standard, hopantenic acid (HOPA), and then diluted with the LC mobile phase prior to its analysis by LC/MS. The quantification was performed in single ion monitoring mode. The calibration curve was linear (r2 = 0.999) between 0.25 to 10 microg/mL. With a limit of detection of 0.1 microg/mL the method was sensitive enough to determine low levels of vitamin B5 in urine. The overall quantitative efficiency of the method was evaluated by spiking urine samples with four different concentrations of vitamin B5; the intra-assay coefficient of variation was below 5% and the recoveries were between 96 to 108%. The results of the present study show that the proposed method is selective and sensitive enough for the quantification of vitamin B5 in urine.