Screening Biological Samples for Underivatized Drugs Using a Splitless Injection Technique on Fused Silica Capillary Column Gas Chromatography*

A rapid screening technique is presented for the detection of underivatlzed drugs using a multi-level temperature program. This allowed for the identification of major clinically significant drugs extracted from serum, urine, and other body fluids. Acidic or basic extractions are injected Into a gas chromatograph equipped with s flame ionization detector and a single wide-bore, thick film capillary using the splltless mode of Injection. Identification is by retention time relative to that of a common internal standard. Deactivation of the fused silica liner is necessary to consistently detect low concentrations of specific drugs. In t roduct ion A practical, comprehensive, and rapid drug screening pro-cedure is essential in the toxicology laboratory of any major emergency, poison, or acute trauma center. The urgent natur