A Reliable Method for the Detection, Confirmation, and Quantitation of Cannabinoids in Blood

Abstract

A sensitive and reliable method was developed for the identification and quantitation of cannabinoids in blood. Samples were screened by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Analysis was completed on a benchtop mass selective detector using selected ion monitoring. The limits of detection were 0.2 ng/mL for delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC and 11-hydroxy-THC and 2 ng/mL for 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC. Extensive method validation is presented, including within-run variation, between-run variation, and results from external proficiency testing. Sample stability was studied over a 6-month period. Several derivatives and extraction techniques were evaluated to determine optimum performance. Data from a blind study of 217 samples were used to determine the predictive value of the screening procedure. The procedure is used routinely in the laboratory on samples from drivers issued a citation for impaired driving and also on postmortem blood from death investigations.

A Phase I, open-label, randomized, crossover study in three parallel groups to evaluate the effect of Rifampicin, Ketoconazole, and Omeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of THC/CBD oromucosal spray in healthy volunteers

“…The assay validation was undertaken by Advanced Bioanalytical Service Laboratories (London, UK), who developed the technique after reviewing the literature, which was based on the methodology adopted by three different groups (Foltz et al 1983; Goodall & Basteyns 1995; Kemp et al 1995), and designed with reference to FDA guidelines for industry (FDA Guidance for Industry 2012). The method utilised protein precipitation, solvent extraction and derivatisation for the sample preparation and then sample analysis by capillary gas chromatography and detection by a mass spectrometer (GC-MS).…”

The therapeutic use of cannabinoids: Forensic aspects

“…Blood samples (1 ml) for the Δ 9 -THC identification were analyzed by liquid/liquid extraction using the method validated by Goodall and Basteyns [14].…”

Police custody following driving under the influence of cannabis: A prospective study

“…Detection and quantification of cannabinoids in blood were performed as previously described with minor modifications [14,15]. Deuterated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-d3), deuterated 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC-d3) and deuterated 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH-d3) were used as internal standards.…”