Do We Need High-Resolution MS in Forensic and Clinical Toxicology?

Abstract

Department of Experimental & Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany E-mail: markus.meyer@uks.eu It is my current opinion that high-resolution MS (HRMS) is not a must in clinical and forensic toxicology, but is ‘nice-to-have’. I see this technique as a wonderful, complementary tool to facilitate the daily work of a toxicologist. In various publications, HRMS has been proven to be a helpful tool in drug metabolism studies, laying the foundation for screening applications in human urine and/or plasma samples required in toxicological analysis. Furthermore, highly sensitive quantification procedures are possible allowing very low detection limits in combination with fast and easy sample preparation. Despite the usefulness of HRMS, one should always think about the high costs, especially in contrast with well-established techniques such as GC–MS or even LC–MS/MS. I do not only mean the costs for purchasing the instrument, but also the running costs, which are much higher than for LC low-resolution MS. If using LC coupled to HRMS, you need very clean mobile phases and special calibration solutions, and in order to avoid contaminations or carryover extensive cleaning steps are necessary. Furthermore, teething troubles when using new developments should be considered when s tarting with HRMS.