Drugs of Abuse Analysis by GC/MS using a Zebron™ ZB-5MSPLUS ™ GC Column

Importance of the Topic

Comprehensive and reliable identification of drugs of abuse is critical in forensic, clinical, and regulatory laboratories. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) remains a gold standard due to its high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility. The use of optimized stationary phases enhances separation of structurally diverse compounds, improving confidence in quantitation and identification.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note demonstrates the separation and detection of 23 drugs of abuse—including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opioids, cannabinoids, and stimulants—using a highly deactivated Zebron ZB-5MSPLUS GC column coupled to a mass spectrometer. The goal is to validate column performance for peak shape, resolution, and run time under standardized conditions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Column: Zebron ZB-5MSPLUS, 30 m × 0.25 mm ID × 0.25 µm film thickness
• Injection: Splitless, 1 µL at 250 °C
• Carrier gas: Helium at 1.4 mL/min (constant flow)
• Oven program: 70 °C (1 min), 30 °C/min to 150 °C, then 10 °C/min to 320 °C (hold 5.5 min)
• MS detector: Electron impact ionization, 45–450 amu scan range at 250 °C
• Analyte concentration: 25 ppm in methanol

Main Results and Discussion

Under the optimized conditions, all 23 target compounds eluted with sharp, symmetrical peaks and baseline resolution. Representative chromatograms demonstrate clear separation of isobaric species (e.g., 6-MAM and morphine derivatives) and structurally similar benzodiazepines. The deactivated surface of the ZB-5MSPLUS phase minimized active site interactions, reducing tailing for polar analytes such as tramadol and codeine.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Broad compound coverage: Suitable for amphetamines, opioids, cannabinoids, and sedatives in a single run
• High throughput: Total analysis time under 30 minutes
• Enhanced peak shape: Improved quantitation accuracy for trace-level detection
• Method robustness: Consistent retention times and reproducibility across batches

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advances in stationary-phase technology and multidimensional GC configurations offer further improvements in resolving power for complex biological matrices. Coupling with high-resolution mass spectrometry and automated sample preparation can streamline workflows in toxicology and anti-doping laboratories. Emerging trends include portable GC-MS platforms for field screening and direct analysis in biological fluids.

Conclusion

The Zebron ZB-5MSPLUS GC column delivers reliable separation of a diverse panel of drugs of abuse in a single, efficient GC/MS run. Its deactivated surface chemistry ensures excellent peak shapes and consistent performance, making it a versatile choice for forensic, clinical, and industrial testing laboratories.

Reference

Trass M., Anderson T. Drugs of Abuse Analysis by GC/MS using a Zebron ZB-5MSPLUS GC Column. Phenomenex Application Note, 2015.