Thermo Fisher Scientific Achieves Superior Precision and Linearity in High-Throughput, Trace Level Analyses of THC in Oral Fluid Using the TSQ Quantum GC Analyzer
AUSTIN, Texas (August 25, 2009) - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced the introduction of a new forensic toxicology application that demonstrates the advanced analytical capabilities of its triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer for monitoring marijuana in oral fluid. The powerful Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum GC triple stage quadrupole is capable of performing rapid and reliable confirmation and quantitation analyses and achieves excellent quantitative precision and linearity. Entitled "High-Throughput Confirmation and Quantitation of THC in Oral Fluids Using the TSQ Quantum GC", this new application note is available to download via www.thermo.com/fotox
Oral fluid analysis is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to blood and urine testing for the detection of drugs, such as marijuana. Oral fluid can be collected and monitored without embarrassment, pain, or the extensive training required to draw blood. Since f´9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the pharmacologically active compound found in marijuana, is one of the most commonly used illegal drugs, its analysis in oral fluid has become imperative. This analysis can be extremely challenging due to the low concentrations of THC typically found in oral fluid and the low volumes of oral fluid that are generally available for analysis. In addition, the chemical background from the oral fluid matrix can limit the low detection levels required for this analysis. The Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum GC overcomes these challenges, routinely measuring THC in oral fluid at a 2 ng/mL cutoff level and below with minimal matrix interferences.
Methods were developed for sample preparation, acquisition and analysis for this forensic toxicology assay. Experimental results demonstrate that the analyzer, operated in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, is both selective and sensitive enough for accurate trace THC measurements in oral fluid. In addition, the TSQ Quantum GC achieves superior quantitative precision, with coefficients of variation (CV) of 6% or less at 0.8 and 2.5 ng/mL and exceptional linearity and accuracy from 0.2 to 20 ng/mL with no significant carryover.
All method development and validation were performed in an extracted oral fluid calibrating matrix, proving the real world capability of the Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum GC to perform dependable monitoring of trace levels of THC in oral fluid. In addition, Thermo Scientific ToxLab(TM) Forms 2.5 software provided automated sample analysis and quantitation and was used for method validation, including assessments of precision and linearity.
For more information about the Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum GC or to download a copy of the application note, please call +1 866-463-6522, e-mail analyze@thermofisher.com or visit www.thermo.com/fotox
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About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With 2008 revenues of $10.5 billion, we have approximately 34,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike. Visit www.thermofisher.com.
