What is Mass Spectrometry? How is it useful in detecting ADHD drug abuse?
Developments of technology and methodology in the field of mass spectrometry have been rapid over the last seven years and are providing highly sensitive and accurate strategies for drug detection purposes. In this technique, a spectroscope is used for obtaining a mass spectrum by deflecting ions into a thin slit and measuring the ion current with an electrometer. Usually, selected reaction monitoring (SRM) as well as an electro-spray ionization source (EIS) are used to detect both urinary methylphenidate and the more prevalent metabolite which is ritalinic acid in this case. Thus Ritalin abuse can be deected with ease.
