Small molecules automated extraction from human breast milk using the Extrahera and the Evolute Express CX prior to LC-MS-MS analysis

Biotage developed an extraction protocol for 12 common drugs of abuse (DOA) to be detected in breast milk using mixed-mode polymeric cation exchange solid phase extraction (SPE). The EVOLUTE EXPRESS CX extraction allowed for highly-sensitive detection of analytes including benzoylecgonine, (- )-cotinine, caffeine, d-amphetamine, d-methamphetamine, methadone, morphine, oxazepam, oxycodone, phencyclidine (PCP), secobarbital, and (l)-9-carboxy-11-nor-delta-9-THC (THC-COOH). Extrahera, a bench top automated extraction system, provided minimal sample intervention and high throughput for the analysis of these DOA. Using the combination of reliable automation and SPE sample preparation techniques, a method was developed demonstrating the precision, accuracy, linearity and sensitivity necessary for a robust quantitative workflow.