Analytical techniques
AnalysisIn order to identify and quantify the active compounds of a substance, we use different analytical techniques;
Métodos
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Description
It can identify the active components of a very wide range of substances, differentiate between derivatives of the same group and detect the most common adulterants. The results obtained identify the active substances in a sample, but it is not possible to determine purity or concentration.
The results obtained identify the active ingredients in a sample, but it is not possible to determine the purity or concentration.
- Qualitative technique.
- Allows the identification of adulterations and frauds.
- Does not differentiate between isomers of the same substance.
- Reference compounds are needed for the identification of compounds.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-DAD)
Description
Utilizamos un HPLC conectado a un detector ultravioleta (HPLC-UV), principalmente para cuantificar la LSD.
- Permite conocer la concentración del LSD en secantes y gotas.
Ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV-Vis)
Description
Técnica analítica utilizada para cuantificar sustancias principales, sin adulterar. Permite cuantificar MDMA/Éxtasis, 4-MMC/Mefedrona, 3-MMC/Metafedrona y 2-MMC. También se utiliza en sustancias como el 2C-B/Nexus, MDA6-APB, 4-FA y alprazolam.
- Técnica cuantitativa.
- Utilizada en sustancias que requieren ajustar con mayor precisión la dosis para alcanzar los efectos deseados y reducir los riesgos.
- No diferencia entre isómeros de una misma sustancia.
Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
Description
We perform a first analysis with this technique as a screening method, for the identification of the compound or compounds in the sample. It is also used to quantify main substances such as cocaine, speed, methamphetamine, tranquilizers, ketamine and its adulterants, as well as other substances.
- Quantitative technique.
- Allows the identification of NPS (New Psychoactive substances).
- Allows quantification of most substances, even if adulterated.
- Allows differentiation of positional isomers such as 4-MMC and 3-MMC by retention time with the exception of fluoroderivatives (2,3,4-FMA; 2,4-FA; 2,3,4-FEA).
Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
Description
We use this technique mainly to analyze compounds that are heat sensitive or require precision and sensitivity such as LSD or fentanyl.
- Qualitative and quantitative technique.
- High precision and sensitivity for complex substances to be analyzed.
- It does not differentiate between isomers and enantiomers of the same substance.
Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with chiral column (CQ)
Description
Sistema muy similar al LC-MS, pero se utiliza una columna quiral capaz de resolver mezclas racémicas. Es especialmente útil para separar enantiómeros, ya que esto no se puede conseguir con los otros métodos mencionados anteriormente.
- Técnica cualitativa y cuantitativa.
- Presenta las mismas ventajas que LC-MS, pero además permite separar los enantiómeros de una misma sustancia.