Determination of Tramadol, Tapentadol, Venlafaxine, and Ketamine in Non-Biological Matrices: A GC-MS Study on Drug Stability and Environmental Impact in Forensic Paraphernalia

Abstract

An effective, simple, rapid, eco-friendly, and robust method for simultaneous determination of Tramadol, Tapentadol, Ketamine, and Venlafaxine in paraphernalia like metallic bottle cap and syringe using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was developed and validated for the examination of case exhibits received in the forensic laboratories. The method was developed by creating variations in the Gas Chromatography operating conditions. The method was validated according to UNODC and ICH guidelines. Linearity using calibration plots, accuracy, precision, recovery, specificity, robustness, ruggedness, LOD, and LOQ were ascertained for all drugs and found in the recommended ranges by standard guidelines. Stability studies for the drugs in different environmental conditions were also presented in this research work. The validated method was successfully applied to real samples. The technique effectively identified all drugs selected in this study; in the presence of Codeine, Morphine, Dextromethorphan, Diacetylmorphine, and, 6-Monoacetlymorphine. The validated method is suggested for routine chemical analysis of exhibits in Forensic laboratories.