Screening procedure for detection of antidepressants and their metabolites in urine using a computerized gas chromatographic--mass spectrometric technique.

A method for the identification of antidepressants and their metabolites in urine after acid hydrolysis is described. The acetylated extract is analysed by computerized gas chromatography--mass spectrometry. An on-line computer allows rapid detection using mass fragmentography with the masses 58, 84, 86, 100, 191, 193, 194, 205. The identity of positive signals in the reconstructed mass fragmentogram is established by a comparison of the entire mass spectra with those of standards. The mass fragmentogram, the underlying mass spectra and the gas chromatographic retention indices (OV-101) are documented.