Application of a Urine and Hair Validated LC–MS-MS Method to Determine the Effect of Hair Color on the Incorporation of 25B-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe and 25I-NBOMe into Hair in the Rat

Abstract NBOMes are a group of new psychoactive substances derived from phenethylamines. Recreational abuse is thought to have begun in 2010 and they are commonly associated with the “club drug” scene. They are administered in liquid form or as blotters due to their high potency. An LC–MS-MS method was validated using Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology parameters for the detection of 25B-, 25C- and 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-benzeneethanamine (25I-NBOMe) using 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-benzeneethanamine (25B-NBOMe)-D3 as internal standard for urine and hair. Calibration graphs with R 2 values >0.99 were observed for urine and hair for concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 ng/mL and 0.025 to 2.5 ng/mg, respectively. Urine LODs ranged from 5 to 25 pg/mL and had an LOQ of 50 pg/mL. Hair LOD and LOQs ranged from 3 to 5 pg/mg and 6.25 to 12.5 pg/mg, respectively. Intra- and inter-day precision was