Biotage, a leading supplier of tools and technology for analytical and medicinal chemistry, introduced a new sample preparation application note for the extraction of ethyl glucuronide from urine by LC-MS.

EtG can be detected at very low levels and being a metabolite it is useful in distinguishing between ingested ethanol and that which is absorbed through the skin from ethanol containing products such as alcohol based hand washes. Rapid and reliable methods with robust extraction protocols are essential for analysis and quantitation of EtG from various matrices.

Advances in the manufacture of polymeric stationary phases and the recent release of Evolute AX, a mixed-mode ion exchange product, have allowed for the development of a more robust, cost-effective procedure. The protocol was developed on 96-well plates for high-throughput with volumes outlined for scale-up to cartridges in manual or automated systems.

Evolute AX sample preparation products are available in a range of standard configurations and 2 different particle sizes (30 µm and 50 µm) to suit a wide variety of applications. The mixed-mode sorbent chemistry and optimized pore size minimizes retention of high molecular weight matrix components present in the biological fluid samples. Interferences including proteins, salts, non-ionizable molecules and phospholipids are removed during the interference elution step, thereby ensuring extremely clean extracts.

Biotage sample preparation products are supported by a wealth of knowledge and experience in method development and trouble shooting. “Clinical laboratories face unique challenges in developing new LC-MS assays. By offering solid chemistry through the Evolute family, and simplified techniques for sample prep, we can help these labs build robust procedures quickly” says Elena Gairloch, Market Manager. “We realize that labs have many considerations including processing stations and work load. By offering solutions in an array of formats, we can make these solutions accessible to almost every lab. The EtG application note is another example of how using a cleaner polymeric SPE sorbent can make developing modern methods easier.”