Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is commonly used for screening seized drugs due to its ease of use and high specificity. One key advantage of GC-MS is that many drugs can be analyzed without chemical derivatization, a process that is often time-consuming and complex. However, when drugs of abuse are analyzed in their underivatized form, active functional groups can interact with active sites on the fused-silica column surface. These interactions can result in poor peak shape, potentially leading to inaccurate or unreliable results. Recent advancements in column chemistry, particularly the development of improved deactivation strategies that minimize active silanols on the fused-silica surface, have significantly enhanced the analysis of active compounds without derivatization.
Evaluation of Deactivations on Gas Chromatographic Stationary Phases for the Analysis of Seized Drugs of Abuse
04 Mar 2026
Author
GNOT5639
