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Technical Note – The Use Of Neutral Losses And Common Fragments Screening By QTOF In Forensic Laboratories

NCJ Number
308974
Date Published
February 2024
Annotation

This technical note published by the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) discusses the use of neutral losses and common fragments screening via quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry.

Abstract

This technical note by the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) discusses the use of neutral losses and common fragments screening via quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry. This publication details the process from sample introduction to TOF analysis, methods of targeted and untargeted screening, and methods of inputting common fragments and neutral losses (CF/NL) into processing by batch or individual sample. Additionally, this resource contains a modified version of CFSRE Neutral Loss and Common Fragments List with calculated fields for CFs and NLs. QTOF mass spectrometry is an advanced analytical technique that has some capabilities that make it particularly useful in screening in toxicology cases for unknown analytes. The technology combines the power of a quadrupole mass filter with the resolution and accuracy of TOF analysis.