Validation of a method for sedatives and β-blockers determination in swine, bovine and equine kidney using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

This research aims to validate a method for determining residues of sedatives and ß-blocker drugs in swine, bovine, and equine kidney samples. These residues were identified and quantified through a procedure that involved extraction with acetonitrile, purification using dispersive solid phase extraction, and analysis through liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Introduction

• The research study focused on confirming the effectiveness and reliability of a method for identifying the presence of residues of specific sedatives and ß-blocker drugs in animal kidneys. This method is crucial in ensuring the safety of meat products.
• The study aimed to understand if this method could be reliably used with different animal kidney samples, including those from pigs, cattle, and horses.

Method

• The method being validated involved extracting potential drug residues from kidney samples using acetonitrile, a solvent effective in breaking down complex molecules.
• After extraction, the sample was purified using dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) with Celite 545. This step helps to isolate and identify the drug residues from other organic compounds.
• The final analysis was done through liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a powerful tool in identifying and quantifying specific organic compounds.

Validation and Results

• This method was validated by considering several parameters such as recovery (how much of the original compound can be retrieved after processing), trueness (accuracy of the final results), linearity (consistency of results over a range of measurements), standard deviation (how much variability in the results), decision limit (the minimum concentration level that can be detected), and method capability (how well the method performs).
• The method was validated using over 300 real animal kidney samples and received positive results that support its reliability and effectiveness.
• The validation process and results have led to this method being included in the Brazilian National Residue Control Plan, indicating its acceptance as a standard practice in ensuring the safety of the meat industry.