Phenomenex Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of separation science consumables, announces the publication of a new handbook for the application of chromatography in forensic toxicology analysis. “Improved Methods for Forensic Toxicology Analysis” covers the total separation continuum from sample preparation through GC/MS or LC/MS/MS analysis, highlighting specialized new Phenomenex solutions for drug and blood alcohol testing. The new handbook includes detailed methods for analysis of PCP, methadone, THC, cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines, opiates, steroids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, 6-monoacetyl-morphine (6-MAM) and blood alcohol.

As the field of forensic testing continues to grow, labs are seeking faster analyses and lower cost per sample. This new handbook describes Phenomenex’s complete range of technologies for these applications, including SPE, GC and HPLC. The handbook is available free of charge at www.phenomenex.com/info/tox.

Phenomenex’s Strata® and Strata-X SPE sorbents provide effective sample extraction and high recovery from biological matrices. The company’s specialized GC dimensions for drugs of abuse can improve run time by 30 percent over traditional choices. The new Zebron ZB-Drug-1 column for GC/MS testing is 30 percent faster than previous technologies and delivers improved resolution of target analytes. The new ZB-BAC1 and 2 columns for blood alcohol analysis provide a run time of less than three minutes with superior separation of key components such as ethanol and t-butanol.

While GC/MS has been the “gold standard” in forensic toxicology for over 30 years, many labs are now exploring LC/MS/MS, which delivers increased sensitivity and reduces sample preparation. Five Phenomenex LC media lines offer advantages in various forensic applications and the company provides comprehensive application support for implementation of popular LC/MS methods.

“Phenomenex has been a major player in forensic toxicology for many years, particularly in the larger labs,” commented Ngoc Nguyen, brand manager for Phenomenex. “Our recent new products for blood alcohol and drug analysis, along with this handbook, demonstrate our ongoing commitment to leading this market.”

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel separation, purification and analytical chemistry solutions for the life sciences and related industries. Phenomenex’s core technologies include products for liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, sample preparation, bulk purification chromatographic media, and chromatography accessories and equipment. For more information on Phenomenex, visit www.phenomenex.com.