Gas chromatographic mass spectrometry and gas chromatographic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy assay for the simultaneous identification of fentanyl metabolites

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, undergoes important biotransformation to several metabolites. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric assay was applied for the simultaneous analysis of fentanyl and its major metabolites in biological samples. The identification of different metabolites was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (electronic impact and chemical ionisation modes) and gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In the present study, rat and human microsomes incubation mixtures and human urines were analysed. In vitro formation of already known fentanyl metabolites was confirmed. The presence of metabolites not previously detected in human urine is described.