Validation of an analytical methodology for determination of tetracyclines residues in honey by UPLC-MS/MS detection

An analytical method for the quantification of six common tetracyclines and derivatives thereof including tetracycline, 4-epitetracycline, 4-epioxytetracycline, oxytetracycline, 4-epichlortetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycycline in honey has been validated. The method involved sample preparation in Na(2)EDTA-McIlvaine buffer, solid phase extraction and quantification by UPLC-MS. A linear proportionality between chromatogram area and analyte concentration (R-2> 99 %) was found. Recoveries of metabolites from samples fortification at LOQ level were higher than 83 %. Decision limit and detection capabilities ranged between 10.61 to 12.12 mu g/kg and 11.22 to 14.25 mu g/kg, respectively.