Analysis of benzodiazepines by thin-layer chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry

Tandem mass spectrometry has been applied to the analysis and identification of several common benzodiazepines after high-performance thin-layer chromatography on silica gel. FAB-MS and MS-MS, directly from the silica matrix, without prior extraction, were successfully used both for standards and for urine extracts. The potential for confirming the identity of abused drugs detected in initial TLC screening procedures by subsequent use of MS-MS is discussed.