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

Tandem mass spectrometry has been applied to the analysis and identificatio n of several common benzodiazepines after high-performance thin-layer chrom atography on silica gel. FAB-MS and MS-MS, directly from the silica matrix, without prior extraction, were successfully used both for standards and fo r 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.