Chiral analysis of amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA and MDA enantiomers in human hair samples.

The article focuses on the development and validation of a novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) method for simultaneous chiral analysis of the R/S-enantiomers of amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in human hair samples. Utilizing dansyl chloride derivatization and a chiral stationary phase, the method achieves sensitive, precise, and selective quantification of all eight enantiomers in a single run, with limits of quantification below 19 pg/mg. Application to 32 authentic hair samples demonstrated the method’s capability to differentiate medical (enantiomerically pure) from illicit (racemic) amphetamine use and to detect co-consumption of methamphetamine, MDA, or MDMA, highlighting its utility in forensic and clinical drug monitoring. The study underscores the importance of enantiomeric profiling in interpreting drug use patterns and assessing therapy adherence or illicit consumption.