임이슬 (UST)

이경륜 (한국생명공학연구원)

임이슬 (UST)

정선인 (국군의학연구소)

정현철 (한국생명공학연구원)

이경륜 (한국생명공학연구원)

This study was initiated to support forensic and clinical assessments, particularly to identify individuals who may misuse antidepressants to evade mandatory military service. A sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method was therefore developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of six antidepressant drugs—Atomoxetine, Duloxetine, Escitalopram, Desvenlafaxine, Blonanserin, and Vortioxetine—in human plasma. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 analytical column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 µm) coupled with an Agilent LC inline filter (2.1 mm × 0.2 µm). Optimal resolution, peak shape, and internal standard (desipramine-d₃) response were achieved using a mobile phase consisting of 2 mM ammonium formate with 0.2% formic acid in water (pH 4.7) and 90% acetonitrile with 0.2% formic acid. Among various sample preparation methods evaluated, simple protein precipitation showed superior analyte recovery, minimal matrix interference, and better reproducibility. The developed method exhibited excellent sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision within the validated range. This assay is expected to serve as a reliable and efficient analytical platform for monitoring antidepressant drug use in both forensic and clinical contexts, particularly in identifying potential misuse of psychotropic medications during military conscription assessments.