[A screening method for rapid detection of barbiturates in serum using tandem mass spectrometry].

A mass spectrometric screening method for the detection of barbiturates in serum will be presented. Fragmentation of barbiturates under EI conditions leads to a loss of HNCO. Therefore, "neutral loss scans" of 43 u allow the indication of possibly existing representatives of this class of compounds. Identification can be achieved by "daughter" or "parent ion scans". Thus, 10 micrograms/ml apro-, pento- and phenobarbital could be detected in serum.