Simultaneous detection of five coccidiostats in eggs by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry Original Research Article

A relatively fast, simple and very selective liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS) method for the detection of diclazuril, dimetridazole, halofuginone, nicarbazin and robenidine in eggs has been developed and validated. After a simple extraction with acetonitrile and evaporation of the organic phase, the extract was filtered and directly injected into the LC–MS–MS system on a C18 column. The parent ions were selected for further fragmentation with argon. The developed method was validated according to Revision of Commission Decision 93/256/EC [EC, Final version of Commission Decision laying down analytical methods to be used for detecting substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products according to Council Directive 96/23/EC (Revision of Commission Decision 93/256/EC)]. The validation parameters linearity, precision, recovery, specificity, decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ) were determined. CCα varied from 0.75 μg kg−1 for dimetridazole to 6 μg kg−1 for diclazuril and CCβ varied from 0.9 μg kg−1 for dimetridazole up to 8.3 μg kg−1 for diclazuril.