Simultaneous and sensitive measurement of nicotine, cotinine, trans-3′-hydroxycotinine and norcotinine in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

An LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of nicotine, cotinine, trans-3′-hydroxycotinine and norcotinine in human plasma was developed and fully validated. Potential endogenous and exogenous interferences were extensively evaluated and limits of quantification were determined by decreasing analyte concentration. Analytical ranges were 1–500 ng/mL for nicotine and cotinine, 5–500 ng/mL for trans-3′-hydroxycotinine and norcotinine. Mean intra- and inter-assay analytical recoveries were between 101.9 and 116.8%, and intra- and inter-assay imprecision were less than 11% RSD for all analytes: parameters were evaluated at three different concentrations across the linear range of the assay. Extraction efficiency was ≥70% for all analytes. This validated method is useful for the determination of nicotine and metabolites in human plasma to support research on the role of nicotine biomarkers on neuronal systems mediating cognitive and affective processes and to differentiate active, passive and environmental exposure.