Application of a chromolith SpeedROD RP-18e HPLC column:: Determination of ochratoxin A in different wines by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Two different types of HPLC column have been used to determine the mycotoxin ochratoxin A in red and white wines by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The performance of a 12.5-cm standard particle-based column and a 5-cm monolithic type column (Merck Chromolith SpeedROD) was compared. Sample preparation consisted of a simple, single solid-phase extraction step. By use of MS detection in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode a limit of determination of 0.5 ppb was achieved for both chromatographic arrangements. The monolithic column was found to give comparable results while enabling higher flow rates; this reduced analysis time by a factor of three.