Rapid and simple identification of trace amounts of sodium azide in beverages and bodily fluids followed by derivatization and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Compared with previously reported chromatography-based methods, this method that was based on derivatization and LC/ESI-MS/MS analysis was substantially more sensitive, simpler and faster. The method can be used for forensic investigation to confirm azide exposure from fatal use to much smaller intoxication dose.