engleski

Comparison of enzymatic methods and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for urine drug testing

The ever growing abuse of dependence drugs has recently imposed the need of urine testing for narcotics and drugs, which has in turn been accompanied by the development of appropriate analytical tools. Test results help in detection of drug addicts and withdrawal therapy, and are especially useful in emergency services where accurate test results ensure proper treatment of acutely threatened patients. Comparison was made between urine test results obtained by an enzymatic method using Viva (Dade Behring) analytical system, commercial SyvaâRapid test plates (Dade Behring), and reference method of gas chromatographic mass spectrometry (GC-MS; Hewlett-Packard GC6890, MS 5973). At the time of testing performed in 30 addicts, the SyvaâRapid test plates, Viva system and GC-MS yielded positive results for opiates in 37%, 41% and 60% of subjects, respectively, i.e. 11%,11% and 26% for amphetamines; 55%, 44% and 31% for cannabis (THC); 54%, 56% and 84% for benzodiazepines; 0%, 0% and 8% for barbiturates; and 4%, 4% and 19% for methadone; cocaine was negative in all addicts irrespective of the method used. The cut-off values on determination in intoxicating agents and their metabolites are lower with GC-MS method then with enzymatic methods, resulting in a higher proportion of positive results. The Syva âRapid plates and Viva system showed satisfactory results on initial screening, however, additional, more sensitive methods should be used for verification.

drugs; narcotics; urine testing; GC-MS

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