Drugs of Abuse Screen: opiates, methadone, EDDP, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine metabolites, buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine

Clinical Chemistry

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Description

The screen incorporates the drug groups which are/have been commonly abused in the UK, and also opioid substitution therapies, and markers of "street" opiates. The compounds detected are:
Opiates - morphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, 6-monoacetylmorphine, diacetylmorphine.
Methadone and its metabolite EDDP.
Amphetamines - amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA).
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines - diazepam, nordiazepam, chlordiazepoxide, nitrazepam and its metabolite 7-aminonitrazepam, temazepam, oxazepam.
Buprenorphine and its metabolite norbuprenorphine.
Cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine.
Cannabinoids.
Gabapentin.
Pregabalin.
Tramadol.
Ketamine.
"Street" opiate marker: noscapine.

For those compounds listed as drug classes (e.g. opiates), the result for the drug class will be displayed as positive or negative on the report. Where specific compounds are detected which are above the screening cut-off concentration, these will be displayed separately on the report, indicating the predominate compounds present within the class of drug.

Detecting the presence of these drugs in the urine is an aid to the management of drug abusers under reduction regimes as well as a first line analytical approach to overdose situations in clinical settings.

The routine drugs of abuse screen will not normally include barbiturates.

Screening for other drugs is available on specific request.

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Indications

In this laboratory, urine screening for drugs of abuse is primarily provided as a means of monitoring drug misusers on treatment regimes.

The use of the test in the emergency setting is of limited value and is of little merit in the treatment of overdose.

Results provided by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals are for clinical purposes only. Results are not suitable for and should not be used for medico-legal purposes.

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Sample Type

Random urine (no preservative) (white top), at least 1 mL (preferably 10 mL - see below*)

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Reference Range

Not applicable

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Turnaround Time

Within 1 week

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Testing Frequency

Daily (Monday-Friday)

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External Notes

* Although analysis is possible using a relatively small sample of urine, 10 mL is required where it is necessary to confirm the results of a positive screen by an alternative technique. Routine laboratory transport is available for Sheffield GPs and Substance Misuse Service. All users should ensure samples are well sealed and individually bagged to minimise spillage.

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Patient Preparation

Where possible the patient/client should be chaperoned to limit the opportunity to adulterate or exchange the urine sample.

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.