Amphetamine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80324
Turnaround Time:
24 - 72 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Yellow Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Monitoring is recommended for samples to be tested for medico-legal purposes.
Rejection Criteria:
Quantity not sufficient for analysis; improper specimen (serum, plasma, blood); incomplete specimen identification
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Amphetamine with quantitative results, performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS), holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of toxicology and drug monitoring.
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs commonly abused recreationally or used illicitly. Amphetamine measures the concentration of amphetamine and its metabolites, such as methamphetamine, in a patient's urine or blood sample. The test provides quantitative measurements, allowing for accurate assessment of drug levels in the body.
LC/MS-MS is a highly sensitive and specific analytical technique used for the quantification of substances in biological samples. It combines liquid chromatography, which separates the components of a sample, with tandem mass spectrometry, which identifies and quantifies the separated components based on their molecular characteristics. LC/MS-MS provides precise and reliable measurements of amphetamine and its metabolites.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Amphetamine with LC/MS-MS include:
1. Drug Abuse Screening: The test aids in the screening and detection of amphetamine abuse or illicit drug use. By quantifying amphetamine and its metabolites, the test provides objective evidence of recent drug exposure. It is useful in various settings, such as workplace testing, addiction treatment programs, or medicolegal situations, to identify drug misuse and guide appropriate interventions.
2. Monitoring Medication Compliance: Amphetamines, such as dextroamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine, are prescribed for legitimate medical purposes, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. Amphetamine helps in monitoring patient compliance with prescribed amphetamine medications. Quantitative measurement of drug levels verifies adherence to prescribed treatment regimens and ensures therapeutic efficacy.
3. Toxicity Assessment: The test aids in assessing amphetamine toxicity. High levels of amphetamines in the body can lead to adverse effects such as tachycardia, hypertension, agitation, hallucinations, or even seizures. Quantitative measurement of amphetamine and its metabolites helps assess the severity of intoxication, guide appropriate interventions, and monitor response to treatment.
4. Forensic and Medicolegal Investigations: Amphetamine has forensic and medicolegal applications. Quantitative measurements of amphetamine and its metabolites provide objective evidence of drug exposure, aiding in the determination of cause of death or assisting legal investigations related to drug use or drug-facilitated crimes.
In summary, Amphetamine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS has clinical significance in toxicology and drug monitoring. It assists in drug abuse screening, monitoring medication compliance, assessing drug toxicity, and supports forensic and medicolegal investigations. By providing accurate and reliable measurements of amphetamine and its metabolites, this test plays a vital role in detecting drug misuse, ensuring patient safety, and providing valuable information to healthcare providers and legal professionals.