Ecstasy (MDMA), Screen

CPT Code(s):
80307

Turnaround Time:
8 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Urine

Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL

Transport Container:
Yellow Top Tube or Sterile Cup

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Collect urine in plastic container and transfer to plain yellow top tube (without preservative).

Rejection Criteria:
Specimen received outside stability requirements; Excessive blood, particulates, viscosity present

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
24 hours

Refrigerated:
7 days

Frozen:
30 days

Clinical Significance

The Ecstasy (MDMA) Screen test using immunoassay holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of toxicology and substance abuse screening. It is a rapid screening test that detects the presence of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as Ecstasy, in a patient's urine or other biological samples.

The clinical significance and diagnostic use of the Ecstasy (MDMA) Screen test include:

1. Substance Abuse Detection: The primary purpose of the Ecstasy (MDMA) Screen test is to identify the presence of MDMA, a popular recreational drug known for its hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. This test helps healthcare providers and substance abuse professionals identify individuals who have recently used MDMA or may be struggling with Ecstasy misuse or abuse.

2. Emergency or Acute Care Situations: In emergency or acute care settings, the Ecstasy (MDMA) Screen test provides valuable information to healthcare providers assessing patients for drug intoxication or overdose. Rapid detection of MDMA can assist in diagnosing the cause of symptoms such as altered mental status, hyperthermia, cardiovascular abnormalities, or hyponatremia, which may be associated with Ecstasy use.

3. Occupational or Legal Screening: The Ecstasy (MDMA) Screen test is used for occupational or legal purposes. Employers may require this test to ensure a drug-free workplace, especially in safety-sensitive industries. It can also be utilized in legal settings such as probation or parole programs to monitor compliance with substance use restrictions or treatment plans.

4. Public Health Surveillance: The Ecstasy (MDMA) Screen test plays a role in public health surveillance programs, enabling the monitoring of MDMA use trends and patterns within specific populations or geographic regions. This information is valuable for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies, evaluating the effectiveness of substance abuse programs, and raising awareness about the risks associated with Ecstasy use.

It is important to note that the Ecstasy (MDMA) Screen test using immunoassay provides rapid screening results but may have limitations in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Confirmatory testing using more specific methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), is typically performed for positive screening results to confirm the presence of MDMA and quantify its levels accurately.

In summary, the Ecstasy (MDMA) Screen test using immunoassay has specific clinical significance in detecting MDMA use, aiding in emergency or acute care situations, supporting occupational or legal screening, and contributing to public health surveillance efforts. By rapidly screening for MDMA in a patient's urine or other biological samples, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, substance abuse prevention and treatment, workplace safety, and public health interventions.