Identification of narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, tranquilizers and psychotomimetics in human urine

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the ion-exchange paper technique and rapid direct extraction methods for obtaining drugs of abuse from urine and the subsequent identification of these drugs or metabolites by thin-layer chromatography coupled with sequential chemical reagent spraying. Recoveries from urine ± S.D. of 21.7 ± 5%, 2.4 ± 0.8% and 21 ± 1% were obtained for labeled morphine, pentobarbital and amphetamine, respectively, using the ion-exchange paper technique. With this method most narcotic analgesics could be detected at a level of 1 μg/ml urine (50 ml urine sample). The method in general was unacceptable for detecting either barbiturates, amphetamines or certain psycho-active drugs (psilocybin, glutethamide, chlorpromazine, marihuana). Percentage recoveries obtained with direct extraction from urine ± S.D. were 61 ± 4% for morphine- 14C, 86 ± 6% for pentobarbital- 14C, and 61 ± 21% for amphetamine- 3H. Utilizing direct extraction methods almost all the drugs of abuse could be detected at levels ranging from 1 to 2 μg/ml of urine (15 ml of urine sample). The methods described in this report provided some specificity through differential pH extraction. The subsequent use of thin-layer chromatography and sequential spray reagents allowed identification of specific drugs or metabolites. All methods and techniques could be completed within 24 h. The direct extraction in all cases and the ion-exchange technique for narcotics were sufficiently sensitive to provide detection of drug usage 24 h after last administration of drug. Both techniques were extremely simple to perform and did not require expensive equipment thus keeping the cost of analysis at a minimum. These techniques may readily be adapted to a urine monitoring program screening for drugs of abuse, provided the limitations as described are well understood.