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Amphetamine / Methamphetamine Confirmation, Urine

Desoxyn, Dexies, Uppers, Speed, Meth, Crystal

Test Codes

AMPCF, LAB6916

Department

Toxicology

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 50 mL random urine in a screw-capped container (preferred) or other sterile collection cup with no preservative. (Minimum: 30 mL)

• Refrigerate the specimen immediately after collection.
• Record the exact time of specimen collection on the container or in the computer system.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 50 mL urine, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 30 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.
• Urine Vacutainer^® tubes. Urine received in a glass or plastic tube with a rubber stopper may contain insufficient sample volume, preclude confirmatory testing, and give rise to contaminants and artifacts.

In-Lab Processing

Analyze specimen immediately upon receipt in the Laboratory.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 72 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Toxicology Laboratory, Royal Oak 

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, results available within 3-5 business days.

Test Methodology

Gas Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS).

The confirmation component of this test was developed by Beaumont Health. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. The laboratory is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes and should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

Interpretation

Drugs identified: Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, MDA, MDMA, Methylphenidate

Amphetamine analogs such as, methylenedioxyamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylenedioxyethylamphetamine and 4-methyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine will react in the screening assay and can produce positive results. Bupropion, Fenfluramine, Fluoxetine, Labetalol, Phentermine, and Propylhexedrine will also likely test positive. The confirmation procedure is specific and will both detect and identify the reactive substance.

The Vicks Inhaler contains l-Methamphetamine, a stereoisomer of Methamphetamine which does not possess the CNS effects. While l-Methamphetamine does not react to the same extent in the screening assay as d-Methamphetamine, exposure to the Vicks Inhaler could produce a positive screen result. At this time the confirmation procedure does not differentiate between the d- and l- forms.

Concentrations of drugs and/or metabolite(s) detected in urine have not been correlated to drug levels in the bloodstream or with the degree of impairment. The presence of a drug and/or metabolite(s) in urine is only an indication of previous drug exposure.

Samples containing thimerosal may give falsely elevated results.

Clinical Utility

Amphetamine and methamphetamine are central nervous system stimulants. They are usually administered orally or by intravenous injection. These drugs are prescribed for treatment of obesity, narcolepsy, hypotension, attention deficit disorder, and hyperactivity disorder. Because of their stimulant effects, the drugs are commonly sold illicitly and abused. This assay is used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of amphetamine and/or methamphetamine use or abuse. 

CPT Codes

80325, 80326
LOINC: Amphetamine 19265-8, 30112-7, Methamphetamine 19265-8, 3777-0, 3778-8

Contacts

Last Updated

1/26/2023