Thin-Layer Chromatographic Screening and Confirmation of Phencyclidine In Urine

Abstract

A thin-layer chromatographic method for the simultaneous screening and confirmation of phencyclidine in urine specimens is presented. Urine specimens ere made basic and extracted with organic solvent. The organic solvent is concentrated and the residue spotted, half on each of two thin-layer chromatography plates. One plate is developed in ethyl acetate: methanol: diethylamine [90:10:1.6] solvent system and the second in methylene chloride: n-butanol: concentrated ammonium hydroxide [85:15:0.2]. Phencyclidine in concentrations as low as 0.2 ug/ml can be detected without interference from other drugs and urinary substances.