A rapid and simple screening method for methamphetamine in urine by radioimmunoassay using a 125I-labeled methamphetamine derivative.

Abstract

Dl-Methamphetamine(MA) is a well-known antihypnotic. N-Carboxymethylmethamphetamine, a derivative of MA, was prepared through a new synthetic pathway from ephedrine. Specific antiserum was obtained by immunization of rabbits with the conjugate of N-carboxymethylmethamphetamine with bovine serum albumin. A radioimmunoassay [RIA] procedure was established using this antibody (specific for MA) and a 125I-MA derivative. A high degree of specificity of the antibody was confirmed by testing for cross-reaction with several MA analogs, and the sensitivity was 1 ng/tube. The present micro method using RIA is highly sensitive, rapid, simple and may be useful as a micro-scale primary screening test for MA excreted in human urine, for forensic and medical purposes in drug abuse.