What is the best biological matrix for identifying methamphetamine environmental exposure in endangered children?

Thursday, October 11, 2012 — Poster Session III
10:00 a.m. – Noon	Natcher Conference Center, Building 45	NIDA	EPID-7

Authors

• M.S. Castaneto
• A.J. Barnes
• K.B. Scheidweiller
• M. Schaeffer
• K.K. Rogers
• D. Stewart
• M.A. Huestis

Abstract

The Child and Adolescent Abuse, Resource, Evaluation (CAARE) Diagnostic and Treatment Center at UC Davis, performed medical evaluations and urine drug screens on children who were potentially exposed to illicit drugs from homes where these were manufactured, used and/or sold. The objective of the study is to determine the most effective matrix in identifying illicit drugs in children. Methods: An IRB-approved study was conducted by UC Davis CAARE and CDM NIDA. Hair, oral fluid (OF) and urine specimens were collected from 87 children examined at CAARE. Amphetamines (MAMP, AMP), Ecstacy (MDMA, MDA, MDEA) were analyzed from OF, urine, and hair using GCMS and tandem LCMSMS, respectively. Results: MAMP, AMP and MDMA were detected in 67, 50 and 11 hair specimens, respectively. Overall detection rate from hair, urine and OF were 78.8%. 22.1% and 6.9%, respectively. All positive OF and urine specimens had a positive hair test. All matrices were available for 67 children, 12 were negative and 2 were positive in hair, OF and urine, and 53 were positive in one or more matrices. Conclusion: Urine and OF testing can detect recent illicit drug exposure. However, hair testing analysis was most suitable for detecting drug exposure over a larger timeframe.

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