OVERVIEW

Purpose: Detection and quantification of amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), and phentermine in urine. Preferred test to follow-up presumptive results for amphetamine screening test.

CLINICAL INFORMATION

Amphetamines belong to the group of sympathomimetic amines, which actively stimulate the central nervous system, and encompass a suppression of appetite. Phentermine, amphetamine and methamphetamine are prescribed for weight loss purposes. However, the remaining amphetamines are categorized as Class I compounds, making their distribution illegal. Beyond their application as anorectic medications, they find utility in treating conditions such as narcolepsy, attention-deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and minimal brain dysfunction.

The stimulant properties of these drugs make them susceptible to illicit distribution and misuse. Individuals often obtain them unlawfully and indulge in abuse. Ingesting excessive quantities of amphetamine or methamphetamine can lead to various physiological manifestations, including heightened blood pressure, dilated pupils, elevated body temperature (hyperthermia), seizures, and instances of acute amphetamine psychosis.

Methamphetamine metabolizes into amphetamine, so the presence of amphetamine can be attributed to either drug. Differentiating between D and L forms of methamphetamine is not possible with this test.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION

Specimen Type: Random Urine
Preferred Collection Container: Non-sterile specimen container
Specimen Required: 3 mL urine; minimum 1 mL

TEST DETAILS

Methodology: Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Compliance Category: Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
This test was developed and assessed by DMD in compliance with CLIA requirements for its analytical performance characteristics and clinical application. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Reference Interval: Negative
Drug/Metabolite Tested: Drug/Metabolite Cutoff concentration 500 ng/mL
Amphetamine 50 ng/mL
Methamphetamine 50 ng/mL
MDA 50 ng/mL
MDMA 100 ng/mL
MDEA 100 ng/mL
Phentermine 50 ng/mL
CPT code(s): 80359, 80325
Turnaround Time: 90% < 48 hours, 50% < 24 hours

SPECIMEN PROCESSING

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (preferred) or room temperature overnight shipping.
Specimen Stability: 3 days at room temperature and 14 days at refrigerated and frozen temperatures (to be further confirmed with our validation).
Rejection Criteria: Stability limits exceeded.

Director: Cheryl Hanau, MD; Donald Hall Jr., PhD; Garth Ehrlich, PhD; Yinghua Qiu, PhD, DABCC

Review Date: 08/28/2023

Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding. Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed. The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

The information on these pages is provided for general information only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or health care professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your health care professional.

 
 Back to Top