Methamphetamine (Urine)

OVERVIEW

What is methamphetamine urine lab test?

Methamphetamine is a strong CNS (central nervous system) stimulant and is used as recreational medicine (psychoactive drug that alters state of consciousness taken for pleasure and pastime) and less commonly in ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) & obesity (overweight). It is illegal & highly addictive drug which is chemically like amphetamine (addiction causing drug). It is also known as blue, crystal, ice, meth, and speed. It can make users unusually alert, energetic, productive, euphoria, delusions & hallucinations. Methamphetamine can be taken via smoking, swallowing pill, snorting, or by injecting in the body. This laboratory test is used as screening test in urine for methamphetamine presence & abuse.

Why is methamphetamine urine lab test done?

It is done:

• As a part of drug testing for finding out use and abuse of methamphetamine.
• To know the extent of exposure to the drug
• It is used for confirming the positive screening test found before during drug abuse testing.
• If you are facing signs of methamphetamine overdose, then it is recommended
• Ordered by healthcare provider to check if patient getting correct & safe dose of methamphetamine.
• Doctor can also order amphetamine spot urine test as methamphetamine converts into amphetamine in the body. So, both can be present in the body with methamphetamine abuse

WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?

This test measures the presence of methamphetamine drug in the urine.

A positive result means the drug is taken in the last 1-4 days and the drug is present in the urine.

• Methamphetamine can be detected in urine for 1 to 4 days and in case of heavy chronic use, can be detected for up to a week.
• Firstly, a urine sample is taken and collected in test tube or vial and sent to the laboratory
• The technician performs methamphetamine urine test on the sample and looks for presence of drug use/abuse. It uses method mass spectrometry (MS) on urine sample for detection of methamphetamine.

1. How long does it take for DOT drug results to come?

DOT (drug test that's regulated by the government) drug results come within 24 to 48 hours.

2. What needs to be avoided before taking a drug test?

At least 24 hours before drug test you should avoid strenuous exercise and use of substances like acetaminophen, alcohol, aspirin, antihistamines, caffeine & vitamin B.

3. What will happen if I fail a DOT drug test?

If you fail then you are removed from performing any DOT safety-sensitive job, also other consequences like losing license or certification may occur.

4. Can you fail drug test if you drink alcohol a night before?

There are always chances of alcohol still being in your system in the morning, so yes, you might fail a urine or blood drug test.

5. What possible results can come of methamphetamine confirmation test?

Possible result can be 1) no amphetamines detected; 2) amphetamine only detected; 3) methamphetamine only detected; and 4) both amphetamine and methamphetamine detected.

INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:

Methamphetamine confirmation test possible results include:

1. No amphetamines detected
2. Amphetamine only detected

(In both these scenarios the result is negative, and no further testing needed)

3. Methamphetamine only detected
4. Both amphetamine and methamphetamine detected

(In these scenarios, the test is positive and further test for D,L methamphetamine isomer test is ordered)

• Negative: When conc of methamphetamine in urine is below detectable level i.e. 1000 ng/ml.
• Positive: When conc of methamphetamine in urine exceeds detectable levels i.e. 1000 ng/ml.

Incase of positive results, following compounds are also detected:

• ρ?Hydroxymethamphetamine: 30,000
• D?Methamphetamine:1,000
• L?Methamphetamine: 8,000
• (±)?3,4?Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: 2,000
• Mephentermine: 50,000

You get tested to confirm exposure to methamphetamine and amphetamine (methamphetamine converts into this inside the body).