Abstract:

A procedure for the determination of oxycodone in meconium using direct ELISA microplate technology followed by electron impact gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is described for the first time. The abuse of oxycodone (OxyContin™) has been widely discussed in mainstream media, and it has been described as a cheap form of heroin. Oxycodone has been reported as having a high degree of abuse and potential complications in neonates from maternal drug use. Using a standard enzyme multiplied immunoassay screening technology, the cross-reactivity of oxycodone to the morphine antibody is only 5–6%. A positive screening value would require a high concentration of drug to be present, so a protocol for the detection of oxycodone in meconium using a direct ELISA microplate immunoassay followed by GC–MS was developed. The assay is now routinely used in our laboratory.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: U.S. Drug Testing Laboratories, 1700 S. Mount Prospect Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018