Journal Published Online: 01 April 1980
Volume 25, Issue 2

A Comparison of Enzyme Immunoassay and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry in Forensic Toxicology

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A series of 137 urine samples were analyzed for drugs of abuse by enzyme immunoassay (EMIT® and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Agreement between these methods was excellent and ranged from 93.4% for benzodiazepines to 98.5% for propoxyphene. EMIT false negatives were traced to the presence of elevated endogenous lysozyme or other interfering materials. In the case of moderate amounts of lysozyme the use of a blank would lead to correct results. Disagreement in the identification of nine benzodiazepine samples was found to be due to a low recovery of benzodiazepine metabolites from urine. Recovery could be improved by incubation of the urine sample with the enzyme/3-glucuronidase.

Author Information

Fenton, J
Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, Chester, Pa.
Schaffer, M
Fishbein Institute of Forensic Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
Chen, NW
Fishbein Institute of Forensic Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
Bermes, EW
Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill.
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS12128J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12128J