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Jamshidi N, Athavale A, Tremonti C, McDonald C, Banukumar S, Vazquez S, Luquin N, Santiago M, Murnion B. Evaluation of adherence monitoring in buprenorphine treatment: A pilot study using timed drug assays to determine accuracy of testing. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:1938-1947. [PMID: 35304767 PMCID: PMC10952243 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Buprenorphine is effective at reducing relapse to opioid misuse, morbidity and mortality in opioid-dependent patients. Urine drug screening (UDS) to assess adherence is used routinely in opioid agonist treatment (OAT). The primary aim of this study was to determine factors which may be associated with a negative qualitative urine drug screen for buprenorphine in OAT patients. METHODS This prospective pilot study was conducted at a tertiary addiction medicine centre. Twenty participants on stable treatment underwent supervised administration of sublingual buprenorphine. Matched urine and blood samples were collected prior to and 2, 4 and 6 hours after buprenorphine administration. Qualitative urine drug screen results were obtained using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while quantitative blood and urine results were obtained using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS Qualitative urine assay yielded a negative result for buprenorphine in 57% of tested samples. The median concentration of urinary buprenorphine was 167 mcg/L (range: 2-1730 mcg/L). Thirty percent of all blood samples did not detect buprenorphine (range 0-18 mcg/L). Positive qualitative urine drug screen results were associated with higher urine (343 mcg/L compared with 75 mcg/L; P < .05) and blood (4 mcg/L compared with 2 mcg/L; P < .05) buprenorphine concentrations. Median urine concentrations of buprenorphine were highest at 2 hours and were higher in participants receiving CYP3A4 inhibitors. CONCLUSION Interpretation of qualitative urine drug screens to assess adherence in OAT is complex. Poor adherence with treatment cannot be assumed in patients returning a negative qualitative GC-MS urine drug screen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Jamshidi
- Drug Health ServicesRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health DistrictNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneyNew South Wales
| | - Akshay Athavale
- Drug Health ServicesRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health DistrictNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneyNew South Wales
| | - Christopher Tremonti
- Drug Health ServicesRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health DistrictNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Catherine McDonald
- Forensic & Environmental Toxicology, Forensic & Analytical Science ServiceNSW Health PathologyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Shanmugam Banukumar
- Forensic & Environmental Toxicology, Forensic & Analytical Science ServiceNSW Health PathologyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Santiago Vazquez
- Forensic & Environmental Toxicology, Forensic & Analytical Science ServiceNSW Health PathologyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Natasha Luquin
- Department of Medical GenomicsNSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marina Santiago
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversityNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Bridin Murnion
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneyNew South Wales
- Drug Health ServicesWestern Sydney Local Health DistrictNew South Wales
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2
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Noguez JH, Koch CD. Bridging the gap: The critical role of laboratory developed tests in clinical toxicology. J Mass Spectrom Adv Clin Lab 2023; 28:70-74. [PMID: 36872953 PMCID: PMC9982682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsacl.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
•Toxicology testing provides valuable information for patient management.•Current in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) are unable to meet all clinical needs.•Lab-developed tests (LDTs) in toxicology can be used to close clinical care gaps.•LDTs in clinical toxicology are almost exclusively mass spectrometry-based methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime H Noguez
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Christopher D Koch
- Department of Pathology, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.,Sanford Laboratories, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
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3
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Delaney SR, Tacker DH, Snozek CLH. The North American opioid epidemic: opportunities and challenges for clinical laboratories. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2022; 59:309-331. [PMID: 35166639 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2022.2037122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Since 1999, the opioid epidemic in North America has resulted in over 1 million deaths, and it continues to escalate despite numerous efforts in various arenas to combat the upward trend. Clinical laboratories provide drug testing to support practices such as emergency medicine, substance use disorder treatment, and pain management; increasingly, these laboratories are collaborating in novel partnerships including drug-checking services (DCS) and multidisciplinary treatment teams. This review examines drug testing related to management of licit and illicit opioid use, new technologies and test strategies employed by clinical laboratories, barriers hindering laboratory response to the opioid epidemic, and areas for improvement and standardization within drug testing. Literature search terms included combinations of "opioid," "opiate," "fentanyl," "laboratory," "epidemic," "crisis," "mass spectrometry," "immunoassay," "drug screen," "drug test," "guidelines," plus review of PubMed "similar articles" and references within publications. While immunoassay (IA) and point-of-care (POC) test options for synthetic opioids are increasingly available, mass spectrometry (MS) platforms offer the greatest flexibility and sensitivity for detecting novel, potent opioids. Previously reserved as a second-tier application in most drug test algorithms, MS assays are gaining a larger role in initial screening for specific patients and DCS. However, there are substantial differences among laboratories in terms of updating test menus, algorithms, and technologies to meet changing clinical needs. While some clinical laboratories lack the resources and expertise to implement MS, many are also slow to adopt available IA and POC tests for newer opioids such as fentanyl. MS-based testing also presents challenges, including gaps in available guidance for assay validation and ongoing performance assessment that contribute to a dramatic lack of standardization among laboratories. We identify opportunities for improvement in laboratory operations, reporting, and interpretation of drug test results, including laboratorian and provider education and laboratory-focused guidelines. We also highlight the need for collaboration with providers, assay and instrument manufacturers, and national organizations to increase the effectiveness of clinical laboratory and provider efforts in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use and misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Delaney
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Danyel H Tacker
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Christine L H Snozek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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4
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Rosano TG, Wood M, Hooten WM, Rumberger JM, Fudin J, Argoff CE. Application and Clinical Value of Definitive Drug Monitoring in Pain Management and Addiction Medicine. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:821-833. [PMID: 34643732 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess routine application and clinical value of definitive urine drug monitoring (UDM) for drug detection, inconsistent drug use and prescription adherence, along with a comparison to immunoassay screening (IAS). METHODS Direct-to-definitive UDM performance was analyzed retrospectively in 5,000 patient specimens. Drug findings, medication inconsistencies and detection sensitivity were assessed, and definitive UDM versus IAS monitoring was studied. RESULTS Definitive testing resulted in 18,793 drug findings with 28,403 positive drug and metabolite tests. Definitive testing expanded monitoring with 11,396 drug findings that would not be tested by IAS. The opioids accounted for the highest frequency of inconsistent positive drug-use findings, at 12%. Conversely, inconsistent negative drug findings, used as an index of prescription non-adherence, were determined in 1,751 of 15,409 monitored medications and included a high frequency of antidepressants and antipsychotics inconsistencies. Direct comparison of definitive UDM and IAS showed false-positives by IAS as well as a high rate of false-negatives that would be missed using current confirmation protocols. CONCLUSIONS Results from routine application of direct-to-definitive UDM demonstrate the clinical value of drug-use identification and objective evaluation of inconsistencies in drug misuse and medication adherence in pain management and addiction medicine practice. Without conversion to direct-to-definitive UDM, continuing use of IAS will limit the scope of drugs being tested, will result in an indeterminate rate of false negatives and will require confirmation testing to eliminate the reporting of false positive IAS tests. The findings in this study provide evidence-based support for recommended use of a direct-to-definitive drug testing protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Rosano
- National Toxicology Center, Albany NY, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | - W Michael Hooten
- Pain Medicine, Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
| | | | - Jeffrey Fudin
- Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Remitigate Therapeutics, Delmar, New York.,Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany NY
| | - Charles E Argoff
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany NY.,Department of Neurology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
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5
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Stellpflug SJ, Cole JB, Greller HA. Urine Drug Screens in the Emergency Department: The Best Test May Be No Test at All. J Emerg Nurs 2020; 46:923-931. [PMID: 32843202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The manuscript purpose is to provide a resource for clinicians on the functionality and pitfalls of the rapid urine drug screen for clinical decision making. Many providers remain under-informed about the inherent inaccuracies. The rapid urine drug screen is the first, and often only, step of drug testing. In the majority of emergency departments the urine drug screen is a collection of immunoassays reliant on an interaction between the structure of a particular drug or metabolite and an antibody. Drugs in separate pharmacologic classes often have enough structural similarity to cause false positives. Conversely, drugs within the same pharmacologic class often have different enough structures that they may result in inappropriate negatives. This lack of sensitivity and specificity significantly reduces the test utility, and may cause decision-making confusion. The timing of the drug screen relative to the drug exposure also limits accuracy, as does detection threshold. Confirmatory steps following the initial immunoassay include chromatography and/or mass spectrometry. These are unavailable at many institutions and results rarely return while the patient is in the emergency department. In addition, institutional capabilities vary, even with confirmatory testing. Confirmation accuracy depends on a number of factors, including the extent of the catalog of drugs/metabolites that the facility is calibrated to detect and report. In summary, the standard emergency department urine drug screen is a test with extremely limited clinical utility with multiple properties contributing to poor sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The test should be used rarely, if ever, for clinical decision making.
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6
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Tanna S, Ogwu J, Lawson G. Hyphenated mass spectrometry techniques for assessing medication adherence: advantages, challenges, clinical applications and future perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 58:643-663. [DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2019-0820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNonadherence to prescribed pharmacotherapy is an understated public health problem globally and is costing many patients their chance to return to good health and healthcare systems billions. Clinicians need an accurate assessment of adherence to medications to aid the clinical decision-making process in the event of poor patient progress and to maximise the patient health outcomes from the drug therapies prescribed. An overview of indirect and direct methods used to measure medication adherence is presented, highlighting the potential for accurate measuring of drugs in biological samples using hyphenated mass spectrometry (MS) techniques to provide healthcare professionals with a reliable evidence base for clinical decision making. In this review we summarise published applications of hyphenated MS techniques for a diverse range of clinical areas demonstrating the rise in the use of such direct methods for assessing medication adherence. Although liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods using plasma, serum and urine samples are the most popular, in recent years increased attention has been given to liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) methods and alternative biosample matrices including hair, saliva and blood microsamples. The advantages and challenges of using hyphenated MS techniques to address this healthcare problem are also discussed alongside future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeeta Tanna
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - John Ogwu
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Graham Lawson
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
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7
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Dahlin JL, Palte MJ, LaMacchia J, Petrides AK. A Rapid Dilute-and-Shoot UPLC-MS/MS Assay to Simultaneously Measure 37 Drugs and Related Metabolites in Human Urine for Use in Clinical Pain Management. J Appl Lab Med 2019; 3:974-992. [DOI: 10.1373/jalm.2018.027342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Monitoring of medication compliance and drug abuse is used by clinicians to increase patient prescription drug compliance and reduce illicit drug abuse and diversion. Despite available immunoassays, chromatography-mass spectrometry–based methods are considered the gold standard for urine drug monitoring owing to higher sensitivities and specificities. Herein, we report a fast, convenient ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) assay to detect or quantify 37 clinically relevant prescription drugs, drugs of abuse, and related glucuronides and other metabolites in human urine by single diluted sample injection.
Methods
Analytes consisted of prescription and illicit opioids, benzodiazepines, and drugs of abuse, including parent compounds and glucuronidated and nonglucuronidated metabolites. Urine samples were diluted with water and supplemented with deuterated internal standards without enzymatic hydrolysis, analyte extraction, or sample purification. Analytes were separated by reversed-phase UPLC and quantified by positive-mode electrospray ionization and collision-induced dissociation MS. Assay validation followed Food and Drug Administration bioanalytical guidelines.
Results
Total analytical run time was 5.5 min. All analytes demonstrated acceptable inter- and intraassay accuracy, imprecision, and linearity throughout clinically relevant analytical ranges (1–2000 ng/mL, depending on analyte). All analytes demonstrated acceptable selectivity, stability, matrix effects, carryover, and performance compared to national reference laboratory or previously validated in-house methods. A total of 23 and 14 analytes were validated for quantitative and qualitative testing, respectively.
Conclusions
A convenient UPLC-MS/MS assay for simultaneously monitoring 37 analytes in human urine was validated for use in pain management testing. Advantages of this multiplex assay include facile sample preparation and higher-throughput definitive detection including glucuronide metabolite quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayme L Dahlin
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Michael J Palte
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - John LaMacchia
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Athena K Petrides
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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8
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DiBenedetto DJ, Wawrzyniak KM, Schatman ME, Shapiro H, Kulich RJ. Increased frequency of urine drug testing in chronic opioid therapy: rationale for strategies for enhancing patient adherence and safety. J Pain Res 2019; 12:2239-2246. [PMID: 31413622 PMCID: PMC6661994 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s213536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the average amount of time required to detect opioid aberrancy based upon varying frequencies of urine drug testing (UDT) in a community-based, tertiary care pain management center. SUBJECTS This study was a retrospective analysis of 513 consecutive patients enrolled in a medication management program, receiving chronic opioid therapy between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. METHODS Data were extracted from medical records including age at start of the study period, sex, ethnicity, marital status, and smoking status. UDT was performed at each prescribing visit via semi-quantitative immunoassay, and at the discretion of the clinician, a sample was sent for external confirmation using gas chromatography or mass spectrometry testing to clarify questions of inconsistency with patients' reports or prescribed medications. For purposes of the study, "opioid aberrancy" was defined through inconsistent UDT. RESULTS One hundred and fifteen patients (22.4%) had at least one inconsistent UDT during the study period, and 160 (2.8%) of all UDTs were inconsistent. At this rate of inconsistency, it was determined that with monthly screening, it would require up to 36 months to detect a single aberrancy, and semi-annual testing would require as long as 216 months to detect an aberrancy. CONCLUSIONS More frequent UDT can be helpful in terms of earlier detection of opioid aberrancy. This has significant implications for helping avoid misuse, overdose, and potential diversion. Furthermore, early detection will ideally result in earlier implementation of treatment of the emotional and behavioral factors causing aberrancy. Such early intervention is more likely to be successful in terms of reducing substance misuse in a chronic pain population, providing a higher degree of patient adherence and safety, as well as producing superior overall patient outcomes. Finally, economic benefits may include substantial savings through avoidance of the necessity for drug rehabilitation and the empirically established higher costs of treating opioid misuse comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J DiBenedetto
- Research and Network Development, Boston PainCare, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Tufts School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelly M Wawrzyniak
- Research and Network Development, Boston PainCare, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Tufts School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael E Schatman
- Research and Network Development, Boston PainCare, Waltham, MA, USA
- Deparment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hannah Shapiro
- Research and Network Development, Boston PainCare, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Biopsychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Ronald J Kulich
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Tufts School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Koyyalagunta D, Bruera E, Engle MP, Driver L, Dong W, Demaree C, Novy DM. Compliance with Opioid Therapy: Distinguishing Clinical Characteristics and Demographics Among Patients with Cancer Pain. PAIN MEDICINE 2019; 19:1469-1477. [PMID: 29016951 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnx178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Because an increase of patients who misuse opioids has been identified in our cancer clinical setting through urine drug testing (UDT) and the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patient's with Pain-Short Form (SOAPP-SF), we conducted this retrospective cohort study to identify patient characteristics that are associated with UDT that indicates noncompliance. Methods Over a two-year period, 167 of 8,727 patients (2.4%) seen in the pain clinic and who underwent UDT were evaluated to determine compliance with prescribed opioid regimens. Descriptive clinical and demographic data were collected, and group differences based on compliance with opioid therapy were evaluated. Results Fifty-eight percent of the patients were noncompliant with their prescribed opioid therapy. Noncompliant patients were younger than compliant patients, with a median age of 46 vs 49 years (P = 0.0408). Noncompliant patients were more likely to have higher morphine equivalent daily doses; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with a history of alcohol (ETOH) (P = 0.0332), illicit drug use (P = 0.1014), and smoking (P = 0.4184) were more likely noncompliant. Univariate regression analysis showed that a history of ETOH use (P = 0.034), a history of anxiety (P = 0.027), younger age (P = 0.07), and a SOAPP-SF score of 4 or higher (P = 0.05) were associated with an abnormal UDT. Conclusions History of ETOH use, anxiety, high SOAPP-SF score, and younger age were associated with UDT that indicates noncompliance. Given the very small percentage of UDT testing, it is quite likely that a significant number of patients who did not undergo UDT were also nonadherent with treatment recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wenli Dong
- Statistics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chris Demaree
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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10
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Argoff CE, Alford DP, Fudin J, Adler JA, Bair MJ, Dart RC, Gandolfi R, McCarberg BH, Stanos SP, Gudin JA, Polomano RC, Webster LR. Rational Urine Drug Monitoring in Patients Receiving Opioids for Chronic Pain: Consensus Recommendations. PAIN MEDICINE 2019; 19:97-117. [PMID: 29206984 PMCID: PMC6516588 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnx285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective To develop consensus recommendations on urine drug monitoring (UDM) in patients with chronic pain who are prescribed opioids. Methods An interdisciplinary group of clinicians with expertise in pain, substance use disorders, and primary care conducted virtual meetings to review relevant literature and existing guidelines and share their clinical experience in UDM before reaching consensus recommendations. Results Definitive (e.g., chromatography-based) testing is recommended as most clinically appropriate for UDM because of its accuracy; however, institutional or payer policies may require initial use of presumptive testing (i.e., immunoassay). The rational choice of substances to analyze for UDM involves considerations that are specific to each patient and related to illicit drug availability. Appropriate opioid risk stratification is based on patient history (especially psychiatric conditions or history of opioid or substance use disorder), prescription drug monitoring program data, results from validated risk assessment tools, and previous UDM. Urine drug monitoring is suggested to be performed at baseline for most patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain and at least annually for those at low risk, two or more times per year for those at moderate risk, and three or more times per year for those at high risk. Additional UDM should be performed as needed on the basis of clinical judgment. Conclusions Although evidence on the efficacy of UDM in preventing opioid use disorder, overdose, and diversion is limited, UDM is recommended by the panel as part of ongoing comprehensive risk monitoring in patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Argoff
- Department of Neurology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
| | - Daniel P Alford
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey Fudin
- Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Remitigate, LLC, Delmar, New York
| | - Jeremy A Adler
- Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants, Encinitas, California
| | - Matthew J Bair
- HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | - Bill H McCarberg
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Steven P Stanos
- Swedish Pain Services, Swedish Health System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jeffrey A Gudin
- Department of Pain Management and Palliative Care, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood, New Jersey
| | - Rosemary C Polomano
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lynn R Webster
- Scientific Affairs, PRA International, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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11
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Zheng YZ, Bunch DR, Lembright K, Wang S. Quantitation of Benzodiazepines and Metabolites in Urine by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry. J Appl Lab Med 2018; 3:397-407. [DOI: 10.1373/jalm.2018.026658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are central nervous system depressants that are prescribed to prevent seizures, manage anxiety, or help sleep. When misused, BZDs can lead to addiction and sometimes cause death. Measurement of BZDs in urine is used to identify their use, especially in pain management settings. LC-MS/MS is preferred for these measurements because of its high sensitivity and specificity. Here, we report an LC-MS/MS assay for measuring 7 BZDs and metabolites in urine.
Methods
Urine sample was incubated at 60 °C for 30 min after addition of internal standards and a β-glucuronidase solution. After centrifugation, the supernatant was diluted with methanol and water before being injected onto a C18 analytical column in an LC-MS/MS system for quantification. The analytical time between injections was 4.35 min. The analytes included 7-aminoclonazepam, α-hydroxyalprazolam, α-hydroxytriazolam, oxazepam, lorazepam, nordiazepam, and temazepam.
Results
The lower limit of quantification ranged from 30 ng/mL to 50 ng/mL with an analytical recovery >80% for all 7 analytes. Total CV was <10% for all analytes (3 concentration levels of 100, 2500, and 5000 ng/mL; n = 30 each). This method had 100% agreement with a GC-MS method offered by an independent laboratory for negative urine samples. For the positive urine samples, this method showed a strong correlation (R > 0.96) with the GC-MS method.
Conclusions
The LC-MS/MS assay allows accurate and precise measurement of 7 BZDs and metabolites in a single analytical run with a short analytical run time and broad measuring ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zi Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Dustin R Bunch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Sihe Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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12
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Mullins GR, Reeves A, Yu M, Goldberger BA, Bazydlo LAL. Improved Clinical Sensitivity of a Reflexive Algorithm to Minimize False-Negative Test Results by a Urine Benzodiazepine Immunoassay Screen. J Appl Lab Med 2018; 2:555-563. [PMID: 33636884 DOI: 10.1373/jalm.2017.024539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urine drug testing is an essential component of treating patients for chronic pain and/or anxiety and is used to monitor compliance during treatment. A common algorithm is to use an immunoassay as a urine drug screen (UDS), followed by mass spectrometry to confirm all presumptive positive samples. Many UDSs, however, have significant limitations, and false-negative test results can be common due to lack of antibody specificity. METHODS Urine samples were screened by a benzodiazepine immunoassay followed by confirmatory testing using LC-MS/MS to determine an initial false-negative test rate for the screen. Attempts to improve the false-negative test rate included hydrolysis before screening and optimization of the absorbance cutoff required for a positive result. RESULTS Hydrolysis corrected 41% of false-negative test results in samples containing parent benzodiazepines and/or metabolites but had no effect on samples containing only clonazepam. Of the confirmed false-negative test results, 85% (17 of 20) demonstrated absorbance values between 20 and 100, with 100 being the cutoff for a positive result. Implementing an optimized absorbance cutoff of 20, rather than 100, for a reflexive confirmation testing algorithm decreases the false-negative test rate of detecting benzodiazepine from 47% to 2%. CONCLUSIONS Hydrolyzing samples before the benzodiazepine screen provided a modest improvement in the false-negative test rate; however, the screen still missed samples containing clonazepam. Optimization of the absorbance cutoff to reflex samples to LC-MS/MS markedly improved the false-negative test rate for all benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett R Mullins
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine and Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Amanda Reeves
- Clinical Toxicology Laboratory, UF Health Pathology Laboratories, Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Min Yu
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine and Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Bruce A Goldberger
- Clinical Toxicology Laboratory, UF Health Pathology Laboratories, Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Lindsay A L Bazydlo
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine and Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA
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McMillin GA. Drug Detection in Urine for Evaluating Exposure-No Limits! J Appl Lab Med 2018; 2:648-652. [PMID: 33636896 DOI: 10.1373/jalm.2017.023572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn A McMillin
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.,Toxicology and Pharmacogenomics, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT
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Kwong TC, Magnani B, Moore C. Urine and oral fluid drug testing in support of pain management. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2017; 54:433-445. [PMID: 28990451 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2017.1385053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the abuse of opioid drugs has resulted in greater prevalence of addiction, overdose, and deaths attributable to opioid abuse. The epidemic of opioid abuse has prompted professional and government agencies to issue practice guidelines for prescribing opioids to manage chronic pain. An important tool available to providers is the drug test for use in the initial assessment of patients for possible opioid therapy, subsequent monitoring of compliance, and documentation of suspected aberrant drug behaviors. This review discusses the issues that most affect the clinical utility of drug testing in chronic pain management with opioid therapy. It focuses on the two most commonly used specimen matrices in drug testing: urine and oral fluid. The advantages and disadvantages of urine and oral fluid in the entire testing process, from specimen collection and analytical methodologies to result interpretation are reviewed. The analytical sensitivity and specificity limitations of immunoassays used for testing are examined in detail to draw attention to how these shortcomings can affect result interpretation and influence clinical decision-making in pain management. The need for specific identification and quantitative measurement of the drugs and metabolites present to investigate suspected aberrant drug behavior or unexpected positive results is analyzed. Also presented are recent developments in optimization of test menus and testing strategies, such as the modification of the standard screen and reflexed-confirmation testing model by eliminating some of the initial immunoassay-based tests and proceeding directly to definitive testing by mass spectrometry assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai C Kwong
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Barbarajean Magnani
- b Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Tufts Medical Center , Boston , MA , USA
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15
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Melanson SE, Petrides AK. Economics of Pain Management Testing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 2:587-597. [DOI: 10.1373/jalm.2017.023010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Doyle K, Strathmann FG. Cost and Efficacy Assessment of an Alternative Medication Compliance Urine Drug Testing Strategy. PAIN MEDICINE 2017; 18:307-315. [PMID: 28204701 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study investigates the frequency at which quantitative results provide additional clinical benefit compared to qualitative results alone. A comparison between alternative urine drug screens and conventional screens including the assessment of cost-to-payer differences, accuracy of prescription compliance or polypharmacy/substance abuse was also included. Setting and Methods In a reference laboratory evaluation of urine specimens from across the United States, 213 urine specimens with provided prescription medication information (302 prescriptions) were analyzed by two testing algorithms: 1) conventional immunoassay screen with subsequent reflexive testing of positive results by quantitative mass spectrometry; and 2) a combined immunoassay/qualitative mass-spectrometry screen that substantially reduced the need for subsequent testing. Results The qualitative screen was superior to immunoassay with reflex to mass spectrometry in confirming compliance per prescription (226/302 vs 205/302), and identifying non-prescription abuse (97 vs 71). Pharmaceutical impurities and inconsistent drug metabolite patterns were detected in only 3.8% of specimens, suggesting that quantitative results have limited benefit. The percentage difference between the conventional testing algorithm and the alternative screen was projected to be 55%, and a 2-year evaluation of test utilization as a measure of test order volume follows an exponential trend for alternative screen test orders over conventional immunoassay screens that require subsequent confirmation testing. Conclusion Alternative, qualitative urine drug screens provide a less expensive, faster, and more comprehensive evaluation of patient medication compliance and drug abuse. The vast majority of results were interpretable with qualitative results alone indicating a reduced need to automatically reflex to quantitation or provide quantitation for the majority of patients. This strategy highlights a successful approach using an alternative strategy for both the laboratory and physician to align clinical needs while being mindful of costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Doyle
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Pathology, Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Intermountain Healthcare Central Laboratory, Murray, Utah, USA
| | - Frederick G Strathmann
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Definitive LC-MS/MS Drug Monitoring Impacts Substance-use Treatment Planning and Patient Outcomes: A Brief Report. J Addict Med 2016; 10:443-447. [PMID: 27649263 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Clinical drug monitoring has an increasingly important role in the treatment of substance use disorders. Through semistructured interviews, we asked substance-use counselors about the clinical impact of drug tests on patients' treatment planning and outcomes. This study was conducted around the time of a facility-wide switch to a laboratory utilizing definitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry from a laboratory that had utilized the less-sensitive, presumptive immunoassay-based drug-testing methodology. Twelve counselors volunteered to be interviewed, and each counselor chose 2 patients to discuss. Counselors reported that the facility-wide switch to definitive drug testing revealed some patients with newly identified relapses and substance use. They also reported that, as a result of the new information provided by definitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry monitoring, 75% of the patients they discussed had a change made to their treatment plan, 79% were provided enhanced education, and 63% had an increase in their treatment intensity. Counselors also reported that 58% of these patients reduced their illicit drug and nonmedical prescription medication use as a result of treatment changes associated with the newly implemented definitive testing. Improvements in therapeutic relationships and honesty were also reported. These preliminary data are consistent with previous data and guidelines, suggesting that the results of definitive drug monitoring inform clinical decision-making and can help clinicians enhance treatment outcomes.
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Lee CT, Vo TT, Cohen AS, Ahmed S, Zhang Y, Mao J, Chen L. Profiles of Urine Drug Test in Clinical Pain Patients vs Pain Research Study Subjects. PAIN MEDICINE 2016; 17:636-43. [PMID: 26398237 DOI: 10.1111/pme.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine similarities and differences in urine drug test (UDT) results in clinical pain patients and pain subjects participating in pain research studies. DESIGN An observational study with retrospective chart review and data analysis. METHODS We analyzed 1,874 UDT results obtained from 1) clinical pain patients (Clinical Group; n = 1,529) and 2) pain subjects consented to participate in pain research studies (Research Group; n = 345). Since several medications such as opioids used in pain management are drugs of abuse (DOA) and can result in a positive UDT, we specifically identified those cases of positive UDT due to nonprescribed DOA and designated these cases as positive UDT with DOA (PUD). RESULTS We found that 1) there was a higher rate of PUD in clinical pain patients (41.3%) than in pain research study subjects (14.8%); 2) although subjects in the Research Group were informed ahead of time that UDT will be conducted as a screening test, a substantial number (14.8%) of pain research study subjects still showed PUD; 3) there were different types of DOA between clinical pain patients (cannabinoids as the top DOA) and research study subjects (cocaine as the top DOA); and 4) a common factor associated with PUD was opioid therapy in both Clinical Group and Research Group. CONCLUSION These results support previous findings that PUD is a common finding in clinical pain patients, particularly in those prescribed opioid therapy, and we suggest that UDT be used as routine screening testing in pain research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-ting Lee
- *University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Trang T Vo
- MGH Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abigail S Cohen
- MGH Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shihab Ahmed
- MGH Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- MGH Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jianren Mao
- MGH Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lucy Chen
- MGH Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Johnson-Davis KL, Sadler AJ, Genzen JR. A Retrospective Analysis of Urine Drugs of Abuse Immunoassay True Positive Rates at a National Reference Laboratory. J Anal Toxicol 2015; 40:97-107. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkv133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Dixon RB, Davis B, Dasgupta A. Comparison of Response of DRI Oxycodone Semiquantitative Immunoassay With True Oxycodone Values Determined by Liquid Chromatography Combined With Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Sensitivity of the DRI Assay at 100 ng/ml Cut-Off and Validity of Semiquantitative Value. J Clin Lab Anal 2015; 30:190-5. [PMID: 25715994 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.21834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oxycodone is a widely used opioid for pain management and patient's compliance with therapy is often monitored by using oxycodone immunoassay. The performance of the DRI oxycodone immunoassay was compared with liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 48 urine specimens collected from patients taking oxycodone, urinary oxycodone concentrations were determined using LC/MS/MS and the DRI oxycodone immunoassay for application on the Cobas c 501 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN). RESULTS Out of 48 specimens, 14 specimens showed oxycodone value less than 100 ng/ml, seven specimens had low positive values (between 101 and 165 ng/ml) and all other specimens had values 165 to 1789 ng/ml using the LC/MS/MS assay. The DRI oxycodone assay successfully identified all oxycodone specimens with oxycodone concentrations over the 100 ng/ml. In addition, the DRI assay also showed positive response in 11 out of 14 specimens with oxycodone values less than 100 ng/ml. However, semiquantitative values obtained by the DRI assay did not match with true oxycodone and metabolite oxymorphone concentrations combined obtained by using LC/MS/MS. CONCLUSIONS DRI oxycodone immunoassay at 100 ng/ml is a reliable immunoassay for analysis of oxycodone in urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Brent Dixon
- Physician's Choice Laboratory Services, Rock Hill, South Carolina
| | - Bonnette Davis
- Laboratory Services, Memorial-Hermann Hospital at Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Amitava Dasgupta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas
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McMillin GA, Marin SJ, Johnson-Davis KL, Lawlor BG, Strathmann FG. A hybrid approach to urine drug testing using high-resolution mass spectrometry and select immunoassays. Am J Clin Pathol 2015; 143:234-40. [PMID: 25596249 DOI: 10.1309/ajcpmjkbc6vja1sp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The major objective of this research was to propose a simplified approach for the evaluation of medication adherence in chronic pain management patients, using liquid chromatography time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry, performed in parallel with select homogeneous enzyme immunoassays (HEIAs). We called it a "hybrid" approach to urine drug testing. METHODS The hybrid approach was defined based on anticipated positivity rates, availability of commercial reagents for HEIAs, and assay performance, particularly analytical sensitivity and specificity for drug(s) of interest. Subsequent to implementation of the hybrid approach, time to result was compared with that observed with other urine drug testing approaches. RESULTS Opioids, benzodiazepines, zolpidem, amphetamine-like stimulants, and methylphenidate metabolite were detected by TOF mass spectrometry to maximize specificity and sensitivity of these 37 drug analytes. Barbiturates, cannabinoid metabolite, carisoprodol, cocaine metabolite, ethyl glucuronide, methadone, phencyclidine, propoxyphene, and tramadol were detected by HEIAs that performed adequately and/or for which positivity rates were very low. Time to result was significantly reduced compared with the traditional approach. CONCLUSIONS The hybrid approach to urine drug testing provides a simplified and analytically specific testing process that minimizes the need for secondary confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn A. McMillin
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Stephanie J. Marin
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Kamisha L. Johnson-Davis
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Frederick G. Strathmann
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
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Ward MB, Hackenmueller SA, Strathmann FG. Pathology consultation on urine compliance testing and drug abuse screening. Am J Clin Pathol 2014; 142:586-93. [PMID: 25319972 DOI: 10.1309/ajcpz0ds4qlyncqg] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Compliance testing in pain management requires a distinct approach compared with classic clinical toxicology testing. Differences in the patient populations and clinical expectations require modifications to established reporting cutoffs, assay performance expectations, and critical review of how best to apply the available testing methods. Although other approaches to testing are emerging, immunoassay screening followed by mass spectrometry confirmation remains the most common testing workflow for pain management compliance and drug abuse testing. METHODS A case-based approach was used to illustrate the complexities inherent to and uniqueness of pain management compliance testing for both clinicians and laboratories. RESULTS A basic understanding of the inherent strengths and weaknesses of immunoassays and mass spectrometry provides the clinician a better understanding of how best to approach pain management compliance testing. CONCLUSIONS Pain management compliance testing is a textbook example of an emerging field requiring open communication between physician and performing laboratory to fully optimize patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B. Ward
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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