| |
Published:
Journal of Analytical Toxicology,
ISSN 0146-4760,
Volume 32, Number 6, July/August,
pp.438-443
TECHNICAL NOTE:
Papain Adulteration in 11-nor-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-
9-carboxylic Acid-Positive Urine Samples
Scott J. Larson1, Justin M. Holler1, Joseph Magluilo,
Jr.1, Christopher S. Dunkley1, and Aaron Jacobs2
1Division of Forensic Toxicology, The Armed Forces Medical Examiner
System, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology,
Rockville, Maryland 20850 and
2Air Force Medical Operations Agency,
Brooks City-Base, Texas 78235
The adulteration of urine samples is an ongoing
problem in
forensic drug-testing laboratories, even in the military where
the
practice of observed collections is performed. These adulterants
are used to produce a false-negative result when samples are
analyzed for drugs of abuse. It has been reported that papain,
a
cysteine protease, could be successfully used as a urine adulterant,
altering the concentration of 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-
carboxylic acid (THCCOOH) in urine samples. The current study
analyzes the effects of latex papain (Sigma, 10 mg/mL) and
Lawry’s® Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer (papain is
an active ingredient,
10 mg/mL) on immunoassays (FPIA, EMIT, KIMS) and gas
chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis
for
biological samples. The samples were analyzed initially between
2 and 4 h and then at 1-, 3-, 7-, and 10-day time intervals after
the addition of papain. A decrease in response averaged over
the
course of the study was observed with FPIA (Abbott, 22%) and
EMIT (Syva® Dade Behring, 26%, Microgenics, 10%) screening
assays by the addition of latex papain to the samples. An increase
in response was found using the KIMS (Roche) assay (156%
increase). In addition, the GC–MS results (27% decrease)
demonstrate that papain affects both the screening and
confirmation assays. The addition of meat tenderizer caused a
decrease in the FPIA (Abbott, 11%) screening assay and GC–MS
results (22%) similar to the latex papain while having varied
results on the other screening assays. This study confirms papain
could be a potential problem for urine drug-testing programs.
Reproduction
of editorial content of this journal is prohibited without publisher’s
permission.
This
article is available in its entirety by fax for $40.00 each.
Visa, MasterCard and AMEX accepted.
To
order electronically click here
or call: 847-647-2900 ext. 1323
or fax request to: 847-647-1155.
To order multiple copies click here.
Please indicate JAT
volume and issue along with page numbers. |
|
Home | Subscribe
| Current Issue | Back Issues
| Search | Advertise | Other Publications
| |
