What are common adulteration tests for drug screening?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Common Adulteration Tests
   • Specific Gravity
   • pH Level
   • Creatinine Concentration
   • Nitrite Levels
   • Oxidant Detection
3. Solutions by Hysen Company
4. References

Introduction

In drug screening, detecting adulterants is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results. Adulterants are substances that are deliberately added to a urine sample to mask the presence of drugs. Testing for these adulterants helps in maintaining the integrity of the drug screening process.

Common Adulteration Tests

Adulteration tests are conducted to identify the presence of substances that may indicate tampering. These tests evaluate specific parameters within the urine sample to detect inconsistencies that might suggest the use of adulterants.

Specific Gravity

Specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in urine. Normal urine specific gravity ranges from 1.003 to 1.030. A significantly lower value may indicate dilution, while a higher value can suggest the presence of additional substances that increase urine density.

pH Level

Urine pH is typically between 4.5 and 8.0. Values outside this range can indicate adulteration. A basic pH level could suggest the addition of alkaline substances, while an acidic pH might indicate the presence of acidic adulterants.

Creatinine Concentration

Creatinine is a waste product normally found in urine, with levels typically ranging from 20 to 400 mg/dL. Low creatinine levels, often below 20 mg/dL, can suggest sample dilution or substitution with non-human urine.

Nitrite Levels

Normally absent in urine, nitrites can indicate the addition of oxidizing agents used to interfere with drug detection. Detection of nitrites can, therefore, be a marker of adulteration.

Oxidant Detection

Oxidants such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and other strong oxidizing agents can alter the chemical composition of a urine sample. Tests for oxidants help identify these adulterants, as their presence often indicates tampering.

Solutions by Hysen Company

Hysen Company offers advanced technologies for adulteration detection. Their solutions include multi-parameter test strips that assess specific gravity, pH, creatinine, nitrites, and oxidants simultaneously. The integration of automated analyzers enhances accuracy and efficiency, ensuring reliable results. Hysen's offerings are certified and adhere to regulatory standards, providing a comprehensive approach to drug screening integrity.

References

1. Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2021). Advances in Drug Screening Techniques. Journal of Medical Screening.
2. Miller, R. (2020). The Impact of Adulterants on Drug Test Reliability. Clinical Biochemistry Journal.
3. Hysen Company. (2023). Comprehensive Solutions for Adulteration Detection. Hysen Company White Paper.