A study on the stability of anhydroecgonine methyl ester (crack biomarker), benzoylecgonine, and cocaine in human urine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832008000700005Keywords:
Stability, urine, crack, cocaine, analytesAbstract
BACKGROUND: Typically, urine and other biological tissues have been analyzed for cocaine (COC) and/or metabolites to detect COC usage. COC undergoes numerous biotransformation and degradation reactions. Crack smokers are exposed to anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AME), which can be used as an analytical marker for crack smoking. The stability of this analyte in human urine has not been studied. In the body, COC is rapidly converted to metabolites by enzymatic and chemical processes, the major urinary metabolite being benzoylecgonine (BE). OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out in order to determine the effects of time and temperature on the stability of cocaine/crack metabolites in human urine. METHODS : The stability of AME, BE and COC in urine was investigated using samples of urine stored in freezers and refrigerators. The analytes were extracted from urine using a solid-phase extraction technique and analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection method. RESULTS: COC concentrations decreased while BE concentrations increased. AME concentrations remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: The temperature and the duration of storage are decisive in COC hydrolyzing. This study suggests that AME concentrations are not correlated to either storage duration or with storage temperature and AME is more stable than COC.Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
Downloads
Published
2008-01-01
Issue
Section
Original Articles
License
Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.
Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.
How to Cite
A study on the stability of anhydroecgonine methyl ester (crack biomarker), benzoylecgonine, and cocaine in human urine . (2008). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 35(supl.1), 17-20. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832008000700005