We investigated the precision, linearity, accuracy, and stability of quantitative results for five drugs of abuse [amphetamines, benzoylecgonine, opiates, phencyclidine, and the cannabinoid-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-9-acid metabolite], analyzed in control specimens by using EMIT d.a.u. reagents (Syva Co.) with a Monarch 2000 analyzer with a nonlinear interpolation curve-fitting algorithm. The ...

A 27-year-old man with a history of cocaine abuse ingested a large quantity of street cocaine in an apparent suicide attempt. Shortly thereafter, he developed tonic-clonic seizures and became cyanotic. An arterial blood gas sample, collected in the emergency department, appeared chocolate-brown and showed pO2 279 mmHg, pCO2 53 mmHg, and pH 7.15. Hemoglobin spectral analysis revealed significant...

The quantification of minor alkaloids in seized cocaine can provide information for drug profiling and law enforcement initiatives. This work presents the development validation an analytical method to quantitate samples using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector, after derivatization. was validated accordance ISO/IEC 17.025:2017 requirements. calibration linear (determination coef...

A high-throughput Liquid chromatography/ Mass spectrometry/ Mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of cocaine (COC) and benzoylecgonine (BZE) in human plasma was elaborated. After the protein precipitation with methanol in the plasma samples, the analytes were separated on a Zorbax SB-C18 column under isocratic conditions using a 32:68 (v/v) mixture of methanol and ...

The belief that cocaine has aphrodisiac properties has prevailed among drug users for decades. Cocaine use is frequently linked with stimulated sexual behavior; addicts often rate cocaine as the most effective drug for increasing libido and sexual responsiveness. Animal studies with radiolabeled cocaine indicate that the drug is deposited in genital and extragenital organs, including the epidid...

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of reports in the U.S. of the use of drugs, often in conjunction with alcohol, to commit sexual assault. A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of drug use in sexual assault cases in which substances are suspected of being involved. Law enforcement agencies, emergency rooms, and rape crisis centers across the U.S. were offered t...

We are reporting on a case of polyintoxication by cocaine, lidocaine, methadone, and dextromoramide. This conclusion is supported by the analysis of a strand of hair. We note for the first time the detection of dextromoramide as well as lidocaine and desethyl-lidocaine in hair. Concentrations in hair were: cocaine = 2.4 ng/mg, benzoylecgonine = 0.3 ng/mg, methadone = 10.2 ng/mg, EDDP = 1.5 ng/m...

Although cocaine is a widely abused illicit substance that is known to cause death, deaths due to its use appear to occur in a minority of those who use it. This report was designed to review drug-related deaths due to cocaine, and the concomitant use of other drugs/medications. A retrospective review of drug deaths at the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office in San Antonio, Texas, was undert...

BACKGROUND Meconium and hair are two biological markers of in utero exposure to illicit drugs. OBJECTIVE To compare the sensitivity of the two tests for different drugs. SETTING Motherisk laboratory which tests in utero drug exposure in Toronto. METHODS Cocaine, benzoylecgonine, opiates, cannabis, benzodiazepines, methadone, and barbiturates were measured in pairs of hair and meconium sam...