A Sensitive Immunoassay for Flunitrazepam and Metabolites

6600 W. Touhy Ave.
Niles, IL 60714
Tel: 847.647.2900
Fax: 847.647.1155
circulation@jatox.com

Published: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, ISSN 0146-4760, Volume 24, Number 4, May/June 2000, pp. 296-299

A Sensitive Immunoassay for Flunitrazepam and Metabolites The objective of this study was to develop an immunoassay that would be capable of detecting flunitrazepam and/or cross-reacting metabolites in urine and comparing the results with those obtained by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Doses of Rohypnol™ varying between 0.5 and 4 mg were given to volunteers, and urine was collected for up to two weeks postingestion. These samples were analyzed by an ELISA that was developed using an antibody raised to flunitrazepam and a drug-enzyme conjugate prepared by attaching 7-aminoflunitrazepam to horseradish peroxidase. Significant levels of flunitrazepam and/or cross-reacting metabolites were detected in urine for up to one week after ingestion. The immunoassay is selective with only diazepam cross-reacting at a level of 1000 µg/L.K. Walshe1, A.M. Barrett1, P.V. Kavanagh2, S.M. McNamara2, C. Moran3, and A.G. Shattock1,*
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University College, Dublin, Ireland; 2Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; and 3Drug Treatment Centre, Pearse Street, Dublin, Ireland

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.