Evaluation of the EZ-SCREEN enzyme immunoassay test for detection of cocaine and marijuana metabolites in urine specimens

Abstract

The EZ-SCREEN Cannabinoid/Cocaine test is a qualitative enzyme immunoassay card test for the detection of cannabinoid and cocaine metabolites in urine specimens. Results are available in about three minutes. The test kit costs approximately $12.00 per two-drug test, and there are no additional expenses for analytical equipment. We compared the results of the EZ-SCREEN test with results of specimens analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for 36 clinical specimens positive for cannabinoids (marijuana), 38 clinical specimens positive for benzoylecgonine (cocaine), and 33 drug-free specimens. Results from our study for marijuana included: sensitivity = 92%; specificity = 89%; and efficiency = 95, 67, and 87%, respectively. In the present study, there were five false-positive tests for cocaine and one false-positive test for cannabinoids. As with all screening test results, confirmation of positive specimens by a more specific quantitative analytical method such as GC/MS is recommended.