The Detection of Oxycodone in Meconium Specimens

Abstract

A procedure for the determination of oxycodone in meconium using direct ELISA microplate technology followed by electron impact gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is described for the first time. The abuse of oxycodone (OxyContin) has been widely discussed in mainstream media, and it has been described as a cheap form of heroin. Oxycodone has been reported as having a high degree of abuse and potential complications in neonates from maternal drug use. Using a standard enzyme multiplied immunoassay screening technology, the cross-reactivity of oxycodone to the morphine antibody is only 5-6%. A positive screening value would require a high concentration of drug to be present, so a protocol for the detection of oxycodone in meconium using a direct ELISA microplate immunoassay followed by GC-MS was developed. The assay is now routinely used in our laboratory.