Screening for the Major Methadone Metabolite and Methamphetamine in Urine

A rapid and sensitive method of detecting the major methadone-metabolite and methamphetamine has been developed. The method employs one-step solvent extraction, formation of NBD-derivatives and their separation by thin-layer chromatography. The major metabolite of methadone forms highly colored derivatives. Methamphetamine and its metabolite amphetamine produce two faintly colored, but highly fluorescent spots. Other drugs or their metabolites also produce fluorescent spots. However, the presence of twin spots, the color of their fluorescence, and their relative RF values make this technique specific for methamphetamine.