The MTD Rapid Test Dipstick (Urine) is a Rapid chromatographic immunoassay for qualitative detection of Methadone in human urine at a cut-off concentration of 300 ng/mL which is only utilized for in vitro diagnostics (IVD). It merely provides a preliminary result, therefore, an alternative method with more specificity is recommended to be used to confirm the initial results, in which case, the most preferred method is gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Summary

Methadone, sold under the brand name Dolophine, is a strong painkiller and an industrial drug that belongs to the group of opioids and is often used to treat addiction to opiates such as opium, heroin and morphine, as well as to relieve severe pains. This drug relieves pain by reducing the activity of the central nervous system. The half-life of Methadone is about 4 to 7 hours at the beginning of use, and in long-term, continuous use it reaches 24 to 48 hours, which, depending on the metabolism of the person, it may be shorter or longer. Taking Methadone without a doctor’s prescription causes very serious complications and consequences for the person in the long run. This drug may even affect the internal organs of the body and lead to serious injuries and death. Other side effects of Methadone use include breathing problems, mental disorders such as depression, oral and dental problems, mood and personality problems, etc. This test uses monoclonal antibodies that selectively detect increased levels of Methadone in urine. The result of the rapid Methadone test is positive when the level of Methadone in the urine exceeds 300 ng/mL.

Rapid Methadone urine test employs an immunochromatographic method based on competitive binding. Substances that may be found in urine specimen compete with ones metabolized by the liver to bind to antibodies. Dring the test, the urine specimen flows upward via capillary action. If the amount of Methadone in the urine is below 300 ng/mL, it does not bind to the binding sites of the antibodies coated with nanoparticles. Consequently, the conjugated antibody will be absorbed by the Methadone on the surface of the nitrocellulose membrane and will leave a colored line in the test area (T). Should the amount be greater than 300 ng/mL, no colored line will appear in the T area, since all the binding sites of the Methadone antibodies are occupied. So, if the presence of Methadone in the urine specimen is positive, no colored line will be formed in the test area (T) due to drug competition, whereas if the urine specimen contains Methadone amounts lower than the desired level in the test, a colored line will appear in this area. In order to have a procedural control, a colored line always appears in the area of the control line (C), indicating the appropriate volume of the specimen added to the membrane.