The THC Rapid Test Dipstick (Urine) is a Rapid chromatographic immunoassay for qualitative detection of Marijuana in human urine at a cut-off concentration of 50 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). In cases of drug abuse, especially when the test result is positive, clinical and expert observations are required.

Summary

THC (Δ9 - Tetrahydrocannabinol) is an active metabolite in marijuana. When taken orally or smoked, it causes euphoria. Marijuana users do harm to their short-term memory and slow down the learning process. They might experience anxiety and distress. Prolonged use of this substance leads to behavioral disorders. The maximum effect of marijuana appears within 20 to 30 minutes and takes 90 to 120 minutes after a smoke. The increased metabolites in the urine appear within a few hours and are detectable for 3 to 10 days after being smoked. The metabolites are excreted through urine in the form of 11-nor- Δ9-THC-9COOH. The rapid Marijuana test is a quick screening method which could be performed without laboratory equipment. The test employs monoclonal antibodies for the specific detection of increased levels of marijuana in the urine. When marijuana concentration exceeds 50 ng/mL in the urine, the test result becomes positive.

Rapid Marijuana urine test employs an immunochromatographic method based on competitive binding. During the test, the urine specimen flows upward via capillary action. If the amount of Marijuana in the urine is below 50 ng/mL, it does not bind to the binding sites of the antibodies coated with nanoparticles. Consequently, the antibody conjugated with nanoparticles will be absorbed by the coated Marijuana and will leave a colored line in the test area (T). Should the amount be greater than 50 ng/mL, no colored line will appear in the T area, since all the binding sites of the Marijuana antibodies are occupied. So, if the presence of Marijuana 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 Marijuana 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.Rapid Marijuana urine test employs an immunochromatographic method based on competitive binding. During the test, the urine specimen flows upward via capillary action. If the amount of Marijuana in the urine is below 50 ng/mL, it does not bind to the binding sites of the antibodies coated with nanoparticles. Consequently, the antibody conjugated with nanoparticles will be absorbed by the coated Marijuana and will leave a colored line in the test area (T). Should the amount be greater than 50 ng/mL, no colored line will appear in the T area, since all the binding sites of the Marijuana antibodies are occupied. So, if the presence of Marijuana 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 Marijuana 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.