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Proficiency testing for psychoactive substances in Italy.

S D Ferrara1, G Brusini, S Maietti

  • 1Centre of Behavioural and Forensic Toxicology, Istituto di Medicina Legale, University of Padova, Italy.

International Journal of Legal Medicine
|February 2, 2000
PubMed
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The Italian proficiency testing program for psychoactive substance analysis in urine has improved accuracy since 1995. This long-term initiative enhances laboratory performance in identifying drugs like methadone and cocaine.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Toxicology
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Established in 1995, the Italian proficiency testing program focuses on psychoactive substance analysis in urine.
  • Utilizes an innovative internet-based service for efficient data exchange between laboratories and the organizing body.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the design and outcomes of a long-term proficiency testing program for urine drug analysis.
  • To evaluate laboratory performance in identifying and quantifying psychoactive substances.

Main Methods:

  • Proficiency testing involves sending batches of six urine samples every three months to participating laboratories.
  • Laboratories can select testing options: class identification, single substance identification, or identification and quantification.

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  • Performance is evaluated through periodical and annual reports, with an annual workshop for discussion.

    • Main Results:

    • Over 67,000 analyses conducted since 1995 by approximately 200 laboratories.
    • Mean correct result rate of 96.8%, with an average annual improvement of 0.4%.
    • Lowest false positive/negative rates for methadone and cocaine; highest for amphetamines, opiates, barbiturates, and cannabinoids.

    Conclusions:

    • The program demonstrates sustained improvement in laboratory accuracy for psychoactive substance analysis.
    • Proficiency testing effectively identifies areas for improvement in analytical toxicology.
    • The program supports quality assurance in clinical and forensic toxicology settings.