A broad spectrum immunoassay using fluorescence polarization for the detection of amphetamines in urine

Rapid immunoassays are widely used to screen for amphetamine abuse. Broad spectrum immunoassays are the most useful for this purpose followed by physicochemical techniques for verification and identification of particular drugs. We describe the production of an antiserum with a broad specificity for the amphetamine group of drugs. The antiserum was produced in a sheep using an immunogen linking amphetamine to keyhole limpet haemocyanin via an N-aminobutyl bridge. This antiserum was used to develop a fluorescence polarization immunoassay for application to urine samples. A limited investigation into the use of saliva as an alternative sample was also performed. The effects of chemical modifications to the basic amphetamine structure on antibody binding are discussed.