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Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
Summary
Frequent cannabis (marijuana) use in adolescents is linked to social and emotional problems. Urinalysis offers a valuable tool for physicians to detect marijuana use and guide treatment for adolescent abuse.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Toxicology
- Adolescent Psychiatry
Background:
- Frequent cannabis (marijuana) use is associated with adverse social, mental, and emotional development in adolescents.
- Physicians require reliable methods to detect marijuana use for effective treatment and counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review urinalysis methods for detecting cannabis use in adolescents.
- To discuss the interpretation of urinalysis results in the context of adolescent marijuana abuse.
- To provide guidelines for primary care physicians on cannabis testing in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Review of established urinalysis techniques, including homogeneous enzyme immunoassay (EMIT) and radioimmunoassay.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiles of cannabis constituents.
- Discussion of factors influencing "false" positive/negative results and interpretation limits.
Main Results:
- Urinalysis is a practical tool for identifying adolescent cannabis use.
- Understanding metabolism and pharmacokinetics aids in result interpretation.
- Consideration of false results and interpretation limits is crucial for clinical application.
Conclusions:
- Urinalysis is a key component in managing adolescent marijuana abuse.
- Physicians can utilize testing to inform counseling and treatment strategies.
- Guidelines are provided to support primary care physicians in testing and management.
