Design and development of a single-reagent polarization fluoroimmunoassay for methamphetamine

The design and development of reagents suitable for use in single-reagent polarization fluoroimmunoassay of methamphetamine is described. The single-reagent method requires that a substantial fraction of antibodies exhibit fast dissociation of bound tracer. Antiserum obtained early in the course of immunization of a sheep with a methamphetamine immunogen had suitable dissociation characteristics. Tracers with bridges of different length between methamphetamine and the fluorescein label group were prepared and evaluated. A single-reagent assay with sensitivity and specificity suitable for urine screening application was demonstrated.