Qualitative measurement of drugs

It has been noted for several years that certain drugs produce abnormal test results in patients who are administered the electronystagmograph (ENG) test. Drug specific waveforms, termed drug evoked potentials (DEP), have been identified by using the ENG for alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, tranquilizers, amphetamines, barbiturates, opiates, hallucinogens, caffeine, aminophylline, dopamine, several gases and approximately 75 combinations of drugs (N = 821). Tests for double blind diagnosis of drug intake as well as tests for repeatability within the same subject were conducted. Subjects included surgical candidates, healthy volunteers, and neonates (N = 248). Drugs tested were ketamine hydrochloride, fentanyl, sodium pentothal, cocaine, dextroamphetamine, sodium seconal, morphine sulfate, phenobarbital, and meperidine. Placebos of dextrose in water and sucrose tablets were also used (N = 25). Analysis of the waveforms produced by surgical candidates and healthy volunteers revealed no false negatives or false positives. Analysis of waveforms produced by neonates whose mothers had been administered meperidine demonstrated a diminishing effect over the course of a 3 day period. Results of repeated studies revealed reliability within subject. One subject who was administered dextroamphetamine did not produce a wave consistent with amphetamine with a dosage of 5 mg. He did, however, produce an amphetamine wave when administered 10 mg of dextroamphetamine. These findings suggest a dose related effect, indicating the need for establishment of minimal levels of detection. Results indicate that with refinement and further research, this method could be used for identification of drugs diagnostically.