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Related Experiment Videos

MDA-MDMA concentrations in urine specimens

G W Kunsman1, B Levine, J J Kuhlman

  • 1Division of Forensic Toxicology, Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC, USA.

Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|November 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary
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Forensic analysis of military urine samples identified 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). The presence of MDA suggests MDMA use, aiding in drug testing interpretation.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Routine drug testing in active-duty military personnel is crucial for maintaining force readiness.
  • Initial screening tests for amphetamines can sometimes yield ambiguous results requiring further confirmation.
  • Distinguishing between different amphetamine-class substances is important for accurate identification and interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To confirm the identity of amphetamine-like substances detected in U.S. Army personnel urine samples.
  • To quantify the levels of identified substances and their metabolites.
  • To determine if the detected drug profile is consistent with the use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) only.

Main Methods:

  • Urine specimens were initially screened for amphetamines using radioimmunoassay and immunoassay methods.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Suspected samples were further analyzed using gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis for confirmation and quantitation.
  • Concentrations of MDMA and its metabolite MDA were measured, and their ratios were calculated.

    • Main Results:

    • Thirty-four urine specimens initially screened positive for amphetamines were confirmed to contain both MDMA and MDA.
    • MDMA concentrations ranged from 0.38 to 96.2 mg/L (mean 13.4 mg/L), and MDA concentrations ranged from 0.15 to 8.6 mg/L (mean 1.6 mg/L).
    • The mean ratio of MDA to MDMA was 0.15, consistent with the known metabolic pathway of MDMA.

    Conclusions:

    • The co-detection of MDMA and its metabolite MDA in military urine samples strongly indicates MDMA use.
    • The observed MDA to MDMA concentration ratio supports MDMA as the sole substance used, differentiating it from combined use with other amphetamines.
    • GC-MS analysis is essential for accurate identification and differentiation of controlled substances in forensic toxicology.