Comparison of immunochromatography, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography techniques for drug detection in urine

Nowadays, drug abuse is a major problem in societies, and detection of drugs in urine is very important.  In general, immunochromatography (ICG) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) are routine methods for the detection of drugs in urine. These methods are rapid and economical, but their accuracy rates for the detection of drugs at lower concentrations are low (< cut off). Morphine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine are conventional drugs that are widely used. The purpose of this study was to compare immunochromatography, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and gas chromatography (GC) methods for detection of morphine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine in the spiked healthy human urine samples and urine of addicted people. We also compared their detection limits with one another.

This was an experimental study and included urine samples obtained from healthy and addicted people referring to the laboratory of the 7th of Tir marriage counseling center in East Azerbaijan Province, in June 2016. After the collection of urine samples, samples obtained from healthy people were spiked with various concentrations of morphine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine. Then, all samples were tested by immunochromatography, TLC, and GC methods for the detection of morphine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.

Results showed that ICG and TLC methods can not detect lower concentrations (< cut off) of morphine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine. While, GC can easily detect them in urine samples, even in lower concentrations (< cut off), and has a high detection limit and accuracy rate.

It can be concluded GC method is a powerful and accurate technique for the detection of drugs in urine samples.