Phencyclidine Confirmation, Chain of Custody, Random, Urine
Use
This test detects phencyclidine (PCP), a hallucinogenic drug of abuse, in urine samples processed using the chain-of-custody procedure. The test is crucial for legal contexts where documented evidence of the specimen's handling and analysis is necessary. Phencyclidine affects various neural pathways and can lead to severe psychological and physical reactions, making its detection important for both clinical assessment and forensic investigations. The presence of PCP in urine is a strong indicator of recent drug use.
Special Instructions
Chain of custody is mandatory for this high-scrutiny test due to the legal implications. The test requires specific handling and documentation to ensure integrity and traceability, which are essential for court admissibility. Additional procedures such as adulterant testing are performed on chain-of-custody samples to comply with regulatory requirements.
Limitations
The detection of phencyclidine in urine may be affected by factors such as specimen pH; alkaline pH levels can result in undetectable quantities of PCP. It is also critical that the specimen is adequately sealed and documented throughout the handling process, as tampering or mishandling can impact the test's defensibility in legal settings. Additionally, the specificity and sensitivity of the assay are determined by the cutoff concentrations used during gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmation with quantitation, which need careful consideration during interpretation.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 16254-5
- 19659-2
- 16254-5
- 69050-3
- 77202-0
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
10 mL
Minimum Volume
5 mL
Container
Chain-of-Custody Kit
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen in the provided container, seal, and submit with requisite documentation to comply with chain-of-custody legal protocols.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate the urine if not tested immediately.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens not processed under chain-of-custody conditions potentially unsuitable for legal scrutiny.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
