Frontline immunochromatographic device for on-site urine testing of amphetamines: laboratory validation using authentic specimens

• We evaluated a new test device for amphetamines and methamphetamines (Frontline ®, cut-off limit 300 ng/mL) using authentic clinical and forensic specimens. The device is based on immunochromatography and is dipped into urine and read visually by comparison with a colour scale after a few minutes. A total of 658 specimens were tested by comparing results of the screening procedure with established immunoassays. Discordant results were further investigated by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry or gas chromatography (with flame ionization detector). The Frontline device had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 98%. When specimens were classified by urine amphetamine concentration, close agreement was obtained at concentrations below 150 ng/mL and above 1000 ng/mL. A small number of specimens with amphetamine concentrations between 300 and 1000 ng/mL tested negative in the Frontline test. This finding could to some extent be explained by the enantioselectivity of the antibodies in the Frontline test to d-amphetamine. We conclude that the performance of the Frontline test device for amphetamines is adequate for presumptive clinical and forensic screening.

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