Thin-layer chromatography and enzyme immunoassay of L-alpha-acetyl methadol and methadone metabolites in urine.

We describe a thin-layer chromatographic technique suitablefor isolating at least four metabolites of L-aacetyl methadol. The metabolites are discussed in terms of their color reactions to chromatography spray reagents and their appearance in the urine during various time intervals after dosage. Methadone is detected by the presence of the unmetabolized drug and two of its metabolites in the urine. We present a simple means of distinguishing methadone-containing specimens from those that contain L-a-acetyl methadol. Results of an immunoassay for methadone applied to specimens from patients receiving L-a-acetyl methadol or methadone are discussed. The method is suitable as a routine screening procedure for most laboratories that use thinlayer chromatography.