Detection and quantitation of phencyclidine in blood by use of [(2)H(5)] phencyclidine and select ion monitoring applied to non-fatal cases of phencyclidine intoxication.

Phencyclidine [PCP, Sernyl#{174}, 1-(1-phencyclohexyl) piperidine] is a potent analgesic originally developed as an intravenous anesthetic. Deemed unsuitable for human use, it is currently marketed legitimately as a primate tranquilizer. The illegitimate use of phencyclidine has increased drastically throughout the United States since its “discovery” on the West Coast by the so-called drug culture in the late 1960’s (1). The relative ease with which phencyclidine may be synthesized (2) has certainly added in some measure to the drug’s widespread use. Illicit phencyclidine preparations are sold under various street names, the most common being “THC,” “cannibinol,” and “crystal joints” (marijuana or parsley cigarettes sprinkled with the drug). Phencyclidine is generally present as the free base, the hydrochloride salt, or the hydrobromide salt. The purity of these preparations varies from essentially 100% crystalline base to less than 5%. The latter is often in combination with “TCP,” 1-[1-(2-thienyl) cyclohexyl] piperidine. Phencyclidine preparations are self-administered by smoking, insufflation, oral ingestion, and injection. The effects of phencyclidine have been found to be highly dose dependent. Three stages of intoxication have been described. Even in low doses (5-10 mg), the drug has considerable effect on behavior and motor functions (1). The pronounced effects of phencyclidine