Test Category: Toxicology
Investigation Name:Synthetic Cannabinoids
Alias or Abbreviation:NOIDS
Intro:
Synthetic cannabinoids are designer drugs that mimic the effects of the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They act on the same CB1 receptors in the brain as THC but are full rather than partial agonists. NOIDS are typically sold in the form of herbal material that is smoked together with loose tobacco. Whilst NOID compounds mimic the effects of THC, structurally they are very different and so cannot be detected using the same screening methods. We test for free NOID parent compounds using UPLC-MS/MS (tandem mass spectrometry) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). This assay is requested to identify whether or not a patient has taken synthetic cannabinoids.Synthetic cannabinoids are designer drugs that mimic the effects of the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They act on the same CB1 receptors in the brain as THC but are full rather than partial agonists. NOIDS are typically sold in the form of herbal material that is smoked together with loose tobacco. Whilst NOID compounds mimic the effects of THC, structurally they are very different and so cannot be detected using the same screening methods. We test for free NOID parent compounds using UPLC-MS/MS (tandem mass spectrometry) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). This assay is requested to identify whether or not a patient has taken synthetic cannabinoids.Pathology Laboratory:Toxicology, City Hospital
Requestable Seperately?No
Lower Reference Range Limit:N/A
Upper Reference Range Limit:N/A
Units:N/A
Minimum Sample Volume:A minimum of 1mL EDTA whole blood or 2mL urine.
Expected Turnaround Time:1 working day post sample receipt.
Test Code:NOIS/NOIU
Sample Type:
A minimum of 1mL of EDTA whole blood/plasma or 2mL of urine collected into a plain (white top) container.Complex Reference Range:N/A
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:EDTA whole blood should be separated and stored frozen at -20oC prior to sending. Urine should be refrigerated and transported at ambient temperature using the normal postal system.
Posting Address / Requirements:Toxicology City Hospital Dudley Road Birmingham B18 7QH
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available: NPEX and PDF reporting available.
EQA Scheme:EQA for Synthetic Cannabinoids is provided by LGC Scheme, where samples are sent every 6 months.
Further information:Contact the laboratory on : Tel: 0121 507 4138
Lead Contact Details:Dr Loretta Ford Consultant Clinical Scientist, Toxicology 0121 507 6026Dr Loretta Ford Consultant Clinical Scientist, Toxicology 0121 507 6026
Email Address For Chasing Results:bcpspathology.info@nhs.net / swbh.toxicology@nhs.net
UKAS Reference Number:Not UKAs accredited.
