Cross-Reactivity of Phentermine with an Immunoassay Designed to Detect Amphetamine in a Meconium Specimen

摘要

To the Editor:Neonates exposed to drugs of abuse in utero can experience prenatal drug dependence leading to withdrawal symptoms and a number of other health problems (1). Early detection of exposure is critical to guide necessary treatment and improve outcomes for these children. Meconium begins to form in the digestive tract at 12-16 weeks gestation. Drugs and metabolites collect in meconium beginning at about 5 months gestation. Thus, meconium testing can identify exposure to drugs during the last 4 months of a full-term pregnancy (2).