Application of a Radioimmunoassay Screening Test for Detection and Management of Phencyclidine Intoxication
The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology – August 09, 1980
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Violent, aggressive behavior and hallucinations in 11 patients signal severe PCP poisoning. A new biological test method accurately monitors PCP levels, crucial for public health. In five subjects, serum PCP concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 40 ng/ml. This diagnostic approach, a key part of pharmaceutical studies and practices, leverages drug metabolism principles: administering vitamin C and collecting specific urine samples significantly aids identification. Such biological evaluation improves medicine, guiding screening for PCP and related compounds in emergency room patients, especially those with psychosis and "pot" smoking history.
Abstract
A radioimmunoassay procedure has been developed to monitor patients suspected of phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication. Symptoms in 11 patients suspected of phencyclidine intoxication included violent, aggressive behavior with delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and other signs of toxic psychosis. In five subjects serum concentrations of PCP ranged between 0.5 and 40 ng/ml. For laboratory confirmation, ascorbic acid should be administered to the patient after collecting the initial urine specimen. The initial urine and the first and second specimen after acidification should be collected and submitted for analysis. By following this provocative mobilization procedure, phencyclidine has been identified in the first or second postacidification urine when the initial specimen gave either a negative or questionable reaction. Patients reporting to emergency rooms with hallucinations and psychosis and a history of "pot" smoking should be screened for the presence of phencyclidine in their blood and urine. For those cases that turn out to be negative for the phencyclidine group of compounds, other hallucinogenic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide, ketamine, mescaline, or psilocybin may be suspect.