If the donor were to claim that they had a methamphetamine positive because they used a Vicks inhaler, then the MRO would order a D/L isomer separation to determine if the drug present in the specimen is at least 80% L-methamphetamine. If the specimen contains more than 20% D-methamphetamine, then the donor is to be considered positive for illicit methamphetamine use.
D-Methamphetamine abuse is widespread. Methamphetamine labs appear nationwide in primarily rural settings. Street names for the hydrochloride salt include Speed and Crank. The drug may be administered orally in capsules or tablets, snorted, or smoked.
The L form of methamphetamine (L-methamphetamine), which produces primarily peripheral effects, is available over the counter (OTC) in the Vicks and other generic nasal inhalers also in some prescribed medications.
The Medical Review Officer (MRO) cannot review the test properly without the D/L isomer testing. This test is ordered after a methamphetamine positive when the donor claims us of the over the counter nasal inhalers.
Methamphetamine (also called meth, crystal, chalk, and ice, among other terms) is an extremely addictive stimulant drug that is chemically similar to amphetamine. It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder.
Learn more about Methamphetamine.
