1. The ABCs of Drug Testing
Travis Mays
Section Head
Analytical Chemistry
(Drug Testing & Toxicology)

2. The Evolution of Drug Testing

3. Testing Methodologies
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Poor sensitivity
An art to the science
Masking Agents
Time consuming
Testing Methodologies

4. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Improved sensitivity
Cross-reactivity
Expensive

5. Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS and GC/MS)
Better sensitivity
Accurate identification by mass
Large drug libraries
More automation

6. Livestock Show Drug Testing

7. Livestock Show Drug Testing
~60 shows/fairs in TX, including all Majors
~18 out of state shows (OK, NM, KS, MN, NE, LA, ND, MS, AZ, KY, TN, IN, GA, ID, MO, UT)
>3,500 samples annually

8. Drug Classes Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Growth Promoting Drugs
Steroids
Stimulants
Analgesics
Sedatives/Tranquilizers
Antipsychotics
Muscle Relaxers
Antidepressants
Illicit Drugs (Drugs of Abuse)
Anticonvulsants

9. Testing Overview

10. How Drug Testing is Conducted
Screening
Sample aliquot is extracted to isolate and concentrate target compound(s)
The extract is screened by LC-MS
Sample is either negative or suspicious
If suspicious, sample undergoes confirmation testing

11. Screening

12. Screening

13. How Drug Testing is Conducted
Confirmation
A new aliquot is extracted targeting the suspicious drug(s)
The extract is analyzed using LC-MS/MS
If confirmed, the sample is reported as a positive finding

14. Confirmation

15. Screening
LC/MS
LC/MS/MS

16. Quantitative Testing
We can provide drug concentrations for samples reported as positive
Sample volume: Must have minimum amount required
Used primarily for therapeutic drugs
Interpretation
What does the level indicate?
Currently no published data to provide interpretation
Future research projects pending

17. Sample Matrix Options Urine (20cc minimum) Serum/Plasma (5cc minimum)
Feces – Poultry (*rabbits) (5g minimum)
Retina Tissue – Beta-agonists (one intact, frozen eye)
Tissue (20g minimum)
Liver
Muscle
Kidney

18. Urine vs. Serum Urine Serum/Plasma
What has the animal recently been exposed to (hours to days)
Can detect metabolites
More difficult to collect
Serum/Plasma
What is in the animal’s system at the time the sample was collected
Lose ability to detect some metabolites
Lose sensitivity for some drugs
Easier to collect

19. Fee Structure Accession fee - $6 (per submission)
Cost of testing (urine and serum/plasma) - $70
Quantitation – Additional $70
Retinas - $140
Tissue - $70
Turn-around Time – 5 to 10 business days
May require an additional 1-3 days for quantitative testing

20. Submitting a Sample Order supplies in advance
120mL sterile urine $0.40/ea.
Evidence $13.05/box

22. Chain of Custody

23. Split Sample Testing
Split samples are collected and retained by the show (maintain chain of custody)
If a sample is reported as Positive:
The show will have the split sample tested at an independent lab OR
The show will allow the owner to request a split sample test if not already performed by the show
Can be expensive (~$500-$1,000)

24. Questions?? Travis Mays tmays@tvmdl.tamu.edu 979-845-3414