A Rapid and Sensitive Method for Determination of Morphine in Saliva of Opium Addicts

Background: Saliva is an alternative biological matrix in drug testing. It has several advantages in comparison with other biological fluids such as blood and urine. C:::Jlection of saliva is simple, noninvasive and can be controlled under direct observation in drug abusers, or opium addicts. Methods: In the present study we report our experience with saliva collection, liquid-liquid extraction and quali-quantitation of morphine abuse. The GC-MS method was applied to the analysis and determination of morphine in saliva samples obtained from addicted persons. Results: LOD of the method was lng/ml and LOQ 5 ng/ml, with acceptable within-and between-day reproducibility and a linearity (r^2=O.998) over a concentration range from 5 to 500ng/m\. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that saliva may have potential use for identification of patients suspected to drug abuse.