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Determination of the prevalence of drug misuse by meconium analysis

¹ Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, UK
² Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
³ University of Glasgow, Glasgow

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr Williamson
University Department of Maternal and Child Health Sciences, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK; scott.williamson{at}tuht.scot.nhs.uk

ABSTRACT
In a pilot study to determine the local prevalence of maternal drug misuse, meconium from 400 infants was analysed for metabolites of eight controlled drugs. Cannabinoids were found in 13.25%, cocaine in 2.75%, and amphetamine in 1.75%. The prevalence of opiate and benzodiazepine misuse was masked by the presence of prescribed drugs so was undeterminable.

Keywords: meconium; maternal drug misuse; gas chromatography/mass spectrometry