Automated Fluorometric Determination of Amphetaminein Urine

A completely automated fluorometric determination of amphetamine in urine is described and evaluated. The dihydrolutidine derivative produced by reaction of amphetamine with formaldehyde and acetylacetone is excited at 410 nm and the resulting intensity of fluorescence measured at 476 nm. The working limit of detection of amphetamine in fresh urine (1.5-ml samples) is 0.15 mg/liter. A result is produced for the first sample in about 20 min; subsequent results are obtained at 2-min intervals. Falsely positive reactions are given by 2-phenylethylamine and tuaminoheptane.