Development of test strips for rapid buprenorphine detection in vitro.

Abstract Objectives Buprenorphine (BUP) is the primary treatment for narcotic addiction, but it is often abused by opioid-dependent patients in many countries. For timely and effective detection and controlling the amount of BUP used in therapy, a rapid and sensitive test is needed. In the present study, we describe the development of test strips using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for the detection of BUP. Design and methods The MAbs were generated from hybridomas, and purified MAbs were used to create colloidal gold–antibody conjugates that were placed in the test strips. Results The BUP test strips had a limit of detection (LOD) of 12.5 ng/mL and did not cross-react with other drugs tested at physiological levels. Conclusions Therefore, this assay has sufficient sensitivity and specificity for BUP detection in urine specimens so that the dosage of BUP given to individuals being treated for opioid dependence can be monitored.