Synthetic Cannabinoids-1 & -2 Urine HEIA

Specialty Diagnostix offers a multi-pronged approach to the analysis of synthetic cannabinoids to counter the new Spice compounds rapidly emerging on the market.

The Synthetic Cannabinoids-1 assay has been the first commercially available homogeneous enzyme immunoassay for the detection of synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites in urine.

With the new Synthetic Cannabinoids-2 assay, we provide the means to challenge the next generation of Spice and other herbal blends, such as UR-144 or XLR-11. This homogeneous enzyme immunoassay effectively complements the already available Synthetic Cannabinoids-1 assay.

The combination of these two assays provides a potent screening tool for a wide range of synthetic cannabinoids. Neither of the two kits requires any sample preparation. Both offer a high throughput and excellent sensitivity, specificity and efficiency, and present a broad cross-reactivity profile. Together, they enhance their individual screening capacities for optimal results.

• Qualitative determination of synthetic cannabinoids in urine
• Antibody identifies naphthoylindole metabolites
• Detection of the majority of synthetic cannabinoid compounds, e.g. JWH-018, JWH-073, AM-2201 and their free and conjugated metabolites
• Liquid, ready-to-use reagents, calibrators and controls – no need for reconstitution
• Application protocols for all major clinical chemistry analysers
• Packaging tailored to match most routine laboratory workloads

• Qualitative determination of the newest generation of synthetic cannabinoids in urine
• Highly sensitive detection of UR-144 and XLR-11, including their derivatives
• Comprehensive, rapid and cost-effective screening solution
• Liquid, ready-to-use reagents, calibrators and controls – no reconstitution required
• Application protocols for all major clinical chemistry analysers
• Packaging tailored to match most routine laboratory workloads

For the past several years, smokeable herbal mixtures known under various brand names, mostly as ‘Spice’ or ‘K2’, have become easily accessible on the Internet and in various specialised shops. Their content design implies that their psychotropic, cannabis-like effect is caused by special natural and ‘exotic’ herbs such as Beach Bean, Blue Lotus Flower, Dwarf Skullcap, Skullcap Indian Warrior, Indian Lotus and the like.

In reality, the psychotropic effects are induced by synthetic cannabinoids such as JWH-018 (1-pentyl-3(1-naphthoyl)indole) and its analogues that have been added to the herbal mixtures. These synthetic substances act as full agonists at both the CB₁ and CB₂ cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid System (ECS), thus mimicking the psychoactive effects of cannabis (THC = Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol).

Synthetic cannabinoids have been developed over the past 40 years as potential pharmaceutical agents in pain management. However, most of the synthetic cannabinoids are by far more potent than THC, in some cases up to 800 times. Because of the resulting high potential of abuse, “Spice” products have become illegal in most countries, thus creating a need to screen for these substances.