A simplified thin-layer chromatography system for the detection of commonly abused basic drugs.

A simple method for the detection of drugs of abuse and their metabolites in urine is described. By extraction of urine (20 mL) with a buffered ToxElut solid phase column all the commonly abused opioid drugs can be detected on a single thin-layer chromatography plate. Location of the spots is achieved by spraying the plate with iodoplatinate following acidification with dilute sulphuric acid. Sensitivity of the order of 1 mg/L is attained for most drugs.