Methamphetamine is a potent sympathomimetic agent with therapeutic applications. The drug can be taken orally, injected, or inhaled. Acute higher does lead to enhanced
stimulation of the central nervous system and induce euphoria, alertness, reduced appetite, and a sense of increased energy and power. Cardiovascular responses to
methamphetamine include increased blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias. More acute responses produce anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, and eventually,
depression and exhaustion. Large doses and extended usage can result in higher tolerance levels and physiological dependency and may lead to substance abuse. The effects
of methamphetamine generally last 2~4 hours, and the drug has a half-life of 9~24 hours in the body. Methamphetamine is excreted in the urine primarily as amphetamine
and oxidized and deaminated derivatives. However, 10~20% of methamphetamine is excreted unchanged. Thus, the presence of the parent compound in the urine indicates
methamphetamine use. Methamphetamine is generally detectable in the urine for 3~5 days, depending on urine pH level. The SD BIOLINE MET test is a rapid urine screening test
that can be performed without the use of an instrument. A cut-off value of 1,000ng/ml has been established as a guideline for screening results by the National Institute on Drug
Abuse (NIDA). A sample containing methamphetamine at 1,000ng/ml or greater is considered positive. Samples with lesser values are considered negative. All presumptive positive
results must be confirmed by an approved method.