USDTL Research
The Identification of Prenatal Exposure to Mitragynine Using Umbilical Cord Tissue
Mary Ellen Wright, Donna Coy, Joseph Jones, Andre Sukta, Amy Racines, Mary Jones
First published: 2022 DOI: 10.4236/ajac.2022.134011
Abstract

Recovery ward NICU hospital | Sourced by Freepik© Stock
Objective
Kratom is widely available and literature exploring the effects of prenatal kratom exposure is lacking. This study aims to report a validated method for the detection of mitragynine in the umbilical cord and report our observations for specimens received at a national commercial reference laboratory.
Study Design
Assays were validated according to the recommendations of ANSI/ASB. A retrospective evaluation of records at a national reference laboratory was conducted to determine prevalence and co-exposure to other substances of abuse.
Result
Mitragynine was detected in 19 of 4456 specimens (0.43%) with concentrations ranging from 4 to >50 ng/g. Thirteen (13) of these specimens were positive for only mitragynine while the other 6 were also positive for either marijuana or opiates.
Conclusion
Umbilical cord is a suitable specimen type for the surveillance of maternal kratom use and can be used to identify exposed neonates for further investigations into short- or long- term health consequences.
Keywords: Kratom, Mitragyna Speciose, Mitragynine, Umbilical Cord, Prenatal Exposure, Maternal Drug Use
Published by: United States Drug Testing Laboratories on 31-May-2022
https://www.usdtl.com/media/articles/the-identification-of-prenatal-exposure-to-mitragynine-using-umbilical-cord-tissue
Contact USDTL
1.800.235.2367
Client Services
By Phone: 1.800.235.2367
Business Hours (CST)
Monday....................7am-7pm
Tuesday....................7am-7pm
Wednesday.............7am-7pm
Thursday..................7am-7pm
Friday........................7am-7pm
Saturday...................8am-5pm
Newsletters, Posters, and Catalogs
Our print materials will keep you up to date on the latest news in drug and alcohol testing.
Request Your Collection Supplies
For your convenience, USDTL provides test collection supplies at no additional charge.