Buprenorphine
Toxicology Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Buprenorphine is an opiate analgesic derived from Thebaine, an alkaloid found in the opium poppy Papaver somniferum. Buprenorphine is licensed for use in the treatment of opiate addiction and for pain relief in the operating theatre environment. Its use in opiate dependence is relatively new in the UK, although in France it has mostly replaced methadone, as overdose and death are far less common for clients treated with buprenorphine. This can be partly attributed to buprenorphine’s mixed agonist and antagonist effects on opiate receptors, which also partly precipitate withdrawal and make dose reduction less traumatic.
Buprenorphine is supplied in tablet form (Subutex or Temgesic) and must be taken sublingually, and its effects are more prolonged than for other opioids. This means that its potential for abuse is less than methadone, and coupled with its better safety record in other countries, this makes its use in the UK more common. There is some evidence of buprenorphine being available on the street and being injected, although its properties and formulation makes this less attractive to heroin users than methadone or other opiates.
Sample Requirements
Please send at least 30mL in a plain universal container for a full drug screen. Very small samples will be accepted, but they may not be adequate for full testing and confirmation.
Storage and Transport
Refrigerate if possible and send by first class post to:
Toxicology Unit
Top Floor, Bessemer Wing
King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
If possible, please complete the request form attached and send as a hard copy (do not send electronically) with the sample. This will ensure all relevant information is available and will aid us in processing your test.
PDF Request Form
Download Buprenorphine Request Form
Turnaround Time
Results are normally available same day.
Time Limit for Extra Tests
Samples will be kept for 7 days from receipt. Additional drug tests may be requested during this time if required.
Please list all medication (excluding food or vitamin supplements) to enable a full interpretation.
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Note: Price is reduced when combined with a routine drug screen, please specify when enquiring
Contacts
Ms Michelle Birch
Tel: 020 3299 5883
Fax: 020 3299 5888
