Oxycodone is an analgesic (pain-killer), which works by affecting the central nervous system. Oxycodone generally causes opiate-like effects when used. It is equal to morphine in analgesic effects and also in relieving self-restraint symptoms from chronic opiate (heroin, morphine) use. Oxycodone’s behavioral effects can last up to 5 hours. The continuous-release formula has a longer duration of affect (8-12 hours). In a study it is revealed that Oxycontin was twice as potent as MS Contin for causing Opiate effects. Oxycodone is a potentially addictive opioid analgesic medicine and Schedule II controlled substance synthesized from opium alkaloid thebaine. It is a strongly controlled substance that have a commonly accepted medical use such as medication for treatment of pain in cancer patients.

Why Oxycodone is Tested Separately

Oxycodones (Percodan, Percocet, Roxicodone and Oxycontin) are synthetically manufactured opiates and they are not directly refined from the opium poppy resin source. The chemical structure of Oxycodone requires a separate test with a substantially higher detection levels than that of the regular Opiate drug test. Consequently, a positive test result will not only confirm Oxycodone but other opiates as well. The 2000 ng/ml detection level of the regular opiate test would not detect Oxycodone. Here, Oxycodone test is not Oxycodone specific but opiate specific.

The Oxycodone Test

Oxycodone Test uses a unique method of monoclonal antibodies to identify Oxycodone and it's metabolites in urine. Oxycodone Test technology incorporates a chromatographic absorbent device. The drug or drug metabolites in the urine sample compete with an opiate derivative on a porous membrane for limited antibody sites. This is the preferred scientific method for qualitative assay. In the assay procedure, urine mixes with labeled antibody-dye conjugate and gives the test results.

This assay can be considered as only a preliminary analytical test result. In the case of a positive result more specific tests should be conducted on the sample to confirm the result. For this, more specific alternative chemical method such as high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) must be used in order to obtain a confirmed analytical result.

This information about the Oxycodone and its metabolites and the Oxycodone drug test will help you in understanding about the Oxycodones.