From the Guidelines
In drug screening, MET stands for methadone, a synthetic opioid medication primarily used to treat opioid use disorder and chronic pain. When a drug test indicates "MET positive," it means methadone or its metabolites have been detected in the sample 1. Methadone works by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain as other opioids like heroin or morphine, but it produces a more stable, long-lasting effect without the extreme highs and lows. This makes it valuable for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs where it helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in individuals recovering from opioid addiction. Standard drug panels specifically test for methadone separately from other opioids because its chemical structure is different enough that it may not trigger a positive result on a general opioid screen 1. Methadone typically remains detectable in urine for 2-4 days after use, though this can vary based on dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. Key points to consider in interpreting drug test results include:
- Understanding the limitations of the selected matrix and the substances for which the drug panel tests
- Being aware of potential cross-reactivity with other substances, such as certain prescription medications or foods 1
- Knowing the individual's complete medical history, including prescribed medications, to accurately interpret drug test results.
From the FDA Drug Label
Methamphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine with CNS stimulant activity. The answer to what "Met" stands for in drug screening is: Methamphetamine 2
From the Research
Definition of MET in Drug Screening
- MET is an abbreviation for methamphetamine, a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant 3
- In the context of drug screening, MET refers to the detection of methamphetamine in urine samples using various analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) 3, 4, 5, 6
- Methamphetamine is a widely abused substance, and its detection is an essential component of comprehensive drug screening in clinical toxicology laboratory services 4, 5
Analytical Techniques for MET Detection
- GC-MS is a widely used technique for the confirmation of methamphetamine in urine samples 3, 4, 5, 6
- Other techniques, such as immunoassays and colorimetric tests, may also be used for initial screening, but GC-MS is often considered the gold standard for comprehensive drug screening 4, 5
- Extractive acylation and liquid-liquid extraction are sample preparation methods that can be used prior to GC-MS analysis 6, 7
Importance of MET Detection
- Methamphetamine abuse is a significant public health concern, and accurate detection is crucial for patient management and clinical toxicology laboratory services 4, 5
- Comprehensive drug screening, including MET detection, is essential for providing better patient care and preventing drug-related harm 4, 5