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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Drug Screening

Methadone Metabolite

A methadone metabolite (EDDP) urine test is a qualitative screening that specifically detects EDDP (2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine), the primary metabolite of methadone. Testing for EDDP confirms that methadone has been ingested and metabolised.

What It Measures

This test specifically detects EDDP, the primary inactive metabolite produced when methadone is processed by the liver. While a standard methadone test may detect the parent drug, EDDP testing confirms actual ingestion and metabolism, rather than mere sample contamination.

This distinction is important in treatment compliance monitoring, as the presence of EDDP confirms that methadone was consumed and metabolised, not simply added to the sample.

Why It Matters

EDDP testing provides a higher level of confidence in treatment compliance monitoring than parent methadone testing alone. Because EDDP is only produced through hepatic metabolism of methadone, its presence definitively confirms ingestion.

This is particularly valuable in supervised treatment programmes where verifying actual medication compliance is essential for patient safety and programme integrity.

When to Test

Testing is primarily relevant for methadone maintenance therapy compliance monitoring, where confirming actual ingestion and metabolism is important. It may also be used in conjunction with parent methadone testing for a more complete assessment.

Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on when EDDP-specific testing adds value to the monitoring protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between methadone and EDDP testing?
Methadone testing detects the parent drug, while EDDP testing detects the metabolite produced after the body processes methadone. EDDP testing confirms actual ingestion and metabolism, providing stronger evidence of compliance than parent drug testing alone.
How long can EDDP be detected in urine?
EDDP is generally detectable in urine for a similar duration as methadone, approximately 3 to 7 days after ingestion. Detection windows may vary with chronic use, dosage, and individual metabolic factors.
What should I expect from an EDDP urine test?
The test involves providing a urine sample, which is analysed specifically for EDDP. Results are qualitative, indicating whether the metabolite is detected above the assay threshold. This test is often performed alongside a parent methadone test for comprehensive monitoring.