Psilocin identified in a DUID investigation

Abstract

Psilocin was identified in a urine specimen collected during a routine driving under the influence of drugs investigation, the first for this laboratory. The subject did not exhibit any response to an automobile crash, indicating the he may have been unaware of the severity of the situation or his immediate surroundings. The urine specimen gave a positive result on a fluorescence polarization immunoassay amphetamine/methamphetamine assay, and psilocin was determined to have 1.3% cross-reactivity at 50 mg/L. Psilocin was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry following an extraction for acidic, neutral, and basic drugs. Hydrolysis and derivatization techniques were not employed. The urine concentration of psilocin decreased rapidly, although the specimen was maintained at 4°C.