False Negative GC/MS Assay for Carboxy THC Due to Ibuprofen Interference

A case of a false negative THC metabolite confirmation by GC/MS is presented. A urine specimen testing positive by the EMIT d.a.u. Cannabinoid 100-ng assay was subjected to confirmation by a GC/MS procedure designed to detect the methyl derivative of 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH). No methylated THC-COOH was found. Analysis of the specimen by the TOXI-LAB Cannabinoids TLC procedure yielded a positive confirmation. Subsequent work-up of the specimen revealed a high concentration of ibuprofen, which is shown to interfere with the methylation of THC-COOH. Reanalysis of the specimen by GC/MS with an increased amount of methylating reagent yielded a positive result.