Creative Diagnostics has developed a monoclonal antibody and conjugate designed specifically for the detection of xylazine in biological matrices. They are ideal for developing simple, rapid, and robust immunoassays for veterinary drug monitoring.
Xylazine is a sedative and analgesic medication that is commonly used in veterinary medicine to calm and restrain animals, especially horses. It belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists and works by slowing down the central nervous system and reducing sensory perception. While it is generally considered safe when used correctly and in appropriate doses, it can have harmful effects if misused or abused. One of the main concerns about xylazine is that it can cause respiratory depression, which can be especially dangerous in some animals or if the drug is combined with other sedatives or narcotics. Xylazine can also cause a range of other side effects, including changes in heart rate and blood pressure, ataxia or lack of coordination, dizziness, lethargy, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Additionally, xylazine has a high potential for abuse and can be dangerous when used recreationally or in combination with other substances.
Fig. 1 Adrenergic receptors (Valverde, A. 2010)
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reporting indicates that xylazine prevalence is increasing, spreading beyond the traditional white-powder heroin markets in the northeastern United States where it has been seen for several years. Xylazine was most commonly found in polydrug mixtures, often in mixtures containing fentanyl. When combined with fentanyl or other synthetic opioids, xylazine can increase the potential for fatal overdoses, as the similarity in pharmacological effects can further reduce respiratory function.
The detection of xylazine in biological matrices is important for forensic and clinical evaluation. Xylazine can be detected using various analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and immunoassays. These methods have different detection limits and sensitivities, and their selection depends on the intended use or application. GC-MS is considered the gold standard due to its high sensitivity and specificity, but it requires labor-intensive sample preparation and specialized equipment. On the other hand, LC-MS/MS provides rapid analysis, high throughput and can simultaneously detect multiple compounds. Immunoassays are convenient and easy to perform, but they have lower sensitivity and may produce false positive results.
References
| Type | Cat. No | Product Name | |
| Antibody | CABT-Z547M | Mouse Anti-Xylazine Monoclonal Antibody, clone XLZ | Inquiry |
| Antigen | DAG-WT056 | Xylazine [BSA] | Inquiry |
