Drug Testing Methods Research Articles

A handheld fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay platform for highly sensitive point-of-care detection of methamphetamine and tramadol

The escalating issue of drug abuse poses a significant threat to public health and societal stability worldwide. An on-site drug detection platform is vital for combating drug abuse and trafficking, as it eliminates the need for additional tools, extensive processes, or specialized training. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a fast, sensitive, non-invasive, and reliable multiplex drug testing platform. In this study, we have presented a silica core@dual quantum dot-shell nanocomposite (SI/DQD)-based fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platform for the highly sensitive and simultaneous point-of-care (POC) detection of methamphetamine (MET) and tramadol (TR). A 3D-printed attachment was designed to integrate optical and electrical components, facilitating the miniaturization of the instrument and reducing both cost and complexity. The device's advanced hardware and effective fluorescence extraction algorithm with waveform reconstruction enable swift, automatic noise reduction and data analysis. SI/DQD nanocomposites were utilized as fluorescent nanotags in the LFIA strips due to their outstanding luminous efficiency and robustness. This LFIA platform achieves impressive detection limits (LODs) of 0.11 ng mL−1 for MET and 0.017 ng mL−1 for TR. The method has also successfully detected MET and TR in complex biological samples, demonstrating its practical application capabilities. The proposed fluorescent LFIA platform, based on SI/DQD technology, holds significant promise for the swift and accurate POC detection of these substances. Its affordability, compact size, and excellent analytical performance make it suitable for on-site drug testing, including at borders and roadside checks, and open up new possibilities for the design and implementation of drug testing methods.

Comparing drug testing methods in the trucking industry: The drug and alcohol clearinghouse versus hair testing

AbstractThe Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 mandated urine drug testing for U.S. truck drivers but some trucking companies prefer hair testing because it has a longer look back period and better detects lifestyle drug users. Previous research established that 276,500 current truck drivers may be disqualified if they submitted to hair drug tests instead of federally accepted urinalysis. This research compares hair and urine drug test results provided by eight U.S. trucking companies who are members of the alliance for driver safety and security (i.e., the trucking alliance) with urine test results drawn from the federal drug and alcohol clearinghouse to determine the differences in hair versus urine positivity rates and drugs detected. Results indicate that hair testing has a 6.00% positivity rate, 4.01% higher than urine. If this difference were generalized to the drivers who submitted urine tests to the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, hair testing would have likely disqualified 57,337 additional drivers in 2020. Results further indicate urine testing is better able to detect marijuana while hair testing is superior in detecting cocaine and opioids. This implies federal agencies should consider allowing hair test results to be submitted to the drug and alcohol clearinghouse to support a more drug‐free driver workforce.

Detection of 26 Drugs of Abuse and Metabolites in Quantitative Dried Blood Spots by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

A method was developed for the determination of 26 drugs of abuse from different classes, including illicit drugs in quantitative dried blood spots (qDBSs), with the aim to provide a convenient method for drug testing by using only 10 μL of capillary blood. A satisfactory limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.5 ng/mL for 9 of the compounds and 5 ng/mL for 17 of the compounds and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.75 ng/mL for 9 of the compounds and 1.5 ng/mL for 17 of the compounds were achieved for all analytes. Reversed-phase liquid chromatography was applied on a C18 column coupled to MS, providing selective detections with both +ESI and -ESI modes. Extraction from the qDBS was performed using AcN-MeOH, 1:1 (v/v), with recovery ranging from 84.6% to 106%, while no significant effect of the hematocrit was observed. The studied drugs of abuse were found to be stable over five days under three different storage conditions (at ambient temperature 21 °C, at -20 °C, and at 35 °C), thus offering a highly attractive approach for drug screening by minimally invasive sampling for individuals that could find application in forensic toxicology analysis.

Performance Evaluation of Multi-Drug Rapid Test for Rapid Detection of Multiple Drugs and Drug Metabolites in Human Blood Samples

Objective: The Multi-Drug Rapid Test Cassette, developed by Hangzhou AllTest Biotech Co., Ltd, is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay designed for the qualitative detection of multiple drugs and drug metabolites in human whole blood, serum, or plasma. It aims to simultaneously detect various abused substances, including Amphetamine (AMP), Barbiturates (BAR), Benzodiazepines (BZO), Buprenorphine (BUP), Cocaine (COC), Cannabis (THC), Methadone (MTD), Methamphetamine (MET), 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), Morphine (MOP/OPI), Propoxyphene (PPX), Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), Oxycodone (OXY), 2-Ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP), Cotinine (COT), Tramadol (TML), Fentanyl (FYL), 3,4-Methylenedioxy pyrovalerone (MDPV), Synthetic cannabinoids(K2), Phencyclidine(PCP), Ketamine(KET), Lysergic acid diethylamide(LSD), 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine(MDA), Acetaminophen(ACE), Ketamine(CAT), 6-Monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), Zolpidem (ZOL), AB-PINACA (ABP/K3). Therefore, the present research was done to evaluate the diagnostic performance of this test. Material and Method: In this study, the accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of the drug testing methods were assessed. Approximately 100 specimens of each drug, obtained from previous drug screening tests, were tested. The results were compared to confirmatory analysis using GC/MS, and the accuracy of the testing was determined based on the comparative classification results. The evaluation of precision included measuring the consistency of measurements within a single run, between different runs, and among different operators, using the AllTest multi-drug detection tool across three different hospitals and three different batches. To evaluate the sensitivity of the detection method, various concentrations of drugs were added to a pool of whole blood, serum, or plasma without any drugs. The positive and negative results obtained from the testing were analyzed to assess the method’s ability to detect drugs at different concentrations. Results: In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Multi-Drug Rapid Test Cassette developed by Hangzhou AllTest Biotech Co., Ltd. The results demonstrated excellent performance of the test in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and precision. Conclusion: The Multi-Drug Rapid Test Cassette developed by Hangzhou AllTest Biotech Co., Ltd exhibited reliable detection of multiple drugs and drug metabolites, providing trustworthy results for drug abuse screening. These findings have significant implications for drug control and monitoring, as well as supporting the broad application of this test in clinical and legal settings.

Narco Analysis: A Comparative Study with Respect to India and Western Countries

Microanalysis, a research method that uses pharmacological agents to induce a relaxed state in subjects to gather information, has become a controversial practice in criminal investigations worldwide. This research paper undertakes an in-depth comparative analysis of drug testing methods in the Indian context and Western countries and unravels the complex legal, ethical and procedural web surrounding its application. The historical development of microanalysis unfolds against the backdrop of differently developed legal frameworks in Indian and Western jurisdictions. This study moves through the maze of legal complexities, examining the legal provisions, court decisions and precedents that shape the permission and limitations of drug testing in both regions. A careful examination of procedural changes forms the backbone of this study, where we explore the step-by-step processes involved in drug testing. A comparative analysis reveals the different protocols followed in India and selected Western countries, revealing the roles of medical professionals and legal authorities in facilitating or controlling the procedure. Ethical considerations that explore the moral implications of using drug testing as an interrogation are central to this debate. Public and professional opinion in India and the West is considered, illuminating different perspectives that contribute to the ongoing debate on the ethics of drug testing. The study brings together clear case studies where pharmacoanalysis has been used and highlights the similarities and differences between Indian and Western applications. As noted in the paper, it synthesizes key findings and considers the broader implications of comparative research. The study discusses the future trajectory of drug analysis, considering possible trends, emerging technologies and alternative methods that may shape the landscape of research practices in both India and the West.

High-sensitivity neonatal urine drug testing has similar positivity rates to meconium fordetecting in utero exposure to methamphetamine andcocaine.

Current guidelines recommend universal screening for substance use disorders in obstetric patients, and neonatal drug testing is also frequently performed. Meconium is often the preferred specimen type to detect neonatal drug exposure due to a longer window of detection compared to urine, but most laboratories send out meconium testing to specialized reference laboratories, which can delay results for several days or more. Here, we evaluate a rapid and definitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for neonatal urine drug testing and compare results obtained using this method to paired meconium drug testing in 1,424 neonates for amphetamines, cocaine, cannabinoids, opiates, oxycodone and phencyclidine. Urine testing showed equivalent sensitivity to current meconium methods for detecting in utero exposure to amphetamines and cocaine.

3D bioprinted tumor-vessel-bone co-culture scaffold for breast cancer bone metastasis modeling and drug testing

Bone metastasis is one of the most common complications of advanced breast cancer (BrCa) with a poor clinical prognosis, due to the lack of effective drugs and therapeutics. Traditional screening systems for anti-cancer drugs are not capable of exactly reflecting the efficacy of drugs in vivo, mainly because they cannot replicate the dynamic metastasis process involving primary tumor, blood circulation and bone microenvironment. To precisely simulate the behavior of native BrCa cells, herein, a biomimetic 3D co-culture metastatic model composed of tumor, hollow vascular, and bone tissues is fabricated by one-step 3D bioprinting method for effective drug testing. Gelatin methacryloyl-based photocrosslinkable bioinks containing breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and osteoblasts (h-OB) are applied to highly imitate the native metastatic niches with the formation of blood vessels, vascularized tumors, as well as vascularized bone tissues. The dynamic invasion behavior of BrCa cells from original sites to bone tissues through blood vessels is reproduced, and the interactive effect of cancer, vascular and bone cells are investigated. Moreover, the 3D co-culture metastatic model allows for higher drug resistance of BrCa cells than 2D culture and 3D mono-culture models. These results demonstrate that the 3D bioprinted co-culture metastatic model facilitates in-depth understanding of the basic mechanisms of BrCa migration and provides a physiologically relevant platform for the development of new therapeutic drugs.

In Situ Detection of Neuroinflammation using Multi-cellular 3D Neurovascular Unit-on-a-Chip.

The human neurovascular system is a complex network of blood vessels and brain cells that is essential to the proper functioning of the brain. In recent years, researchers have become increasingly interested in the role of this system in developing drugs to treat neuroinflammation. This process is believed to contribute to the development of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. While much remains to be learned about the precise mechanisms by which the neurovascular system interacts with the brain and how it can be targeted for therapeutic purposes, this area of research holds great promise for the future of neurology and medicine. Currently, creating neurovascular models begins with animal models, followed by testing on humans in clinical trials. However, the high number of medication failures that pass through animal testing indicates that animal models do not always reflect the outcome of human clinical trials. To overcome the challenges of neurovascular systems and the issues with animal models, we have developed a one-of-a-kind in vitro neurovascular unit-on-a-chip to accurately replicate the in vivo human neurovascular microenvironment. This neuroinflammation-on-a-chip platform has the potential to enhance the current methods of drug development and testing to treat neurodegenerative diseases. By replicating the human neurovascular unit in vitro, a more accurate representation of human physiology can be achieved compared to animal models. The ability to detect pro-inflammatory cytokines in situ and monitor physiological changes, such as barrier function, in real-time can provide an invaluable tool for evaluating the efficacy and safety of drugs. Moreover, using nano-sized graphene oxide for in situ detection of inflammatory responses is an innovative approach that can advance the field of neuroinflammation research. Overall, our developed neuroinflammation-on-a-chip system has the potential to provide a more efficient and effective method for developing drugs for treating neurodegenerative diseases and other central nervous system (CNS) diseases.

Characterisation and automated quantification of induced seizure-related behaviours in Xenopus laevis tadpoles.

Epilepsy, a clinical diagnosis characterised by paroxysmal episodes known as seizures, affects 1% of people worldwide. Safe and patient-specific treatment is vital and can be achieved by the development of rapid pre-clinical models of for identified epilepsy genes. Epilepsy can result from either brain injury or gene mutations, and can also be induced chemically. Xenopus laevis tadpoles could be a useful model for confirmation of variants of unknown significance found in epilepsy patients, and for drug re-purposing screens that could eventually lead to benefits for patients. Here, we characterise and quantify seizure-related behaviours in X. laevis tadpoles arrayed in 24-well plates. To provoke acute seizure behaviours, tadpoles were chemically induced with either pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). To test the capacity to adapt this method for drug testing, we also exposed induced tadpoles to the anti-seizure drug valproate (VPA). Four induced seizure-like behaviours were described and manually quantified, and two of these (darting, circling) could be accurately detected automatically, using the video analysis software TopScan. Additionally, we recorded swimming trajectories and mean swimming velocity. Automatic detection showed that either PTZ or 4-AP induced darting behaviour and increased mean swimming velocity compared to untreated controls. Both parameters were significantly reduced in the presence of VPA. In particular, darting behaviour was a shown to be a sensitive measure of epileptic seizure activity. While we could not automatically detect the full range of seizure behaviours, this method shows promise for future studies since X. laevis is a well-characterised and genetically tractable model organism.

A Novel Method to Determine the Longitudinal Antibacterial Activity of Drug-Eluting Materials.

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely used in total joint arthroplasties as a load-bearing surface. Periprosthetic joint infections, the majority of which occur shortly after joint replacement, constitute almost 25% of total knee revision surgeries, and the complete eradication of bacterial infection poses a major challenge. A promising way to tackle this problem is to ensure the local sustained delivery of antibiotic concentrations sufficient to inhibit the bacteria to support routine systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. There is increased research into the development of efficient local drug delivery devices. Although established antibacterial testing methods for drugs can be used to test the antibacterial efficacy of drug-eluting materials, they are lacking in terms of providing real-time and longitudinal antibacterial efficacy data that can be correlated to the elution profiles of antibiotics from these devices. Here, we report a direct and versatile methodology to determine the antibacterial efficacy of antibiotic-eluting UHMWPE implants. This methodology can be used as a platform to avoid bacterial culture at each time point of a lengthy experiment and can also be adapted to other local drug delivery devices.

A Human Oral Fluid Assay for D- and L- Isomer Detection of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Using Liquid-Liquid Extraction.

Medical providers are increasingly confronted with clinical decision-making that involves (meth)amphetamines. And clinical laboratories need a sensitive, efficient assay for routine assessment of D- and L-isomers to determine the probable source of these potentially illicit analytes. This paper presents a validated method of D- and L-isomer detection in human oral fluid from an extract used for determination of a large oral fluid assay (63 analytes) on an older AB SCIEX 4000 instrument. Taken from the positive extract, D- and L-analytes were added. The method for extraction included addition of internal standard and a 2-step liquid-liquid extraction and dry-down step to concentrate and clean the samples. The samples were suspended in 50% MeOH in water, diluted with mobile phase, with separation and detection accomplished using LC-MS/MS to determine analyte concentration. Once samples were confirmed positive for (meth)amphetamine from the large oral fluid assay, they were further examined for the enantiomeric forms with 50 μl aliquots of the standards and samples of interest combined with 450 μl of D- and L-assay mobile phase, then analyzed using chiral column separation, and LC-MS/MS detection with standard curve spanning the range from 2.5 to 1000 ng/mL. The result is a sensitive and accurate detection of D- and L-isomers of amphetamine and methamphetamine in human oral fluid performed on an older model mass spectrometer (AB SCIEX 4000). The novelty of this assay is twofold (a) the 2-step liquid-liquid extraction and dry-down step to concentrate and clean the samples, and (b) its adoption characteristics as a reflex test from a large ODT panel without the need to invest in newer or expensive LC-MS/MS instruments. Finally, this assay also has potential to add a valuable option to high-throughput laboratories seeking a D- and L-testing alternative to urine drug testing methods.

Scalable large-area mesh-structured microfluidic gradient generator for drug testing applications.

Microfluidic concentration gradient generators are useful in drug testing, drug screening, and other cellular applications to avoid manual errors, save time, and labor. However, expensive fabrication techniques make such devices prohibitively costly. Here, in the present work, we developed a microfluidic concentration gradient generator (μCGG) using a recently proposed non-conventional photolithography-less method. In this method, ceramic suspension fluid was shaped into a square mesh by controlling Saffman Taylor instability in a multiport lifted Hele-Shaw cell (MLHSC). Using the shaped ceramic structure as the template, μCGG was prepared by soft lithography. The concentration gradient was characterized and effect of the flow rates was studied using COMSOL simulations. The simulation result was further validated by creating a fluorescein dye (fluorescein isothiocanate) gradient in the fabricated μCGG. To demonstrate the use of this device for drug testing, we created various concentrations of an anticancer drug-curcumin-using the device and determined its inhibitory concentration on cervical cancer cell-line HeLa. We found that the IC50 of curcumin for HeLa matched well with the conventional multi-well drug testing method. This method of μCGG fabrication has multiple advantages over conventional photolithography such as: (i) the channel layout and inlet-outlet arrangements can be changed by simply wiping the ceramic fluid before it solidifies, (ii) it is cost effective, (iii) large area patterning is easily achievable, and (iv) the method is scalable. This technique can be utilized to achieve a broad range of concentration gradient to be used for various biological and non-biological applications.

Ordered micropattern arrays fabricated by lung-derived dECM hydrogels for chemotherapeutic drug screening.

AimsThis study aims to evaluate ECM-coated micropattern arrays derived from decellularization of native porcine lungs as a novel three-dimensional cell culture platform.MethodsECM derived from decellularization of native porcine lungs was exploited to prepare hydrogels. Then, dECM-coated micropattern arrays were fabricated at four different diameters (50, 100, 150 and 200 ​μm) using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Two lung cancer cell lines, A549 and H1299, were tested on a dECM-coated micropattern array as a novel culture platform for cell adhesion, distribution, proliferation, viability, phenotype expression, and drug screening to evaluate the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel, doxorubicin and cisplatin.ResultsThe ECM derived from decellularization of native porcine lungs supported cell adhesion, distribution, viability and proliferation better than collagen I and Matrigel as the coated matrix on the surface. Moreover, the optimal diameter of the micropattern arrays was 100–150 ​μm, as determined by measuring the morphology, viability, proliferation and phenotype of the cancer cell spheroids. Cell spheroids of A549 and H1299 on dECM-coated micropattern arrays showed chemoresistance to anticancer drugs compared to that of the monolayer. The different distributions of HIF-1α, MCL-1 (in the center) and Ki-67 and MRP2 (in the periphery) of the spheroids demonstrated the good establishment of basal-lateral polarity and explained the chemoresistance phenomenon of spheroids.ConclusionsThis novel three-dimensional cell culture platform is stable and reliable for anticancer drug testing. Drug screening in dECM-coated micropattern arrays provides a powerful alternative to existing methods for drug testing and metabolic profiling in the drug discovery process.

Cubosomic Supramolecular Solvents: Synthesis, Characterization, and Potential for High-Throughput Multiclass Testing of Banned Substances in Urine.

This paper was intended to efficiently extract multiclass prohibited substances in human sport drug testing by using supramolecular solvents (SUPRASs) made up of cubosomes. These SUPRASs, here first reported, are synthesized by the salt-induced coacervation of 1,2-hexanediol in urine. The formation of square and rounded cubosomes with a size range of 140-240 nm was confirmed by electron microscopy. These nanostructures consisted of 1,2-hexanediol, salt, and a high water content (36-61%, w/w). Their applicability in multiclass determinations was investigated by the extraction of 92 prohibited substances (log P from 2.4 to 9.2) belonging to the 10 categories of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list. Variables influencing both recoveries and matrix effects were optimized. Cubosomic SUPRASs showed high extraction efficiency and interference removal capability, which was attributed to their large hydrophilicity and surface area. Both features were superior to those of the other 11 SUPRASs that were based on sponge droplets and inverted hexagonal aggregates and to those of conventional organic solvents. A sport drug-testing method based on cubosomic SUPRAS-LC-ESI-MS/MS was proposed and validated. Around 82-95% of drugs were efficiently extracted (recoveries 70-120%) in urine samples, and 81-92% did not present matrix effects. The method detection limits (0.001-4.2 ng mL-1) were all far below WADA's limits. The proposed SUPRAS-based sample treatment is as simple as QuEChERS, but the distinctive features of cubosomes confer them high capability in multiclass determinations.

A critical review of drug testing policy in the Philippines

The drug policy in the Philippines is written as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act 9165. Unlike drug policies in other countries, the law includes policies on drug testing. Aside from mandatory drug testing for specific situations, the law states further that two testing methods should be employed—a screening test, and a confirmatory test to be performed if the former yields a presumptive positive result. Over 1000 drugs of abuse screening laboratories are scattered all over the Philippines, but only seven can perform confirmatory testing using either gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technologies. In the last 30 years, more sophisticated analytical technologies like liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry such as liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) have been developed not only to confirm what has been detected on screening tests, but also to determine the presence of new psychoactive substances that are not usually detected in drug screening. New matrices are also being utilized for the detection of drugs. The drug testing policy in the Philippines will have to keep up with the changing drug trends and drug testing innovations in the world to truly address the current administration's war on drugs. With the adoption of new drug testing methods using modern analytical platforms, the cut-offs used for drug testing interpretation should be updated.

Development of a high-throughput differential mobility separation–tandem mass spectrometry (DMS-MS/MS) method for clinical urine drug testing

IntroductionDifferential mobility separation (DMS) is an analytical technique used for rapid separation of ions and isomers based on gas phase mobility prior to entering a mass spectrometer for analysis. The entire DMS process is accomplished in fewer than 20 ms and can be used as a rapid alternative to chromatographic separation. ObjectiveThe primary objective was to evaluate the utility of DMS-tandem mass spectrometry (DMS-MS/MS) as a replacement for immunoassay-based clinical toxicology testing. MethodsA sensitive DMS-MS/MS method was developed and validated for simultaneous identification of 33 drugs and metabolites in human urine samples. After DMS optimization, the method was validated and used to screen 56 clinical urine samples. These results were compared to results obtained by immunoassay. ResultsThe DMS-MS/MS method achieved limits of detection ranging from 5 to 100 ng/mL. Moreover, the total analysis time was 2 min per sample. For the method performance evaluation, DMS-MS/MS results were compared with previously obtained urine toxicology immunoassay results. DMS-MS/MS showed higher sensitivity and identified 20% more drugs in urine, which were confirmed by LC-MS/MS. ConclusionThe DMS-MS/MS as applied in our lab demonstrated the capability for rapid drug screening and provided better analytical performance than immunoassay.

Liver microphysiological platforms for drug metabolism applications.

Drug development is a costly and lengthy process with low success rates. To improve the efficiency of drug development, there has been an increasing need in developing alternative methods able to eliminate toxic compounds early in the drug development pipeline. Drug metabolism plays a key role in determining the efficacy of a drug and its potential side effects. Since drug metabolism occurs mainly in the liver, liver cell‐based alternative engineering platforms have been growing in the last decade. Microphysiological liver cell‐based systems called liver‐on‐a‐chip platforms can better recapitulate the environment for human liver cells in laboratory settings and have the potential to reduce the number of animal models used in drug development by predicting the response of the liver to a drug in vitro. In this review, we discuss the liver microphysiological platforms from the perspective of drug metabolism studies. We highlight the stand‐alone liver‐on‐a‐chip platforms and multi‐organ systems integrating liver‐on‐a‐chip devices used for drug metabolism mimicry in vitro and review the state‐of‐the‐art platforms reported in the last few years. With the development of more robust and reproducible liver cell‐based microphysiological platforms, the drug development field has the potential of reducing the costs and lengths associated with currently existing drug testing methods.

Updates in Chemical Analysis of Drugs of Abuse

Introduction: Drug abuse is a worldwide crisis, and illicit drug testing is widely applied daily both clinically and forensically. Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is the traditional confirmatory gold standard for drug testing and is used for non-targeted substance screening, however, it is limited to volatile non-polar compounds. Liquid chromatography- tandem MS (LC-tandem-MS) has become a new gold standard for its ability to identify more types of analytes (polar and non-polar). In contrast to GC-MS, it is not suited for non-targeted drug screening as different optimal parameters are set for each drug. Aim: Describe the advanced techniques for testing illicit substances and then, recommend the most appropriate ones for point of care (POC) settings. Results: High-resolution-MS (HRMS) such as time of flight MS (Tof-MS), made the analysis of compounds of same molecular masses but with different formulas possible. Quadrupole Tof-MS is suited for non-targeted substance screening. Another novel technology is the emergence of miniature ambient ionization MS, that is portable and can analyze unprepared samples in native environment within one minute. Ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) is another advance that can identify compounds including isomers with high resolution within seconds and portable devices are available. Portable Raman and near infrared (NIR) spectrometers have allowed fast screening for drugs and have been efficiently used for other on-site forensic applications. Hence, these advanced techniques are promising for quick detection of illicit drugs in a POC setting. Conclusion: HRMS is an accurate comprehensive method for qualitative and quantitative testing in laboratory settings. Miniature ambient ionization MS is very rapid with no sample preparation, but it is more expensive than other alternatives in POC testing. Thus, the best methods for POC drug testing are portable IMS, portable Raman spectrometer, and handheld NIR spectrometer for their accurate, easy, and quick analysis within seconds with affordable costs.

Advanced ADA-GEL bioink for bioprinted artificial cancer models

One of the main problems encountered in cancer pathologies is the lack of proper in vitro systems resembling the architecture of tumoral tissues. Since 2D surfaces do not represent the morpho-mechanical characteristics of malignant milieus, 3D systems are rapidly gaining interest in the field of Biomaterials for Cancer Research.In this work, we used a new kind of hydrogel-based scaffold constituted by crosslinked alginate di-aldehyde (ADA) and gelatin (GEL) to mimic the tumoral milieu in vitro by biofabrication. For this purpose, flat 2D films and 3D bioprinted scaffolds were crosslinked with solutions of calcium, barium, and combinations of the two. These structures were analyzed in terms of their chemical and mechanical properties, as well as their biological compatibility in the presence of the tumoral cell line HCT116 (colorectal cancer).Our results indicate that ADA-GEL, crosslinked with these divalent ions, can perform effectively as an artificial cancer model, matching the mechanical properties of colorectal tumors, as well as enabling cell growth in confinement. Furthermore, the use of different combinations of divalent ions allowed the tailoring of the mechanical properties of the material.The cell-loaded ADA-GEL constructs are not significantly affected by the type of crosslinking ion. The best outcome was achieved when 3D printed structures were produced with an ADA concentration of 2.5 (w/v)% and crosslinked with barium, showing remarkable results in terms of printability and mechanical properties. With this composition and barium as the crosslinking ion, a stiffness of 44.97 kPa was achieved, compared with calcium crosslinked samples, where it was only possible to achieve an elastic modulus of 21.55 kPa.This work demonstrates that ADA-GEL-based matrices are a very interesting option to perform as tumor-like scaffolds, which could be used to improve current methods of drug testing as well as for personalized medicine.

The Opioid Epidemic Within the COVID-19 Pandemic: Drug Testing in 2020.

The convergence of the opioid epidemic and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created new health care challenges. The authors analyzed changes in clinical drug testing patterns and results at a national clinical laboratory, comparing data obtained before and during the pandemic. Testing for prescription and illicit drugs declined rapidly during the pandemic, with weekly test volumes falling by approximately 70% from the baseline period to the trough (the week beginning March 29) before rising in subsequent weeks. Among individuals tested, positivity increased by 35% for non-prescribed fentanyl and 44% for heroin during the pandemic. Positivity for non-prescribed fentanyl increased significantly among patients positive for other drugs: by 89% for specimens positive for amphetamines; 48% for benzodiazepines; 34% for cocaine; and 39% for opiates (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). These findings suggest significant increases in dangerous drug combinations. Positivity for non-prescribed use of many other drugs remained consistent or declined for some drugs, relative to pre-pandemic patterns. Models adjusting for potential confounding variables, including medication-assisted treatment and treatment at a substance use disorder facility indicated that the risk for non-prescribed fentanyl positivity rose by more than 50% during the pandemic. In summary, these findings demonstrate decreased drug testing overall, with increased positivity for high-risk drugs and dangerous drug combinations. The convergence of the drug abuse epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased need for health care and public health resources dedicated to supporting vulnerable patients and addressing the underlying causes of these disturbing trends.