Drug analyses in capillary blood, dried blood samples (DBS)

Chromatographic drug analyses (LC-MS/MS) in capillary blood and DBS (dried blood samples) respectively are of increasing importance. A quick and reliable detection of a possible drug abuse is especially important with patients in substitution programmes. Using dried blood samples can be unequivocally assigned to patients and the number of detectable substances is generally larger than in urine. As an example, the consumption of heroin can be explicitly proven by detecting not only morphine but also 6-monoacetylmorphine. The identification of specific benzodiazepines is also possible. Furthermore, increased levels of THC-COOH can be for regular cannabis consumption.
The collection of capillary blood is a standardized procedure in which a micro sampling device allows for a quick and hygienic sample collection.
Dried blood samples, taken with a micro sampler, can be analysed for drugs and psychotropic medication:
1. Drug screening (code: DBSLC) |
Cannabinoids: THC, THC-COOH, THC-CO |
Opiates: Morphine, 6-Monoacetylmorphine, Codeine, Dihydrocodeine |
Cocaine: Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine, Norcocaine |
Amphetamine: Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, MDA, MDMA |
Methadone: Methadone, EDDP |
Benzodiazepines: Diazepam, Nordiazepam, Oxazepam, Alprazolam, Bromazepam, Flunitrazepam, 7-Aminoflunitrazepam, Lorazepam, Clonazepam |
Opioids: Buprenorphine, Norbuprenorphine, Tilidine, Nortilidine, Oxycodone, Tramadol, O-Desmethytramadol, Fentanyl, Norfentanyl |
Medication: Ketamine |
Z-Drugs: Zopiclone, Zolpidem, Zaleplon |
2. Screening for psychotropic medication (code: DBSLM) |
About 60 different substances, among them antidepressants, neuroleptics, anticonvulsants and analgesics |