Biochips ease postmortem blood screening

Randox has developed biochip array technology, based on ELISA principles, for multi-analyte screening.

Randox Drugs of Abuse (DoA) biochips permit the simultaneous analysis of up to 10 drug classes per array from a single blood sample.

Each biochip (9mm x 9mm) contains discrete test regions (DTRs), in which capture antibodies specific to each drug class are immobilised and stabilised.

In addition, two DTRs are reserved on the biochip for quality control.

Postmortem blood can be screened using biochips with a simple dilution of blood, eradicating the need for the lengthy and expensive sample clean-up associated with postmortem blood.

Two DoA arrays are currently available.

DoA Array I allows simultaneous determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine, barbiturates, benzodiazepine 1 and 2, cannabinoids, the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine, methadone, opiates and phencyclidine.

DoA Array II allows simultaneous determination of buprenorphine, fentanyl, generic opioids, oxycodone 1 and 2, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, methaqualone and propoxyphene.

With as little as 60ml of diluted blood, the evaluation of the DoA arrays demonstrates high analytical performance in a rapid format.

The DoA assays are applicable to two biochip analysers.

The fully automated Evidence (FDA-cleared) has been designed for high-throughput laboratories and will generate up to 900 test results per hour.

Once samples are loaded onto the Evidence analyser, the doors are locked and the PC interface is password-protected, providing chain-of-custody information.

The semi-automated Evidence Investigator is suitable for medium-size laboratories and will generate up to 540 test results in 80 minutes.

Randox biochip array technology will ensure reliable and rapid postmortem screening of multiple drugs of abuse per sample, guaranteeing confidence in results and ultimately saving time and reducing costs.

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