Method and apparatus for detecting target substances using detection routines
Inventors
Lynn, Michael Scott • Oh, Seong-Kun
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11703515-B2
Publication Date
2023-07-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods and devices for sampling, processing and identifying use of a substance or substances of abuse are provided. Systems and kits for sampling, processing and identifying acute use of a substance of abuse is also provided.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to handheld roadside-capable methods and apparatus for acute detection of substances of abuse using oral fluid and/or exhaled breath. One or more sampling modules process multiple samples for one or more analysis substances, and a processing unit executes detection routines to determine whether predetermined amounts of target analysis substances are present. The system generates signals or indications based on whether the predetermined amounts are present in the acquired samples.
Sample acquisition is performed over a first time period for a first sample and a second time period that is concurrent with the first time period for a second sample that is different from the first sample. Respective routines are executed for the first and second samples to determine whether predetermined amounts of a first analysis substance and a second analysis substance are present. The generated output is based on the presence determinations for the first and second analysis substances.
The detection uses temporally spaced measurements to compute a gradient or gradient profile from level changes. The approach confirms recent or acute use using a gradient slope and, optionally, metabolite and half-life profile information. The document further describes examples of instrument architecture and analytical techniques for detection, including mass spectrometry, GC-MS, and LC-MS.
Claims Coverage
The document contains two independent claims: an apparatus claim and a method claim. Each independent claim covers concurrent sample acquisition of two different samples, separate routines or steps to determine whether predetermined amounts of first and second analysis substances are present, and generating signals or an output based on the determinations. The dependent claims add gradient-based amount determination, half-life-based determination, selection of specific target substances, and repetition of determinations when a not-present result occurs.
Concurrent first and second time period sample acquisition
Over a first time period, perform a first sample acquisition for a first sample, and over a second time period concurrent to the first time period, perform a second sample acquisition for a second sample that is different from the first sample.
Separate first and second routines to determine presence
Execute a first routine over the first time period to determine whether a predetermined amount of a first analysis substance is present in the first sample, and execute a second routine over the second time period concurrent to the first time period to determine whether a predetermined amount of a second analysis substance is present in the second sample.
Signals or output based on presence in both samples
Generate one or more signals based on whether the predetermined amount of the first analysis substance or the second analysis substance is present in the first and second sample; in the method, generate an output based on whether the predetermined amount of the first analysis substance is present and whether the predetermined amount of the second analysis substance is present.
Gradient-based amount determination from multiple times
Determine whether the predetermined amount of a first analysis substance is present by executing the first routine at multiple times to determine a first gradient and calculating the amount of the first analysis substance from the first gradient.
Second analysis substance gradient-based amount determination
Determine whether the predetermined amount of the second analysis substance is present by executing the second routine at multiple times to obtain a second gradient and calculating the amount of the second analysis substance from that second gradient.
THC-containing first target and different second target
Configure the first analysis substance to indicate or include a first target substance comprising THC, and configure the second analysis substance to indicate or include a different second target substance.
Specific second target substance set
Configure the second target substance as codeine, cocaine, morphine, or methamphetamine.
Half-life based amount determination
Determine amounts of the first and/or second analysis substances based at least on their respective half-lives.
Across the independent apparatus and method claims, the core coverage is concurrent acquisition of different samples and execution of separate routines or steps to determine whether predetermined amounts of a first analysis substance and a second analysis substance are present, followed by generating signals or an output based on both presence determinations. Dependent claim refinements add gradient-based calculation from multiple times, optionally half-life-based determination, selection of THC-containing first targets and different second targets, inclusion of specific listed drug options for the second target, and repetition of determinations when a not-present result occurs.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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