Method and apparatus for detecting target substances using gradient determination
Inventors
Lynn, Michael Scott • Oh, Seong-Kun
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11703516-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-ready sampling device(s) and methods for acute detection of substances of abuse by analyzing first and second temporally spaced samples from a person. The samples include a first analysis substance indicative of or corresponding to a first target substance, and a processing unit receives or obtains these samples via sampling module(s) and performs detection routines to determine amounts of the first analysis substance and a second analysis substance at different times.
At a first time, the processing unit determines a first amount of the first analysis substance, and at a second time a first time period after completion of the first set of steps, the processing unit determines a second amount of a second analysis substance. Based on the first amount and the second amount, the processing unit determines a gradient that represents a time-dependent change in detected substance levels across the sampling interval.
The processing unit generates one or more signals based on the determined gradient and indicative of at least one of a presence or amount of the first target substance. In example embodiments, the gradient is compared to a predetermined gradient profile(s) to confirm recent or acute target substance exposure, and the apparatus includes sampling module(s), a processing unit, an output unit, optional data communication, and single-use replaceable sampling cartridges.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim set covers an apparatus and a method. Across the independent claims, the inventive concept includes time-spaced determination of analysis substance amounts, gradient determination from those amounts, and signal generation indicative of presence or amount of a target substance, with additional claim-dependent refinements that constrain relationships between analysis substances, use of predetermined gradient profiles, output generation, processing-unit control, and mass spectrometry modalities.
Time-spaced analysis amount determination for target indication
Performs a first set of steps at a first time to determine a first amount of a first analysis substance, and performs a second set of steps at a second time that is a first time period after completion of the first set of steps to determine a second amount of a second analysis substance in one or more samples.
Gradient determination from temporally spaced amounts
Determines a gradient based on the first amount and the second amount.
Signal generation from determined gradient
Generates one or more signals based on the determined gradient and indicative of at least one of a presence or amount of the first target substance.
Apparatus with sampling modules and processing unit
Provides one or more sampling modules configured to receive one or more samples from a person including a first analysis substance indicative of or corresponding to a first target substance, and a processing unit operatively coupled to the sampling modules and configured to perform the first and second determinations, determine a gradient, and generate one or more signals.
Method receiving samples and performing gradient-based detection
Provides a method comprising receiving one or more samples for one or more analysis substances including a first analysis substance indicative of or corresponding to a first target substance, performing first and second sets of steps at temporally spaced times to determine first and second amounts, determining a gradient, and generating one or more signals indicative of at least one of a presence or amount of the first target substance.
Second analysis substance relationship to target substance
Configures the second analysis substance to be indicative of or correspond to the first target substance, including embodiments where the second analysis substance is the same as the first analysis substance.
Predetermined gradient comparison for signal generation
Generates one or more signals by comparing the gradient to a predetermined gradient.
Sampling and processing performed under processing-unit control
Configures the apparatus so that a first sampling process corresponding to the first set of steps is performed under control of the processing unit.
Mass spectrometry modality constraint for sampling processes
Configures first and second sampling processes to correspond to at least one mass spectrometry technique including gas chromatography mass spectrometry, high pressure mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, or two dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry.
Overall, the claim coverage focuses on gradient-based confirmation of recent or acute exposure by determining amounts of analysis substances at first and second times, determining a gradient from those amounts, and generating signals indicative of presence or amount of a target substance. Dependent claim coverage further constrains the relationship between analysis substances and the target, uses predetermined gradient comparison, adds output generation in some embodiments, constrains processing and sampling control, and specifies mass spectrometry modalities.
Stated Advantages
Confirms recent or acute target substance exposure based on gradient-derived signaling.
Generates signals indicative of at least one of a presence or amount of the first target substance.
Uses predetermined gradient profile(s) by comparing the determined gradient to support confirmation.
Documented Applications
Acute detection of substances of abuse using temporally spaced analysis of samples from a person and gradient-based signal generation.
Roadside-ready handheld sampling device application for detection of substances of abuse.
Detection routines for THC and THC metabolites including 11-OH-THC and THC-COOH, and optionally alcohol and/or other drugs including codeine, cocaine, morphine, and methamphetamine.
Use of mass spectrometry modalities including GCMS, LCMS, high pressure MS, and two-dimensional GCMS as part of detection routines.
Interested in licensing this patent?