System and method for target substance identification
Inventors
Lynn, Michael Scott • Tang, Hamilton Roger • Bechtel, Kate L. • Holst, Peter A. • WOLF, Jacob A. • LIMTAO, Kevin M.
Assignees
Triple Ring Technologies Inc • Hound Labs Inc
Publication Number
US-9933445-B1
Publication Date
2018-04-03
Expiration Date
2036-07-22
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Abstract
Systems and techniques for detecting a target substance, such as THC, in a breath constituent sample are provided.
Core Innovation
The patent discloses a system and method for detecting a target substance, specifically tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in an exhaled breath sample. The innovation uses an integrated system with interconnected components, including an elution port, sample reservoirs, an indicator chamber, buffer and solvent reservoirs, calibration reservoirs, and an optical measurement chamber. The process is controlled by multiple valves and a controller with processors and memory, executing instructions to automate the handling and analysis of the breath sample.
The problem addressed by the invention is the difficulty in accurately and conveniently detecting minute amounts of THC in human breath, given challenges such as low concentrations and the presence of interfering substances. Unlike alcohol, THC remains in the body for extended periods and common detection methods like blood or urine tests can yield false positives. Breath-based detection provides a non-invasive and immediate assessment of recent THC exposure, particularly useful during roadside stops for suspected impaired driving.
The disclosed system captures a breath sample on a catch medium, elutes any THC with a solvent, and then processes the eluent sequentially. A basic buffer is added to stabilize the sample, followed by an aqueous diazotized fluorophore solution to form a fluorescent-labeled THC adduct. This adduct is extracted into a nonpolar layer and analyzed optically for luminescence, with calibration samples used for accurate quantification. The modular design may include features like activation cells, mixing chambers with specialized siphons, cleaning cycles, and options for cartridge-based consumables, making the system adaptable for field use.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim describing a THC detection system with multiple inventive features.
Integrated THC detection system with controlled fluidic handling
The system incorporates: - An elution port, sample reservoir with sample solvent, indicator chamber with indicator, solvent reservoir, buffer reservoir (basic buffer), first and second calibration sample reservoirs, and an optical measurement chamber. - A plurality of valves configured to control fluid flow among these components. - A controller with one or more processors and memory, where the memory stores computer-executable instructions to automate the system operations. The fluidic design allows automated sequential processing of breath, calibration, buffer, and solvent flows for THC detection.
Automated sample and calibration processing sequence
The controller executes instructions to: 1. Convey the breath constituent sample from the elution port to the sample reservoir. 2. Combine the indicator with the breath sample to form a sample adduct (if THC is present). 3. Combine the solvent with the sample adduct. 4. Deliver the combined sample adduct and solvent to the optical measurement chamber. 5. Repeat the process for first and second calibration samples to form calibration adducts (with and without THC), combine with solvent, and deliver to the optical measurement chamber. 6. Permit combination of a basic buffer with the breath constituent sample to enhance stability of formed adducts. This orchestrated sequence enables systematic and reproducible analysis.
In summary, the inventive features cover a comprehensive, controlled THC detection system that automates sample and calibration processing through coordinated fluid handling and integrated control for optical luminescence measurement.
Stated Advantages
Provides a portable and accurate system for quantifying THC in exhaled human breath.
Enables convenient, non-invasive breath-based THC detection suitable for roadside analysis.
Mitigates false positives compared to blood or urine testing by specifically targeting recent THC exposure detectable in breath.
Documented Applications
Detection of THC in a person's breath for use during traffic stops or suspected driving-under-the-influence scenarios.
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