New Automated Drugs-of-Abuse Tests

Nine new automated tests for drugs of abuse comprise tests for cannabinoid, opiates, benzodiazepine, methadone, phencyclidine, propoxyphene, cocaine, amphetamine, and barbiturates.

The new all-liquid assays are available for use on the Advia 1650 and 2400 chemistry systems of Bayer HealthCare, diagnostics division (Tarrytown, NY, USA). These systems provide high-speed, automation-compatible testing platforms with a comprehensive menu of more than 60 assays, including general and special chemistry, specific protein, therapeutic drug monitoring, as well as drug-of-abuse methods and other applications. With open channels for user-defined applications, Advia chemistry systems offer cost-effective workstation consolidation.

"These nine new assays strengthen Bayer's automated menu of chemistry tests and offer lab professionals a more comprehensive panel for reliably testing patients for the presence of illegal drugs,” commented Tom Warekois, senior vice president, Global Strategic Marketing, Bayer HealthCare. "Combined with the specialty parameters already available on the Advia systems, the addition of these specific drugs-of-abuse assays provides healthcare professionals with a more robust clinical perspective of the patient, allowing for the most appropriate treatment regimen.”

Most recent data collected by the United Nations International Drug Control Program demonstrates the severity of drug abuse globally and estimates that around eight million people abuse opiates/heroin in Southeast and Southwest Asia. Some 13 million people abuse cocaine worldwide, with the highest prevalence in the United States; 141 million consume cannibis annually; and 30 million abuse amphetamine-type stimulants.




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