Tech Saturday: Fingerprint Drug Tests

A new wave of drug testing tech has developed within the last few years. By analyzing the sweat in fingerprints, Intelligent Finger Printing is able to accurately test for amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, and opiates. The fingerprint drug tests that are now being conducted allow for a more hygienic, quicker, and overall more convenient test process.

How It Works

This efficient test utilizes the sweat residue left behind from the grooves of your fingertips. While many drugs are metabolized by the body in different ways, some are excreted through sweat glands. Cocaine is detectable anywhere from 2 to 48 hours after use, while amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cannabis are anywhere from 2 hours to one week. Opiate-based drugs follow a similar timeline.

This test operates similarly to a standard pregnancy test. The fingerprint sample is placed at one end of a test strip that is then drawn through a membrane that tags the questionable molecules with a fluorescent probe or colored dye. The sample is then coated with antibodies that will only bind with the specific molecules that were tested for (i.e. the substances in question).

The Application

With these cartridges, a sample can be collected in under one minute. The application for fingerprint drug tests are endless. For starters, they’re much faster, more hygienic, and easier to use. They are cheaper because there is no need for gender-specific sample collectors. They’re significantly smaller and just as reliable. Lastly, they’re nearly impossible to cheat.

In the future, we could see these used on athletes before competitions, on-the-job site to get immediate results, and even for police-use since these are non-invasive tests. This innovation creates a nearly immediate way to test for a variety of the most commonly abused drugs and could end up saving lives by aiding in the prevention of substance abuse in general.

When it comes to the future, Avantguard has you in mind. Reach out to us today to find out what we offer and what we can do for you or your business.