Randox Toxicology, UK, introduces three new ELISA testing kits for the detection of sedative drugs Zopiclone, Zaleplon and Zolpidem.
These drugs behave in a similar ways to benzodiazepines, a psychoactive drug which was traditionally used for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia. The Z drugs are found in prescription medications; Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata, however they should only be used for a short time period as extended use can lead to tolerance.
The misuse of Z drugs is widespread as a result of both dependence and recreational use.
Despite medical advice, many people continue to take these drugs for longer periods than their intended usage; leading to a potential overdose and hazardous consequences. Incidents of unusual or inappropriate behaviour have been linked to misuse of Z drugs, with patients having no memory of their actions. Some users have reported sleepwalking, sleep driving, binge eating, and performing other daily tasks while asleep. These side effects are troubling in a society were sleeping pills have boomed in popularity.
These ELISA kits are for detection of Z drugs in urine and blood specimens.
The Zolpidem ELISA offers Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.4ng/ml in urine and 0.52ng/ml in blood.
The Zopiclone and Zaleplon ELISA kits are for the rapid detection of these drugs. The company also provides an automated ELISA plate reader, capable of reading 96 wells in 30 seconds.
In addition to the Z drug ELISA kits, the company provide a multiplex Biochip Array that targets Zolpidem, Zopiclone, Zaleplon, and their metabolites simultaneously from a single, undivided specimen. The advanced multiplex method consolidates ELISA tests onto a small 9 x 9mm biochip, allowing toxicologists to quickly detect these sedatives.
[Source: Randox Toxicology]
