Use of Elisa for the Detection of Common Drugs of Abuse in Forensic Whole Blood Samples

Abstract

The Elisa immunoassay technique was tested on whole blood samples for potential application in forensic toxicology blood screening programs. Kits tested included cocaine and metabolites, cannabinoids, phencyclidine (PCP), amphetamines and opiates. Detection limits were found to be lower using the Elisa technique in comparison to standard enzyme multiplied immunoassay (EMIT®)2 procedures used in Royal Canadian Mounted Police Toxicology sections. In addition to an improvement in sensitivity, it was noted that the procedure itself saved analyst's time in that the extraction steps required for EMIT analysis were eliminated. The technique was found inherently flexible in that the choice of matrix or tissue for analysis could be easily adapted to a simple standard procedure.