Rapid Drug Test Strips
Submitted by
Ibrahim A. Zahran
Principle
• The mobile rapid screening tests for drug detection are “lateral
flow tests” or “vertical flow tests”.
• The methodology is based on a reaction that follows the lock-
and-key principle.
• The test only shows a positive result if the drug and antibody fit
together perfectly.
• Vaccination has been utilised to obtain suitable antibodies for
use in rapid drug tests. Sheep, pigs, rabbits, chicken or mice are
given a “vaccine” containing a specific drug.
» Their bodies respond to vaccination by producing a specific
antibody for the drug. This creates the perfect “lock” to
match the “key” that is the drug.
• Each strip consists of various zones. The most important area is
the conjugate pad. This is the location of the drug-specific
antibodies, which are labelled with microscopic gold
particles.
• The sample (e.g., saliva) is transferred to the sample pad
which then flows along the test strip in the direction indicated
How the (lateral flow tests) or the strip is dipped in the sample (e.g.,
urine) and the sample migrates upward through capillary action
test works (vertical flow tests).
• The test then is completed in 2 ways:
A. First way
➢ If the sample contains molecules of drugs, these combine with the
specific antibodies and are carried together as a complex to the
test line.
» Antibodies are fixed in place at the test line, and these also
respond to the specific drug. They catch the complexes
comprising the drug and gold-labelled antibodies as it swims
past. The small gold particles produce the typical red colour
How the test of a positive test line.
works ➢ The remaining gold-labelled antibodies are carried on with the
liquid as far as the control line, where they are bound by other
antibodies at the control line and a red color is produced.
» A coloured control line indicates that the test has been
performed correctly with sufficient liquid and has produced a
valid result.
➢ Excess fluid at the end of the test strip is absorbed by the wicking
pad.
➢ The positive result shows red test line and red control line,
while the negative result shows only red control line.
How the
test works
First way
B. Second way
➢ If the sample contains molecules of drugs, these combine with the
specific antibodies and are carried together as a complex to the
test line.
» Drug-protein conjugates are fixed in place at the test line.
The complexes can’t bind to the conjugate at the test line
and so no red color appears.
How the test ➢ The complexes are carried on with the liquid as far as the control
line, where they are bound by other antibodies at the control line
works and a red color is produced.
» A coloured control line indicates that the test has been
performed correctly with sufficient liquid and has produced a
valid result.
➢ Excess fluid at the end of the test strip is absorbed by the wicking
pad.
➢ The positive result shows only red control line, while the
negative result shows red test line and red control line.
Common drugs
tested for
Drug Cutoff Level Detection Period
• The most common drugs are
cocaine (COC), marijuana (THC), Marijuana 50 ng/mL 3-30 Days
methamphetamines (mAMP), and Cocaine 300 ng/mL 2-4 Days
Opiates (OPI).
Opiates 2000 ng/mL 2-4 Days
• 4 Panel Testing Levels and
Methamphetamines 1000 ng/mL 3-5 Days
Detection Periods:
Thank you
