Latent Fingerprint Drug Screening for Drug Addiction (V6 date12.07.18)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To Study the Effectiveness of latent fingerprints as a drug screening tool in those attending treatment for drug addiction.
IRAS ID
227423
Contact name
Kim Wolff
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kings College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
2017-004272-54, EudraCT Reference
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
The study evaluates effectiveness of Latent Fingerprints as a drug screening tool in those attending treatment for drug abuse, and assessing ease of use. Validation will assess ergonomics of fingerprint testing (convenience, discretion, avoiding body fluids), versus established drug screening methods using oral fluid, blood and urine, for derivatives of Cocaine, Amphetamines, Cannabis, Morphine and Benzodiazepines (BZO) Buprenorphine (BUP), Methadone (MTD), 2-Ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) and Methamphetamine (MET). Laboratory based "Reference" methods (Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy LCMS) will also be used to confirm drug presence in each collected matrix. Two specially designed cartridges from Intelligent Fingerprinting [Company] comprise a screening tool and a collection tool. The screening device uses Antibody-based technology (fluid chemistry), whilst the collection device is used for independent Laboratory Reference analysis (UKAS accredited)and only stores the fingerprint (no chemistry), having tamper-evident sealing technology to ensure that the latent fingerprint remains intact during transport and measurement of fingerprint drugs, via the independent Laboratory. UKAS are an independent body who make sure that methods used to analyse chemicals by Reference Laboratory conform to requirements of ISO 17025 (ie. are properly carried out). The study should prove that methods used within Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening services provide an easy-to use system. Professional ease of use for the screening and latent fingerprint collection cartridges (sent away to the reference Laboratory) will be assessed. The fingerprint drug detection methods used will be compared against other more invasive confirmatory and screening tests currently available, requiring oral fluid, blood or urine samples. The Reader 1000 is CE marked for electrical safety, but the not CE marked to the Medical Devices or In Vitro Diagnostic Device Regulation. The Drug Screening device is used as intended (MHRA confirm it is not a Medical or In Vitro Diagnostic). Full training will occur via Intelligent Fingerprinting who loan the device.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1636
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion