Automated drug testing is on the rise in both clinical and forensic settings. More and more laboratories are turning to automation to meet the demand for rapid, high-throughput drug screening. Modern clinical lab automation integrates robotics, computers and liquid handling to save time and reduce human error.1 Let’s examine how the trend towards automation impacts testing for drugs of abuse.
| “Automation has proven to be advantageous for drug testing labs. It reduces the amount of time spent on manual analysis and increases accuracy. Automated sample preparation, such as automated pipetting systems, can significantly reduce sample handling mistakes by ensuring precise delivery of samples into instruments or wells.” - Wolfe Inc2 |
We can see the advantages of the automation trend clearly in drugs of abuse testing. Bench-top analyzers and LC-MS (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry) platforms now handle entire workflows, from sample reception to electronic results reporting. This ensures faster turnaround and more reliable data.
As well as improving speed and accuracy, automation in drugs of abuse testing helps improve cost-effectiveness and legal compliance:3
Examples of automated drug testing workflows:
Atellica® Solution - Siemens Healthineers3b
Workflow agility:
Thermo ScientificTM IndikoTM Plus - Thermo Fisher Scientific3c
Laboratory analyzers themselves are also highly automated. For example, immunoassay systems can process large batches of urine or saliva samples with minimal user input. By integrating sample preparation, reaction, and detection, systems like this bring laboratory-level accuracy to PoC (point of care) or onsite testing.4,5
Automated analyzers (immunoassay or MS-based) speed up screening and greatly reduce manual errors.1
High-end mass spectrometry platforms are another pillar of automation. Forensic and clinical labs are increasingly adopting LC–MS/MS and LC–MSn (liquid chromatography–multistage mass spectrometry) systems that can rapidly screen hundreds of compounds. There is even a push-button LC-MSn solution designed for non-experts available on the market today.6
By automating LC-MS analyses, these systems ensure consistent identification of new psychoactive substances and eliminate tedious MS/MS tuning.1
Automating the workflow also strengthens data integrity and turnaround. Digital reporting platforms now allow test results to be routed instantly to stakeholders such as courts or employers. For example, a forensic lab in California implemented RPA (robotic process automation) to generate and email reports. As a result, “our daily repetitive tasks are already done when we walk in the office in the morning”, improving their turnaround for time-sensitive results.7
In the workplace drug testing sector, a cloud-based portal built for a human resources screening firm has demonstrated significant benefits. This portal links collection sites, labs and clients, automatically routing orders to labs and importing results via web services.8
After deploying the system, the company experienced:8
The need for quality reagents and calibrators underlies all automated assays. Medix Biochemica highlights that assay accuracy “hinges on using high-quality reagents that have been validated for the application”.9
| As a leading in vitro diagnostics raw materials supplier, Medix Biochemica offers matched antibody–antigen pairs and positive/negative controls for nearly 50 drugs of abuse. We offer exceptional batch-to-batch consistency and scalable supply, so that the new automated test kits yield reliable results.9 |
It’s important that high-performance analyzers be paired with rigorously tested reagents. Our broad portfolio, which includes ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) antigens and instrument reagents, supports both novel assays and routine screening platforms.
By supplying these critical raw materials and technical support, Medix Biochemica helps bring new products to market sooner and enables next-generation automated testing solutions.9
Automated drug testing is evolving rapidly. Labs and testing programs are using automation technologies to meet stricter regulations and higher volume requirements. As the industry continues to adopt robotics and digital tools, labs can expect to benefit from faster turnaround, fewer errors and improved compliance.
As these automated drug testing systems begin to revolutionize clinical and workplace toxicology workflows, Medix Biochemica looks forward to partnering with our customers to help them stay at the cutting edge of these advances.
References: