Volumetric absorptive microsampling device for forensic Toxicologic screening: A case report as proof-of-concept
Magny et al.
The finding, in our words
A post-mortem case study found that Mitra microsampling devices achieved comparable qualitative toxicological detection to conventional methods across blood, urine, bile, and vitreous humour, successfully identifying methamphetamine, opioids, and alpha-PHP. Whilst limited to a single case, this shows that microsampling is a viable alternative for qualitative screening when sample volumes are restricted.
A paraphrase to the Library’s standard, never the abstract. The source is one link away and is always the authority.
Researchers validated a UHPLC-MS/MS assay for citrinin in capillary blood collected with Neoteryx Mitra VAMS devices, plus feces and urine, achieving quantification limits of 0.05 ng/mL. The study derived human toxicokinetic parameters from 48-hour sample collection after a single oral dose, demonstrating that microsampling enables robust population-level exposure assessment for mycotoxins.
This review highlights that microsampling techniques such as dried blood spots and volumetric absorptive microsampling offer superior alternatives to traditional sampling for the mass spectrometry detection of prohibited substances in anti-doping analysis. It provides guidance on selecting appropriate analytical methods and sample pretreatment strategies to ensure sensitive detection and reliable storage conditions.
Capillary blood collected by volumetric absorptive microsampling gave a shorter detection window than urine for a stimulant, helping to distinguish recent from earlier use, and more reliable detection of long-acting diuretics that bind red cells. This shows microsampling can improve interpretation in drug-monitoring programmes where urinary data alone may be ambiguous.
PEth reference values for Belgium were derived from VAMS microsampling of 487 participants in a national survey, showing distinct biomarker distributions between the general population and higher‑alcohol‑consumption subgroups. This validates capillary blood collection as a practical method for decentralised alcohol monitoring and forensic assessment.
This study validated a method for measuring the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol using two volumetric absorptive microsampling devices, finding that the Mitra device met all validation criteria and agreed with venous sampling. The Capitainer device was deemed suitable but showed reduced accuracy at higher concentrations, with a small proportional negative bias compared to venous results.