Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the non-invasive determination of one or more preselected analytes in a body fluid expressed through the skin. The fluid is collected in a dermal concentration patch and concentrated by driving off a portion of the substantial water fraction under the influence of body heat. The analyte is optimally complexed with an immobilized specific binding partner and an indicium of the presence of the analyte is visually expressed. The patch may comprise a plurality of test zones for screening for a plurality of analytes. Additional positive and negative control zones are also disclosed. The patch may comprise a feature to detect tampering with the patch to produce false negative results, especially when used in screens for drugs of abuse. In addition to being useful as a drug of abuse screen, the patch is useful for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A dermal patch to be worn on the skin for increasing the concentration of an analyte expressed through the skin in perspiration to a conveniently measurable level. Included are patches and methods of using such patches to determine the quantity of an analyte in a given volume of perspiration, to determine a subject's sensitivity to an allergen, to allow an analyte to be detected with conventional detection systems, and to dissolve the structural components of a patch to facilitate analyte detection.

Abstract: A dermal patch including a means for generating heat on the surface of the skin of a subject wearing the patch. The temperature of the surface of the skin under the patch is raised to about 115.degree. F., and perspiration is collected in the patch over the course of about an hour. The patch is then analyzed to determine the presence of an analyte in the patch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the non-invasive determination of one or more preselected analytes in a body fluid expressed through the skin. The fluid is collected in a dermal concentration patch and concentrated by driving off a portion of the substantial water fraction under the influence of body heat. The analyte is optimally complexed with an immobilized specific binding partner and an indicium of the presence of the analyte is visually expressed. The patch may comprise a plurality of test zones for screening for a plurality of analytes. Additional positive and negative control zones are also disclosed. The patch may comprise a feature to detect tampering with the patch to produce false negative results, especially when used in screens for drugs of abuse. In addition to being useful as a drug of abuse screen, the patch is useful for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A dermal patch to be worn on the skin for increasing the concentration of an analyte expressed through the skin in perspiration to a conveniently measurable level. Included are patches and methods of using such patches to determine the quantity of an analyte in a given volume of perspiration, to determine a subject's sensitivity to an allergen, to allow an analyte to be detected with conventional detection systems, and to dissolve the structural components of a patch to facilitate analyte detection.

Abstract: The invention is an improved method and apparatus for collecting analytes on a dermal patch, where the patch controls the ionization state of the analyte. This can be accomplished by delivering electricity to the patch or by a buffer or other means for controlling the pH of fluids entering the patch. Analytes in perspiration can be concentrated on the patch without the occurrence of significant back-diffusion of the analytes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the non-invasive determination of one or more preselected analytes in a body fluid expressed through the skin. The fluid is collected in a dermal concentration patch and concentrated by driving off a portion of the substantial water fraction under the influence of body heat. The analyte is optimally complexed with an immobilized specific binding partner and an indicium of the presence of the analyte is visually expressed. The patch may comprise a plurality of test zones for screening for a plurality of analytes. Additional positive and negative control zones are also disclosed. The patch may comprise a feature to detect tampering with the patch to produce false negative results, especially when used in screens for drugs of abuse. In addition to being useful as a drug of abuse screen, the patch is useful for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the non-invasive determination of one or more preselected analytes in a body fluid expressed through the skin. The fluid is collected in a dermal concentration patch and concentrated by driving off a portion of the substantial water fraction under the influence of body heat. The analyte is optimally complexed with an immobilized specific binding partner and an indicium of the presence of the analyte is visually expressed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the non-invasive determination of one or more preselected analytes in a body fluid expressed through the skin. The fluid is collected in a dermal concentration patch and concentrated by driving off a portion of the substantial water fraction under the influence of body heat. The analyte is optimally complexed with an immobilized specific binding partner and an indicium of the presence of the analyte is visually expressed.