Detection of drugs in patients with overdose: Comparison between skin surface air sampling and thin layer chromatography

We compared the efficacy of skin surface air sampling with thin layer chromatography (TLC) in detecting drugs in patients admitted to hospital with a history of drug overdose. The methodology utilizes air samples in contact with skin surfaces and ion-mobility spectrometry. Fifty patients consented to skin surface air sampling and provided urine samples. Of the 51 drugs identified in 43 patients, air sampling detected just over 50% of the drugs, TLC identified about 90%. The rate of identification was greater in patients ingesting uncoated tablets. Skin surface air sampling is a useful initial screening method for drugs especially when they are ingested in tablet or powder form. The methodology is rapid, non-invasive and can screen for multiple drugs.