Randox Toxicology has launched three new ELISA testing kits for the detection of sedative drugs Zopiclone, Zaleplon, and Zolpidem. These drugs behave in similar ways to benzodiazepines, psychoactive drugs traditionally used for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia. The “Z drugs” are found in prescription medications Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata. They should be used only for a short time period, as extended use can lead to tolerance.
The misuse of Z drugs is widespread as a result of both dependence and recreational use. Despite medical advice, many people continue to take these drugs for longer periods than their intended usage, leading to a potential overdose and hazardous consequences. Incidents of unusual or inappropriate behavior, including sleepwalking and sleep driving, have been linked to misuse of Z drugs.
Randox Toxicology has developed three ELISA kits for the detection of Z drugs in urine and blood specimens. The Zolpidem ELISA offers a Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.4ng/mL in urine and 0.52ng/mL in blood. The Zopiclone and Zaleplon ELISA kits are also available for rapid detection of these drugs. Prior to this, the only way to detect Zopiclone and Zaleplon was with timely chromatographic analysis. Randox Toxicology also provides an automated ELISA plate reader, capable of reading 96 wells in 30 seconds.
In addition to the Z drug ELISA kits, Randox Toxicology provides a multiplex Biochip Array which targets Zolpidem, Zopiclone, Zaleplon and their metabolites simultaneously from a single, undivided specimen. The advanced multiplex method consolidates ELISA tests onto a small 9x9mm biochip; enhancing the toxicologists’ ability to quickly detect these sedatives. Learn more about Randox’s ELISA kits for the detection of designer drugs.
