DETECTION OF HEAVY METALS IN DRIED BLOOD

摘要

The present invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and devices for detecting heavy metals in dried blood (e.g., dried blood spots). For example, the present invention provides: 1) dried blood spot paper that is detectably free of heavy metals and methods of preparing such paper using organic acid; 2) dried blood extraction solutions optimized for heavy metal detection (e.g., extraction solutions containing acetic acid and/or gold); 3) methods for estimating venous blood volume from dried blood mass; and 4) kits and kit components optimized for heavy metal detection in dried blood (e.g., kits with paper detectably free of heavy metals, heavy metal free skin wipes, metal free collection case, etc.).

主权项

1. A kit for detecting heavy metals in dried blood comprising:
a) a first component comprising dried blood sample paper that is free of detectable levels of heavy metals; b) at least one second component selected from the group consisting of:
i) a skin cleansing wipe this is free of detectable levels of said heavy metals;ii) a plastic collection case configured to hold said paper, wherein said plastic collection case is free of detectable levels of said heavy metals;iii) a desiccant configured to fit inside said plastic collection case;iv) a plastic ring configured to fit inside said plastic case on top of said paper and to help prevent accidental contamination of said paper, wherein said plastic ring is free of detectable levels of said heavy metals;v) a plastic support structure configured to provide a spacer between said paper and said desiccant inside said plastic collection device, wherein said plastic support structure is free of detectable levels of said heavy metals;vi) a lancing device configured to pierce human skin; andvii) a dried blood sample extraction solution comprising acetic acid and/or gold.