OpAns began performing HPLC-MS/MS measurements using micro-sampling techniques (≤50 µLs) in support of pharmaceutical trials on pediatric subjects. The inherent limited specimen volume(s), lead to our development of multi-analyte methodologies and our patented dried bio-fluid specimen (DBS) collection device (amasse™ ).
We routinely use micro-volume collection (e.g., BD Microtainer® blood collection tubes , and our amasse™ device) which requires only a lancet finger stick.
Reduction in specimen volume: reduces stressors on patient (or study subject), including pain and anxiety associated with venipuncture; reduces processing, handling and shipping requirements resulting in reduction in costs.
Physicians across the nation are using the amasse™ collection device to better treat patients in the following areas: wellness (steroid hormone monitoring), therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology monitoring and psychiatry. Pharmaceutical researchers are using our micro-sampling techniques to reduce specimen burden in pediatric clinical trials.
Physicians have found that capillary blood collection with the amasse™ device is significantly better than urine for toxicology testing. It eliminates the need for bathrooms and the associated mess and smell of urine collection, requires less time for both patients and staff, and produces more meaningful data.
Advantages of capillary blood collection with the amasse™ device over saliva (for homone testing) are equally significant with better sensitivity, longer stability times and more meaningful data.