| abstract |
An extraction method and apparatus is provided for obtaining quick, safe and highly sensitive testing of any of a variety of body fluids including saliva, blood, urine or other fluids for drugs of abuse or other analytes. The apparatus includes a latchable extraction wand for obtaining body fluid samples from a subject which is adapted to maximize the portion of the body fluid sample that will go into a graduated bottle containing a buffer solution, and a testing device wherein the sample will be received and into which test strips can be inserted to determine levels of drugs of abuse or other analyte in the sample. In one of the methods of the invention, energy is imparted to the sample and buffer solution, such as by shaking, and this facilitates the reduction of sample viscosity, such as by promoting the breakdown of mucins when the sample is saliva. |