AvertD is an FDA-approved genetic test that uses advanced scientific techniques to identify individuals at higher genetic risk for developing opioid use disorder (OUD)1. By analyzing DNA, the test detects 15 specific genetic polymorphisms that may be linked to an increased susceptibility to OUD, including variations in genes related to serotonin, dopamine, and opioid receptors […]
Xylazine, an approved animal tranquilizer in the U.S., acts as a sedative and analgesic for veterinary use [1]. It is an α-2 adrenoreceptor agonist, detected in the unregulated drug supply throughout the eastern United States and Canada [2]. It has been detected in 91% of fentanyl/ heroin samples in Philadelphia and showed its presence in national […]
COVID-19 hospitalizations have spiked. The initial week of January 2024 saw a 14.3% uptick in fatalities.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used to treat patients with severe pain after surgery, especially those who are physically tolerant to other opioids [1]. However, it is often abused illegally and mixed with other drugs, which can result in dangerous respiratory depression. The […]
qPCR is a molecular biology technique used to amplify and quantify DNA or RNA in a biological sample.
Swift and precise, integrating rapid drug testing with LCMS techniques ensures accurate and efficient drug analysis in diverse settings.
Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome affecting 6.2 million people in the United States [1]. The diagnosis of heart failure is challenging as patients usually present non-specific symptoms, which are often shared by other diseases. Both B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N-terminal pro BNP (NT-proBNP) are widely used as biomarkers to diagnose […]
What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that was first developed in 1959 and introduced in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic. Fentanyl was also used for pain management as a transdermal patch in cancer patients. It is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. As an illicit drug, fentanyl is added to heroin to increase potency. […]
In the field of molecular diagnostics, custom panels have emerged as an essential tool for targeted detection of nucleic acids. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been widely used to detect and quantify viral, bacterial, and genetic targets. However, commercial panels may not always satisfy the specific testing requirements of a particular molecular laboratory. Therefore, […]
Multiplex Vs Monoplex comparison. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Learn about single and multi panels in RT-PCR.
