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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Novel Apparatus and Method for Drug Reinforcement
Published on: August 20, 2010
Monitoring drug use with a sweat patch: an experiment with cocaine
1Southern California Research Institute, Los Angeles 90066.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This study shows that sweat patches can detect cocaine use up to seven days after a single episode. While not precise for dose or timing, this drug monitoring technology offers a new detection method.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Monitoring drug use is crucial for clinical and forensic applications.
- Existing methods like urine tests have limitations in detection windows and invasiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel skin patch system for detecting cocaine use.
- To determine the detection window and accuracy of sweat patch analysis for cocaine.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen male subjects administered cocaine hydrochloride intranasally (50 or 126 mg).
- Sweat patches applied to the torso, biceps, and back for up to 7 days post-administration.
- Urine samples collected concurrently with patch removal.
- Analysis of patch content for cocaine metabolites.
Main Results:
- Cocaine levels in patches accurately reflected drug usage in subjects.
- Mean cocaine levels differed significantly between the two administered doses.
- The patch technology successfully diagnosed single cocaine use episodes up to 7 days prior.
Conclusions:
- Sweat patch analysis is a viable method for detecting recent cocaine use.
- The technology provides a non-invasive, extended detection window compared to traditional methods.
- Further research is needed to refine dose and timing estimations due to observed variability.
