This article describes a new telemetered drug detection system.
Biochemists and electronics and telemetry specialists from JPL formed a development team to design and produce a device that would accomplish real-time detection of cocaine abuse in at-home detainees and out-patients. The resultant device should: (1) be non-invasive; (2) expand upon existing techniques; (3) be an extension of current electronic sensor technology; (4) have remote capability and rugged design; and (5) contribute to the development of a generic technology to detect substances of abuse. The device could be of benefit to the criminal justice system, drug abuse treatment facilities, the general medical community, and NASA. The device monitors sweat for the presence of cocaine, which is detected by a chromogenic antibody competition assay. A signal is converted by photodiode illumination array matched to antibody reporter dye. Transmitter and interface electronics are coupled to a reusable at-home detention bracelet or anklet system. Half of the six major steps in development of the device have been completed. The article describes all the steps in the device's development, and includes diagrams and charts of significant technical details.