A Canadian developer of cannabis breathalyzers has successfully tested technology that can rapidly collect breath samples to detect TCH with the same level of accuracy as blood samples.
On Monday, Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CNSX: BLO) (OTCMKTS: BLOZF) reported the results of an independent study using its field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry, or FAIMS, technology.
The study showed correlation between breath samples collected and analyzed with Cannabix hardware and blood plasma levels of THC.
The company’s handheld breath collection unit and newly developed laboratory “mass spectrometer (MS) breath sampler” were used together to provide a new groundbreaking method for drug detection.
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Cannabix noted the technology has the potential to significantly decrease laboratory analysis times and operating costs, providing precise results within seconds without requiring any sample preparation.
“This study shows the capability of the Cannabix breath analysis system to easily and rapidly collect breath samples in the field and correlate to blood THC levels,” Cannabix senior analytical chemist Dr. Jared Boock said in a statement.
Data collected and analyzed using Cannabix hardware during experimental blood-breath study. Image via Cannabix
The system, developed by Cannabix scientists and engineers, was recently tested in an independent study conducted by Dr. Phillip Olla, of Audacia Bioscience in Ontario.
The experimental study included six subjects with an average age of 23 years. Breath and blood samples were taken before smoking cannabis and up to one hour and 40 minutes after smoking.
Data from the study showed that blood and breath levels of THC over time correlate with a high degree of accuracy up to two hours after smoking. Blood is currently the standard measurement for law enforcement, toxicologists and evidence used in courts of law.
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“We have developed a truly groundbreaking breath analysis tool capable of breath sampling for THC, within seconds, with no sample preparation needed,” Dr. Boock said. “Furthermore, we were able to store, ship and analyze samples for up to 40 hours after they were taken in the field.”
In August 2021, Cannabix was granted a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) called Apparatus and Methods for Detection of Molecules, or patent No. 17/019728, for its FAIMS technology.
Company stock rose by nearly 4 per cent on Monday to $0.53 on the Canadian Securities Exchange.
ryan@mugglehead.com
