Randox Toxicology Launches Three New Assays for the Detection of Z Drugs; Zopiclone, Zaleplon and Zolpidem

Randox Toxicology, a leading provider of laboratory drug testing solutions, has launched three new ELISA testing kits for the detection of sedative drugs Zopiclone, Zaleplon and Zolpidem. These drugs behave in a similar ways to benzodiazepines, a psychoactive drug which was traditionally used for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia. The Z drugs are found in prescription medications; Lunesta, Ambien and Sonata, however they should only be used for a short time period as extended use can lead to tolerance.

The misuse of Z drugs is widespread as a result of both dependence and recreational use. Despite medical advice, many people continue to take these drugs for longer periods than their intended usage; leading to a potential over-dose and hazardous consequences. Incidents of unusual or inappropriate behaviour have been linked to misuse of Z drugs, were the patient had no memory of their actions. Some users have reported sleepwalking, sleep driving, binge eating, and performing other daily tasks while asleep. These side effects are troubling in a society were sleeping pills have boomed in popularity.

Randox Toxicology has developed three ELISA kits for the detection of Z drugs in urine and blood specimens. The Zolpidem ELISA offers an unbeatable Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.4ng/ml in urine and 0.52ng/ml in blood. The Zopiclone and Zaleplon ELISA kits are the first immunoassays available for the rapid detection of these drugs. Prior to this, the only way to detect Zopiclone and Zaleplon was with timely chromatographic analysis. Randox Toxicology also provides an automated ELISA plate reader, capable of reading 96 wells in 30 seconds.

In addition to the Z drug ELISA kits, Randox Toxicology provide a multiplex Biochip Array which targets Zolpidem, Zopiclone, Zaleplon and their metabolites simultaneously from a single, undivided specimen. The advanced multiplex method consolidates ELISA tests onto a small 9x9mm biochip; enhancing the ability for toxicologists to quickly detect these sedatives.