Northwestern University

William E Funk

Thomas W McDade

Andrew Unger

Thomas Mcdade

The present invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and devices for detecting heavy metals in dried blood (e.g., dried blood spots). For example, the present invention provides: 1) dried blood spot paper that is detectably free of heavy metals and methods of preparing such paper using organic acid; 2) dried blood extraction solutions optimized for heavy metal detection (e.g., extraction solutions containing acetic acid and/or gold); 3) methods for estimating venous blood volume from dried blood mass; and 4) kits and kit components optimized for heavy metal detection in dried blood (e.g., kits with paper detectably free of heavy metals, heavy metal free skin wipes, metal free collection case, etc.).

Treated dried blood sample for detection of heavy metals in dried blood

Treated dried blood sample paper for detection of heavy metals in dried blood

Disclosed are devices, kits, compositions, and methods for collecting, transporting, and detecting toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in a biological sample. The devices, kits, compositions and methods may be utilized to collect and transport dried blood samples from a skin prick and detect toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in the dried blood samples.

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Evanston, IL, United States of America

William E Funk