The BZO Rapid Test Dipstick (Urine) is a Rapid chromatographic immunoassay for qualitative detection of Benzodiazepine in human urine at a cut-off concentration of 300 ng/mL which is only utilized for in vitro diagnostics (IVD). It merely provides a preliminary result, therefore, an alternative method with more specificity is recommended to be used to confirm the initial results, in which case, the most preferred method is gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For substance abuse cases, clinical considerations must be taken into account, especially when test results are positive.

Summary

Benzodiazepines are drugs used for cases such as treating anxiety and insomnia. These drugs act through chemical nerve receptors called gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) and compared to barbiturates, are safer and more effective in treating the above-mentioned conditions. Benzodiazepine is used as a painkiller before surgery and medical procedures and for the treatment of epilepsy disorders and alcohol withdrawal. If taken continuously, for example, on a daily basis for several months and with a higher dosage than normal, the risk of addiction increases. Abrupt discontinuation causes withdrawal symptoms such as stomach problems, sleep disorders, unpleasant feelings, nausea, sweat, tremors, weakness, anxiety and changes in consciousness. This drug could be traced in urine in less than a month after use. Most of its concentration in urine is in the form of conjugated drug. Typical detection windows for Benzodiazepine in urine are 3 to 7 days. BZO Rapid Urine Test strip is a rapid urine screening test which could be performed without laboratory equipment. In this test, monoclonal antibody is used for specific detection of high levels of Benzodiazepine in urine. Reaching 300 ng/ml, BZO rapid test becomes positive.

Rapid Benzodiazepine urine test employs an immunochromatographic method based on competitive binding. Substances that may be found in urine specimen compete with ones metabolized by the liver to bind to antibodies. Dring the test, the urine specimen flows upward via capillary action. If the amount of Benzodiazepine in the urine is below 300 ng/ml, it does not bind to the binding sites of the antibodies coated with gold nanoparticles. Consequently, the antibody conjugated with nanoparticles will be absorbed by the Benzodiazepine on the surface of the membrane and will leave a colored line in the test area (T). Should the amount be greater than 300 ng/ml, no colored line will appear in the T area, since all the binding sites of the Benzodiazepine antibodies are occupied. So, if the presence of Benzodiazepine in the urine specimen is positive, no colored line will be formed in the test area (T) due to drug competition, whereas if the urine specimen contains Benzodiazepine amounts lower than the desired level in the test, a colored line will appear in this area. In order to have a procedural control, a colored line always appears in the area of the control line (C), indicating the appropriate volume of the specimen added to the membrane.