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Portable device for detecting drugs in the body by fingerprint created
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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Scientists from the UK have developed a portable device for detecting drugs in the body using fingerprints. It is planned to supply such devices to traffic police officers for express diagnostics of intoxication in drivers.
The device, developed by scientists from Intelligent Fingerprinting, a company based at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, is a miniature detector that identifies drug metabolites released through sweat and pores on the fingers.
The device processes sweat collected by placing a finger on the sweat with gold nanoparticles coated with antibodies. These antibodies bind to certain drug byproducts in the body. When this binding occurs, a fluorescent dye "attached" to the antibodies is activated, indicating that the driver has taken drugs.
The device was originally developed to detect nicotine metabolites, but was later adapted for a variety of drugs, including cocaine, methadone and marijuana.
Currently, proving driving while under the influence of drugs is very difficult: existing tests require blood sampling in a hospital setting, do not exclude contamination of bio-samples, or are not sensitive enough. The new device can recognize nanograms of metabolites within minutes.
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