How The Sweat Patch Works

Resources
What Is The Sweat Patch?
The PharmChek® Sweat Patch is a sophisticated drug testing tool designed to detect ten of the most common drugs of abuse and additional dangerous substances (more drugs in development). This non-invasive method is highly suitable for courts, probation services, parole officers, and can assist in workplace testing to demonstrate abstinence.
How The Sweat Patch Works
The patch utilises an absorbent pad to collect insensible perspiration, which is the uncontrolled release of sweat from the skin. About 300–700 mL of such sweat is excreted daily, and the patch absorbs around 2mL each week. Its semi-permeable polyurethane film allows the passage of small molecules like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour, keeping the skin underneath healthy.
The Process
Application
The Sweat Patch is applied to the upper arm after cleaning the area with an alcohol wipe. A trained observer places the patch, which consists of an absorbent pad held in place by an adhesive polyurethane film. This tamper-evident film allows for continuous wear for up to seven to ten days, extendable with the optional PharmChek® Overlay.
Sample Collection
During wear, the patch collects sweat, including trace amounts of drugs and their metabolites, without interfering with the wearer’s daily routine. The overlay ensures the patch can be worn during various activities, such as showering, exercising, and sleeping.
Removal
At the end of the collection period, the patch is removed under supervision. The observer inspects for any signs of tampering or damage before carefully removing the pad with tweezers.
Chain of Custody
The pad is sealed in a sample bag with a security seal matching the chain of custody form’s serial number. The sample is then dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
Lab Testing and Result Reporting
The exclusive testing laboratory, conducts rigorous testing. If the sample passes the initial inspection for integrity it undergoes LC-MS/MS. analysis at our own UK laboratory.
The PharmChek® Sweat Patch stands out for its minimal intrusion, ease of use, and comprehensive detection capabilities. It’s an excellent choice for reliable drug testing, ensuring the wearer’s comfort and minimal disruption to their daily life.
Ready To Get Started?
Contact us today to learn more about DrugPatch – The simple, smarter and superior choice for monitoring drug abstinence.