Impaction-based exhaled breath sampling for substance monitoring: a prospective pilot study (Drugxhale).

For decades, intake monitoring of drugs using urine as the matrix of choice is the gold standard in drug treatment centers. A properly conducted urine drug test can identify recent use of prescribed, non-prescribed and illicit drugs. However, issues like adulteration, substitution and privacy issues have driven the search for alternative matrices.

Towards adherence monitoring using breath or oral fluid as a matrix in a methadone maintenance treatment program for patients with a chronic heroin use disorder: Issues and interpretation of the results.

Urine has been the preferred matrix for monitoring heroin and methadone adherence due to its large detection window. Drawbacks such as privacy concerns and adulteration however require other matrices. The study aims to determine if oral fluid and exhaled breath are suitable alternatives for heroin and methadone monitoring and to assess the detection time in exhaled breath.