Method and apparatus for detecting substances using substance detection routines

Abstract

Methods and devices for sampling, processing and identifying use of a substance or substances of abuse are provided. Systems and kits for sampling, processing and identifying acute use of a substance of abuse is also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 controlling acquisition of a first sample;   detecting a type of the first sample, including detecting whether the first sample is a breath sample type or an oral fluid sample type;   determining an algorithm or program that is suitable for the type of the first sample; and   executing the algorithm or program to process the first sample.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein executing the algorithm or program includes include using at least one of mass spectrometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, high pressure mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, or two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein executing the algorithm or program includes detecting any one of multiple substances. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the multiple substances include one or more substances that are indicative of a controlled substance. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the controlled substance includes THC. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein controlling acquisition of the first sample includes receiving the first sample from an inlet valve or an area surrounding the inlet valve. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first sample is acquired using a first test cartridge, and wherein the method further comprises controlling acquisition of a second sample using a second test cartridge. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first sample is acquired using a first test cartridge, and wherein the method further comprises controlling acquisition of a second sample using the first test cartridge. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises generating an output based on a determination of the executed algorithm or program. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus comprising:
 a housing;   a processing unit configured to: 
 control acquisition of a first sample; 
 detect a type of the first sample, including detecting whether the first sample is a breath sample type or an oral fluid sample type; 
 
 determine an algorithm or program that is suitable for the type of the first sample; and 
 execute the algorithm or program to process the first sample. 
   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the processor is configured to execute the algorithm or program includes include using at least one of mass spectrometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, high pressure mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, or two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the processing unit is configured to execute the algorithm or program to detect any one of multiple substances. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the multiple substances include one or more substances that are indicative of a controlled substance. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the controlled substance includes THC. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the first sample is received from an inlet valve or an area surrounding the inlet valve. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the first sample is acquired using a first test cartridge, and wherein the processor is further configured to control acquisition of a second sample using a second test cartridge. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the first sample is acquired using a first test cartridge, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to control acquisition of a second sample using the first test cartridge. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the processing unit is further configured to generate an output based on a determination of the executed algorithm or program. 
     
     
         19 . A test cartridge comprising:
 an inlet to receive a first sample of a breath sample type;   a sample acquisition area to receive a second sample that is an oral fluid sample type;   wherein the test cartridge is matable with a housing of a second device to process at least one of the first sample or the second sample.   
     
     
         20 . The test cartridge of  claim 19 , wherein the test cartridge is single use.