Dried blood spot in toxicology: Current knowledge

Abstract

Dried Blood Spot (DBS) is becoming very popular in various medical fields, especially in toxicology. Nowadays it is commonly used in newborn screening for inherited or congenital diseases. This paperwork is based on a review of available literature. DBS is simple and rapid, it does not require trained medical staff to collect the samples. Specimens can be easily and safely transported to the laboratory. DBS provides an opportunity for roadside testing and rather quick results. Venous blood spot, collected from a finger or a heel, is put on the special paper card, which can result in a different distribution of blood and concentration of detecting substances. Marking multiple substances from one spot is extremely challenging, but due to further advancements in this area, it is only a matter of time until it becomes possible and all the disadvantages vanish. DBS is certain to develop and become even more worldwide used.