Randox recently launched a new array capable of testing for the presence of the sedatives zopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem in blood and urine. These so-called "Z drugs," found in prescription medications such as Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata, are used to treat anxiety and insomnia, but are often misused recreationally, according to the Crumlin, UK-based company.
Randox has consolidated three separate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays into its biochip array format. The firm's arrays contains 25 discrete test regions, each of which contains an individual test. The arrays are processed using one of Randox's automated benchtop Evidence instruments and read out by a CCD-camera and custom image-processing software.