Noninvasive drug adherence monitoring of antipsychotic patients via finger sweat testing

Collection of finger sweat is explored here as a rapid and convenient way of monitoring patient adherence to antipsychotic drugs. Finger sweat samples (n = 426) collected from patients receiving treatment with clozapine, quetiapine and olanzapine were analysed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, including a subgroup of patients with paired plasma samples. Finger sweat samples were also analysed from a negative control group and patients who had handled antipsychotic medication only. The finger sweat test (based on the detection of parent drug in one donated sample) was 100% effective in monitoring adherence within commonly prescribed dosing ranges. In comparison to participants who handled the medication only, the test could distinguish between contact and administration through monitoring of the drug metabolite, or the level of parent drug. Additionally, in a subgroup of patients prescribed clozapine, a statistically significant correlation was observed between the mass of parent drug in finger sweat and plasma concentration. The finger sweat technology shows promise as a dignified, noninvasive method to monitor treatment adherence in patients taking antipsychotics.

Automated summary

This study explores the collection of finger sweat as a rapid and convenient method for monitoring patient adherence to antipsychotic drugs. The finger sweat test was found to be 100% effective in monitoring adherence within commonly prescribed dosing ranges and could differentiate between contact and administration of the drugs. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the mass of parent drug in finger sweat and plasma concentration in a subgroup of patients. The finger sweat technology shows promise as a dignified and noninvasive method for monitoring treatment adherence in patients taking antipsychotics.