US Patent 7790400 Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol detection method

The invention provides competitive immunoassay techniques for high sensitivity detection of delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol (cannabis; THC) employing a carrier conjugate of an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cannabis, more particularly 5-pentylresorcinol conjugated to a macromolecular carrier via its hydroxyl groups. By employing such a conjugate with anti-THC antibody in a lateral flow immunochromatography test device convenient on-site testing for low levels of cannabis in liquid samples may be achieved. Such testing is particularly favoured for roadside testing for cannabis in oral fluid samples.