From Fingernails to Final Results: Optimizing Sample-Prep for Drugs of Abuse and THC-Panels

Video

Published: November 12, 2025

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Sample preparation is a critical bottleneck in analytical chemistry workflows, often requiring multiple steps, extensive manual handling and lengthy processing times that can compromise reproducibility and directly impact analytical system longevity.

Many laboratories struggle with complex sample matrices like keratinized tissues, where achieving consistent recoveries while maintaining high throughput remains challenging.

In this Teach Me in 10 episode, Thomas Smith, EMEA Applications Laboratory Team Leader at Biotage, demonstrates a streamlined sample preparation workflow for extracting drugs of abuse and THC metabolites from human fingernails. He presents an integrated approach combining homogenization, supported liquid extraction and evaporation techniques that deliver superior recoveries with minimal hands-on time.

Watch this episode to discover:

How supported liquid extraction (SLE+) simplifies complex sample preparation workflows
Practical tips and tricks to improve recoveries and reproducibility in challenging matrices
An integrated workflow approach from homogenization through evaporation for drugs of abuse testing

Further Resources:

Extraction of THC and its Metabolites from Human Nail Samples Using ISOLUTE® SLE+ Prior to UPLC-MS/MS Analysis - Download this application note to explore the extraction of a THC panel from human nails.
Streamlined Sample Preparation of a Drugs of Abuse Panel in Human Nails Using ISOLUTE® SLE+ Prior to UPLC-MS/MS Analysis - Download this application note to explore the extraction of a large drugs of abuse panel from human nails.
Biotage® ISOLUTE® SLE+ Product Page
Biotage® Lysera Product Page
Biotage® TurboVap® 96 Dual Product Page

Meet the Author

Georgina Davies

Science Writer

Interviewing

Thomas Smith

EMEA Applications Laboratory Team Leader

Thomas earned a Master of Science degree in Forensic Biology from the University of South Wales in the UK. Following this, he worked in a toxicology lab as an analytical scientist testing hair for drugs of abuse and alcohol markers. He progressed into a technical development position where his main role was to improve and automate methods to improve reproducibility and turnaround time to meet increasing sample numbers. Thomas has been with Biotage for over three years and plays a key role in supporting customers across EMEA to improve and streamline their sample preparation workflows. His work includes developing new methods, troubleshooting complex application challenges, and providing technical training and support both remotely and in the laboratory. As the EMEA Applications Laboratory Team Leader, Thomas oversees day-to-day lab operations, coordinates customer demonstrations and application projects, and ensures that Biotage solutions meet the highest analytical performance standards. His expertise and hands-on approach make him an essential link between Biotage’s technology and customer success.