2024 Volume 55 Issue 4 Pages 185-201
Blood samples, which are typically obtained by venipuncture, are used for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). The “dry filter method” using filter paper, which is commonly used for newborn screening, is a convenient alternative to conventional methods for pharmacokinetic studies, TDM, and pharmacological research. This scoping review summarizes the current status, challenges, and perspectives of currently available filter paper methods and devices for whole blood, plasma, urine, breast milk, and saliva. Overall, 260 studies on filter paper microsampling for whole blood (review only), plasma, serum, urine, breast milk, and saliva (non-review) were retrieved from several literature databases and summarized. Although technical limitations have hindered the use of filter paper, particularly for blood samples, concerning home-based sample collection for clinical research, innovative developments in volume absorption microsampling and devices have provided alternatives to conventional methods. Urine, breast milk, and saliva were also used to evaluate various compounds and biological substances, but issues such as stability require further investigation. To apply the filter paper method in clinical research, a highly sensitive quantification system is essential; however, there are barriers to its introduction in laboratories. Furthermore, high-throughput and quality control from collection to measurement are necessary. To efficiently introduce microsampling methods using dry filter paper into clinical trials and research and maximize the utility of each biological sample, overcoming the existing challenges and reducing the burden on researchers, companies, and subjects are desired.
