Marker detection method and apparatus to monitor drug compliance

A method for determining patient compliance in taking medication comprising at least one therapeutic drug, said method comprising

• concurrently administering to the patient the medication with an additive, wherein the additive is acted upon in the patient to release a therapeutic drug marker;
• obtaining a sample of the patient's breath;
• and
• subsequently analyzing the patient's breath to measure the concentration of the therapeutic drug marker in the patient's breath, wherein the therapeutic drug marker is detectable in the patient's breath and is an indicator of patient compliance or non-compliance in taking the medication;
• wherein the medication is to be taken by volitional patient action.

A method for determining patient compliance in taking medication comprising at least one therapeutic drug, comprising

• administering to the patient the therapeutic drug;
• and
• subsequently analyzing the patient utilizing reverse iontophoresis detection to confirm the presence of a therapeutic drug marker in the patient, wherein the therapeutic drug marker is a metabolite of the therapeutic drug and is an indicator of patient compliance or non-compliance in taking the medication;
• wherein the medication is to be taken by volitional patient action.

A method for determining patient compliance in taking medication comprising at least one therapeutic drug, comprising:

• concurrently administering to the patient the therapeutic drug with a therapeutic drug marker;
• obtaining a sample of patient bodily fluid;
• analyzing the sample of the patient's bodily fluid using a sensor, wherein the therapeutic drug marker is a volatile, organic compound that is non-toxic and detectable in bodily fluids;
• and
• identifying the therapeutic drug in the patient that is associated with the marker.