What we are doing
Drug checking is a process that has been around in North America for decades. Drug checking identifies specific substances contained in drug samples and provides information directly back to the user. When people who use drugs (PWUD) know what substances are in their drugs, they can make informed decisions to reduce overdose risk and prevent other adverse reactions.
Our team is assisting the North Carolina Survivors Union to implement drug user-led drug checking services in North Carolina using a technique called Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR machines use infrared radiation to generate a spectrum of a drug sample, allowing an analysis of what substances are present. Each sample usually takes about 15-20 minutes to run and analyze.
Another type of drug checking technology is fentanyl test strips (FTS), which is an inexpensive test that shows whether or not fentanyl is in a sample. In comparison, FTIR provides information on wide range of drugs, adulterants, and contaminants. Still, FTS are very useful. A study based in North Carolina found 43% of participants willing to use FTS and change drug use behavior following test results. Studies have shown drug checking does not lead to riskier use, but rather encourages safer practices, similar to distribution of naloxone. We expect that users will respond similarly when provided with information generated from the FTIR technique. In 2019, North Carolina enacted legislation to support drug checking.
For samples that have suspicious or unclear composition, a gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS) will be used to identify major and minor components. A Thermo Exactive GC (NIH: R35GM118055) will be used for analysis. This instrument is unique in that it provides gas chromatography separations as well as high resolution/accurate mass measurements. This allows chemical formula confirmation of opioids, byproducts, and fillers in the samples. This platform will allow for a more sensitive analysis with concrete identification of sample components. An opioid polysubstance kit supplied by Cerilliant in partnership with the CDC will be used to develop an in-house spectral library of common opioids, ensuring the most confident identifications possible.