Abuse Testing Research Articles

Experimental Investigation of Thermal Runaway Behaviour and Inhibition Strategies in Large-Capacity Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries for Electric Vehicles

Large-scale lithium-ion batteries play an important role in the electric vehicle market and the thermal runaway (TR) behaviour of batteries is one of the significant threats to the passengers. In this study, we conducted a series of thermal abuse tests concerning single battery and battery box to investigate the TR behaviour of a large-capacity (310 Ah) lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery and the TR inhibition effects of different extinguishing agents. The study shows that before the decomposition of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, temperature consistency within the battery were maintained and it was advisable to use temperature detectors. With the destruction of the internal structure of the battery and the uneven temperature distribution at the subsequent battery reaction stage, a large amount of combustible gas was released when the safety valve was opened. The combustible gas fire detector is used to improve alarm reliability and provided a stable early warning response time. Based on this TR behaviour, a LiFePO4 battery box with a standard size of 1060 × 660 × 250mm was constructed. The TR inhibition effect of two different extinguishing agents (heptafluoropropane and perfluorohexanone) were investigated using a metal tube spraying method with a spraying dose of 1.8kg (spraying rate of 0.06kg/s) and a spraying pressure of 2.5MPa. The results showed that using either of these, satisfy the requirements for TR inhibition in large-capacity LiFePO4 batteries and the flames could be completely extinguished without any reignition, and the chain reaction of the surrounding batteries was effectively prevented. Moreover, heptafluoropropane was proven to have a shorter fire-extinguishing time, whereas perfluorohexanone had the advantage of inhibiting temperature rise. This study provides valuable experimental results for early warning and inhibition of TR in large-capacity LiFePO4 batteries for electric vehicles.

Experimental measurement and modeling of the internal pressure in cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells under abuse conditions

The internal pressure evolution of cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells under abuse tests is evaluated in this work. The pressure evolution is recorded through a cavity at the center of the inner structure of the cylindrical cell. Understanding pressure buildup due to exothermic reactions aids in designing safety features, such as improved venting mechanisms. The pressure activation for the safety mechanism depends on both the venting cap design and the different abuse test conditions. This study focuses on two important parameters: the state of charge (SOC) and the overheating ramp. The SOC significantly influences the venting pressure activation at the overheating abuse tests. The 18650 cell exhibits a similar venting behavior as the 21700 cell, with pressure safety mechanisms activating sooner for the 18650 cell. The geometric structure of the battery and safety mechanisms significantly influence vent-activation thresholds. After the Current Interruptor Device (CID) breakdown, pressure rises exponentially until venting occurs, due to gas generation from the decomposition of internal components and electrolyte vaporization. With the experimental data for the overheating abuse test, a model that predicts the evolution of the pressure has been developed. For the overcharging abuse test, the pressure evolution has been measured with different current rates (C-rates) to simulate overcharge with standard charging current and fast charging current. However, the internal pressure inside the cell activates the current interrupt device, which avoids overcharging the cell, thus preventing the thermal runaway (TR) from occurring.

Application of Recycled Battery-Graphite Electrode Decorated with Polyglutamic Acid/Au Nanoparticles for Detection of Nalbuphine Drug Abuse

Abstract We report a highly-uniform nanocomposite of polyglutamic acid (PGA) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) electrodeposited on a recycled battery graphite electrode (BGE) for the detection of Nalbuphine (NB), a semi-synthetic opioid. The sensor was optimized and characterized morphologically (via scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis) and electrochemically (via cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). Under optimized conditions, the PGA/AuNPs/BGE revealed two linear ranges, 2.5×10-8 to1.0×10-6 M, and 2.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-4 M for Nalbuphine (NB), that is equivalent to 9.825×10-3 to 0.393 µg/mL and 0.786 to 39.30 µg/mL, with R2 = 0.995 and 0.994, respectively, and showed good catalytic activity for the determination of nalbuphine in the presence of tramadol and the oxidation potential of these opioid analgesic drugs were separated. The sensor was successfully applied for the detection of NB in its pharmaceutical formulations, spiked urine, and human plasma samples, without applying any sample pretreatment, at a recovery range of 99±0.03 to102±0.02% and thus, the developed can be considered as a promising approach for NB abuse testing in clinical and forensic agencies.

On safety of swelled commercial lithium-ion batteries: A study on aging, swelling, and abuse tests

Lithium-ion battery technology has advanced significantly, making these power sources essential for portable electronic devices such as smartphones. In 2023, global smartphone shipments reached nearly 1.2 billion units, underscoring the widespread reliance on these batteries. However, as batteries age, they may swell and potentially pose explosion risks. To investigate the safety of swollen batteries, this study conducts accelerated aging and swelling tests on lithium-ion batteries from five leading brands, which together represent over half of the global smartphone market share. The research involves a series of comprehensive tests, including Accelerated Rate Calorimeters (ARC) test, mechanical, electrical, and thermal abuse tests in accordance with Chinese national standards, as well as gas composition and theoretical flammability analyses on both new and swollen batteries. The findings indicate that swollen batteries generally exhibit safer behavior under floating charging conditions, and both new and swollen batteries pass the abuse tests within the standard framework. This study suggests that the safety of swollen lithium-ion batteries cannot be categorically labeled as dangerous or safe and should be assessed within the context of specific environments.

Clinical performance of a new lateral flow immunoassay for xylazine detection.

Xylazine is a potent sedative used in veterinary medicine. Recently, recreational drugs such as fentanyl havebeen found to contain xylazine, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and death. Despite a similar presentation to opioid overdose, patients who ingest xylazine donot respond to treatment with Narcan. Therefore, rapid detection of xylazine could improve patient management and prevent adverse outcomes. We evaluated the XYL500 one-step xylazine drug of abuse test for its ability to detect xylazine in 152 urine samples from patients on chronic opioid therapy for pain management or in treatment for substance use disorder. Results were compared to LC-MS/MS as the reference method. Precision, cross-reactivity, interference and stability studies were performed. Pooled patient samples were consistently negative or positive when tested five times on the same day and over three days of testing. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the XYL500 assay were 74, 98, and 82 % respectively, as compared with LC-MS/MS. XYL500 detected 77 of the 104 LC-MS/MS positive samples identified in our initial evaluation, including some that contained low levels of xylazine (n=8), <10 ng/mL. Minimal cross-reactivity with other opioid analgesics and commonly encountered drugs was seen with only one false positive result. Interferences by common urine contaminants were negligible. Specimens were stable up to 160 days refrigerated and up to 80 days at room temperature. XYL500 allows for rapid detection of xylazine, illustrating its utility in monitoring patients who ingested recreational drugs containing the additive, xylazine, and its potential to improve patient management.

In Operando Health Monitoring for Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Propulsion Using Deep Learning

Battery management systems (BMSs) play a vital role in understanding battery performance under extreme conditions such as high C-rate testing, where rapid charge or discharge is applied to batteries. This study presents a novel BMS tailored for continuous monitoring, transmission, and storage of essential parameters such as voltage, current, and temperature in an NCA 18650 4S lithium-ion battery (LIB) pack during high C-rate testing. By incorporating deep learning, our BMS monitors external battery parameters and predicts LIB’s health in terms of discharge capacity. Two experiments were conducted: a static experiment to validate the functionality of BMS, and an in operando experiment on an electrically propelled vehicle to assess real-world performance under high C-rate abuse testing with vibration. It was found that the external surface temperatures peaked at 55 °C during in operando flight, which was higher than that during static testing. During testing, the deep learning capacity estimation algorithm detected a mean capacity deviation of 0.04 Ah, showing an accurate state of health (SOH) by predicting the capacity of the battery. Our BMS demonstrated effective data collection and predictive capabilities, mirroring real-world conditions during abuse testing.

B-282 Cost and Benefits of Utilization of Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Testing for Drugs of Abuse Compared to Immunoassay Screening in a Large Urban Hospital

Abstract Background Urine drugs of abuse testing (DOAU) in US hospitals are mainly orders from the emergency department performed by immunoassay screening. Testing can be relatively expensive, and results may suffer from non-idealities in sensitivity, specificity, and from panel limitations. A potential approach to these issues for immunoassays is instead to employ mass spectrometry (MS), where a large and flexible analyte list can be evaluated providing needed specificity and reducing send out costs for confirmatory testing. We compared results and cost impacts of a DOAU assay on a prototype, ion mobility mass spectrometry system to those obtained from an array of immunoassays offered as routine tests at a large urban hospital. Methods Immunoassay screen-positive and screen-negative urine samples were isolated from among those submitted for a DOAU panel (amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and methadone) or for additional single drug tests (fentanyl, oxycodone, phencyclidine, buprenorphine, propoxyphene). Sample aliquots (3 mL) were retrieved after not more than 5 days of refrigerated storage of the original sample and were subsequently frozen. These samples were then subjected to MS analysis using the prototype system where identification of 62 compounds was based on mass and ion mobility-derived Collision Cross Section (CCS). An established library of m/z, SLIMCCSHe, peak intensity, and peak width for each analyte was used, with acceptable method performance characteristics as based on applicable CLIA validation guidelines. The MS list included compounds covered by the immunoassay classes as well as additional drugs not expected to be positive among the immunoassays test results but of value for routine toxicological assessments. Results comparisons, utility of results, sample-to-result turnaround times, and overall financial implications were compared between the two workflows. Results Among immunoassay screen-negative samples, MS analysis showed additional positive results for metabolites of parent drugs as well as novel psychoactive substances and known adulterants in &amp;gt;10% of cases. Among the immunoassay screen-positive results, MS analysis confirmed immunoassay results (&amp;gt;90%) but picked up an additional positive component in over 15% of cases. Cost per complete patient result for the immunoassay was approximately $2.80 in comparison to an estimated cost of $5 for the MS method. Confirmation testing for positive immunoassay screen results (16% of all samples) would cost an additional $70 per sample, whereas the need for confirmation testing is eliminated for the MS method. Thus, use of the MS testing workflow would be superior to an immunoassay with reflex testing workflow while at the same time providing a clinically superior service of more diverse positive test results and elimination of often overlooked false negatives. Turnaround time between immunoassay (1h) and MS (50m) were judged to be similar. Conclusions The MS approach confirmed &amp;gt;90% of all immunoassay positive screen results. In addition, the MS method identified additional positive results not detected by the immunoassay despite an overall similar estimated time for sample to patient. Need for development of a user friendly, MS analyzer for use in hospitals is supported based on cost-effective and analytically superior tests for DOAU compared to screens performed using immunoassay panels.

Performance of Protection Devices Integrated into Lithium-Ion Cells during Overcharge Abuse Test

Lithium-ion batteries currently represent the most suitable technology for energy storage in various applications, such as hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs and BEVs), portable electronics and energy storage systems. Their wide adoption in recent years is due to their characteristics of high energy density, high power density and long life cycle. On the other hand, they still face challenges from a safety point of view for the possible faults that could generate several problems, ranging from simple malfunctioning to a dangerous thermal runaway. Overcharge is one of the most critical types of faults, and, depending on the level of abuse, it may trigger a thermal runaway. To prevent high levels of overcharge abuse, some cells include integrated protection devices that cut off the circuit when a critical condition is met. In this paper, the performance of these protection devices is evaluated to assess their effectiveness. The cells were tested at different ambient temperatures and current levels. In the worst-case scenarios, the maximum cell temperature slightly exceeded 70 °C and the State of Charge (SOC) reached a peak of 127% when the Current Interruption Device (CID) was activated. These conditions were not critical, so serious events such as thermal runaway were not triggered. These outcomes confirm the effectiveness of the CID, which always intervenes in maintaining a safe state. However, since it never intervened in the overcharge abuse tests, a specific set up was also used to investigate the operation of the other protection device, the Positive Temperature Coefficient.

Visualization of stepwise electrode decomposition in a nail penetrated commercial lithium-ion cell using low-temperature synchrotron X-ray computed tomography

The transition towards zero carbon emissions in power generation hinges on the integration of efficient electrical energy storage systems, with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) positioned as a pivotal technology. While generally safe, deviations in their operational guidelines due to manufacturing defects or misuse can lead to critical safety concerns, notably thermal runaway (TR) events. Internal short circuits (ISCs) are primary initiators of TR within LIBs. For abuse testing, ISCs are often triggered by nail penetration. This study explores the morphological changes and mechanisms underlying ISC-induced TR in LIBs using operando synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) at subzero temperatures. A novel cryogenic setup was developed to control a stepwise temperature increase in the damaged sample while monitoring electrochemical characteristics and simultaneously enabling acquisition of high-resolution SXCT images. The findings reveal that conducting nail penetration at minus 80 °C prevents immediate TR, enabling detailed analysis of subsequent structural and electrochemical behavior during controlled thawing. Thus, the initiation of TR processes at localized ISC sites has been observed, evidenced by voltage fluctuations and morphological changes, such as cathode material cracking and decomposition. These results underscore the importance of temperature control in mitigating TR risks and provide critical insights into the internal dynamics of LIBs under abusive conditions. The developed cryogenic SXCT methodology offers a powerful tool for non-destructive, high-resolution investigation of battery failure mechanisms, contributing to the enhancement of LIB safety.

Crystalline/Amorphous Co2P2O7 cathode with outstanding areal capacity for High-Performance Zinc-Cobalt battery

It is still a challenge to develop aqueous rechargeable Zn-based alkaline batteries with high energy density, power density and excellent stability. Herein, a crystalline/amorphous Co2P2O7 self-supporting on the Ni foam is fabricated as a cathode material of aqueous Zn-based alkaline batteries. The unique crystalline/amorphous structure endows the electrode material with more exposed active sites, higher redox species coverage, larger electrochemical surface area (ECSA), smaller charge-transfer resistance, lower reaction energy barriers and faster electrochemical reaction kinetics process, which clarifies an explicit structure–property relationship simultaneously. As a result, the crystalline/amorphous Co2P2O7 (CP-P-450) electrode assembled as CP-P-450//Zn battery achieves an extraordinary areal capacity of 2.49 mAh cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2, satisfactory rate performance, excellent cyclic durability (96.6 % retention after 4000 cycles) and impressive energy density (4.16 mAh cm−2) and peak power density (115.94 mW cm−2). The quasi-solid CP-P-450//Zn battery can drive a variety of electrical appliances working well even under abuse tests, demonstrating excellent safety and application potential. This study provides an effective strategy towards excellent comprehensive energy storage performance of aqueous Zn-based alkaline batteries through structuring the crystalline/amorphous phase in cathodes.

Analysis of 132 submandibular salivary glands using the Randox Evidence Investigator and Randox DOA ULTRA WB array.

Occasionally, obtaining an adequate or acceptable postmortem blood specimen for drug analysis is not possible due to factors such as decomposition, exsanguination, or embalming. Submandibular salivary gland tissue, one of three major types of salivary gland tissue in the oral cavity of humans, has been reported to be a viable alternative postmortem specimen for toxicological testing. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Randox Evidence Investigator instrument and Randox DOA (Drugs of Abuse) Ultra Whole Blood Array for the semi-quantitative determination of 21 immunoassays in an alternative matrix, submandibular salivary gland tissue. We analyzed 132 submandibular salivary gland tissue specimens and compared the generated results to concomitantly collected postmortem whole blood specimen results. Oxycodone 2, meprobamate, barbiturate, benzodiazepine assay 1, zolpidem, and buprenorphine all showed perfect agreement (Cohen's kappa score = 1.00) between the submandibular salivary gland tissue results and the postmortem whole blood results; dextromethorphan, fentanyl, benzoylecgonine, methamphetamine, tricyclic antidepressants, oxycodone 1, and opiate showed an almost perfect agreement (Cohen's kappa score = 0.81-0.99); methadone, generic opioids, and amphetamine exhibited substantial agreement (Cohen's kappa score = 0.61-0.80). Tramadol demonstrated fair agreement (Cohen's kappa score = 0.41-0.60). The lowest measure of agreement was observed with cannabinoids, meeting criteria for slight agreement (Cohen's kappa score = 0.01-0.20). An application of the techniques described in this study could be implemented in postmortem toxicology laboratories as well as medical examiners offices to provide preliminary drugs of abuse test results that can be used to direct additional testing. This study highlights the successful integration of a novel specimen matrix and an "off-label" use of an established analytical technique.

Safer operating areas (SOA) of cylindrical lithium-ion battery – A probabilistic approach

This study introduces a real-time probabilistic safety assessment of a 18650 cylindrical battery. The physics-based failure scenarios from battery abuse are mapped onto Bayesian Network framework, enabling a quantitative estimation of monitoring parameters, health indicators and loss of control events. The model (encompassing multiple states, weightage factors, interdependencies, and uncertainties) is validated with 70 experimental data points of the same geometry, comprising 4 categories of abuses (surface heating, fast overcharging, external short circuit, and internal deformation). Through testing, probabilistic safety thresholds are established for 3 observed events: gas formation, venting, and fire and explosion.Sensitivity analysis reveals state of charge (at SOC > 50 %) and surface temperature (at Tsurf > 90°C) as the most influential parameters while inadequate cooling system and current interrupt device (CID) as influential safeguards for thermal runaway and fire to occur. Moreover, the identified safety thresholds are subjected to validation and testing against multiple health indicators to draw important insights. Probability, P(fire)deformation>P(fire)surface heat as internal deformation lowers onset to thermal runaway. In culmination, a safer operating area (SOA) is proposed, leveraging the identified thresholds and most sensitive parameters. The proposed SOA with 4 distinct boundaries is not only consistent with the temporal variations in cell temperature during thermal abuse test, but also provides a robust approach to monitor the safety of a battery.

S115 - Screening Test for Drug Abuse Among Blood Donors in the West Bank, a Cross-Sectional Study

S115 - Screening Test for Drug Abuse Among Blood Donors in the West Bank, a Cross-Sectional Study

Single-Use Vape Batteries: Investigating Their Potential as Ignition Sources in Waste and Recycling Streams

This study investigates the potential link between the increasing prevalence of single-use vapes (SUVs) and the rising frequency of waste and recycling fires in the UK. Incorrectly discarded Li-ion cells from SUVs can suffer mechanical damage, potentially leading to thermal runaway (TR) depending on the cells’ state of charge (SOC). Industry-standard abuse tests (short-circuit and nail test) and novel impact and crush tests, simulating damage during waste management processes, were conducted on Li-ion cells from two market-leading SUVs. The novel tests created internal short circuits, generating higher temperatures than the short-circuit test required for product safety. The cells in used SUVs had an average SOC ≤ 50% and reached a maximum temperature of 131 °C, below the minimum ignition temperature of common waste materials. The high temperatures were short-lived and had limited heat transfer to adjacent materials. The study concludes that Li-ion cells in used SUVs at ≤50% SOC cannot generate sufficient heat and temperature to ignite common waste and recycling materials. These findings have implications for understanding the fire risk associated with discarded SUVs in waste management facilities.

Influence of ambient temperature on multidimensional signal dynamics and safety performance in lithium-ion batteries during overcharging process

Ambient temperature significantly influences the safety performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly their thermal runaway (TR) behaviors. Yet, the complexities of multidimensional signal dynamics in overcharged LIBs under different ambient temperatures are not well understood. In this study, we performed comprehensive overcharging abuse tests under cold (-10 °C and 0 °C), normal (20 °C), and high ambient temperatures (60 °C), to investigate the evolution of multidimensional signals of expansion force, gas concentration, surface temperature, and voltage. Results show that TR events are not triggered at ambient temperatures of −10 °C and 0 °C, with the maximum temperatures and corresponding rise rate reaching only 125 °C and 0.5 °C/s, respectively. In contrast, for batteries undergoing TR, the maximum temperatures and rates of temperature increase peaked at 410.3 °C and 20.6 °C/s, respectively. The ambient temperature has a minimal impact on the venting force of the battery, which varies from approximately 9500 N to 10000 N, primarily driven by an increase in internal gas pressure during overcharging—a factor relatively unaffected by temperature changes. After safety valve activation during overcharging, Hydrogen (H2) is consistently the first gas detected immediately across all ambient temperature scenarios. Additionally, an increase in ambient temperature results in earlier detection of abnormal expansion and venting behaviors, characterized by lower venting voltages and higher venting temperatures. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of battery failure mechanisms under various ambient temperatures and informs the development of early safety warning strategies for LIBs during the charging process.

High-Strength, Thin, and Lightweight Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Superior All-Solid-State Sodium Metal Batteries.

The utilization of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) in all-solid-state sodium metal batteries has been extensively explored due to their excellent flexibility, processability adaptability to match roll-to-roll manufacturing processes, and good interfacial contact with a high-capacity Na anode; however, SPEs are still impeded by their inadequate mechanical strength, excessive thickness, and poor stability with Na anodes. Herein, a robust, thin, and cost-effective polyethylene (PE) film is employed as a skeleton for infiltrating poly(ethylene oxide)-sodium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PEO/NaTFSI) to fabricate PE-PEO/NaTFSI SPE. The resulting SPE features a remarkable thickness of 25 μm, lightweight property (2.1 mg cm-2), superior mechanical strength (tensile strength = 100.3 MPa), and good flexibility. The SPE also shows an ionic conductivity of 9.4 × 10-5 S cm-1 at 60 °C and enhanced interfacial stability with a sodium metal anode. Benefiting from these advantages, the assembled Na-Na symmetric cells with PE-PEO/NaTFSI show a high critical current density (1 mA cm-2) and excellent long-term cycling stability (3000 h at 0.3 mA cm-2). The all-solid-state Na||PE-PEO/NaTFSI||Na3V2(PO4)3 coin cells exhibit a superior cycling performance, retaining 93% of the initial capacity for 190 cycles when matched with a 6 mg cm-2 cathode loading. Meanwhile, the pouch cell can work stably after abuse testing, proving its flexibility and safety. This work offers a promising strategy to simultaneously achieve thin, high-strength, and safe solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state sodium metal batteries.

Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) Immersed in Fire Prevention Material for Fire Safety and Heat Management

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as the most commercialized rechargeable battery technology. However, their inherent property, called thermal runaway, poses a high risk of fire. This article introduces the “Battery Immersed in Fire Prevention Material (BIF)”, the immersion-type battery in which all of the LIB cells are surrounded by a liquid agent. This structure and the agent enable active battery fire suppression under abusive conditions while facilitating improved thermal management during normal operation. Abuse tests involving a battery revealed that the LIB module experienced fire, explosions, and burnouts with the target cell reaching temperatures of 1405 °C and the side reaching 796 °C. Conversely, the BIF module exhibited a complete lack of fire propagation, with temperatures lower than those of LIBs, particularly 285 and 17 °C, respectively. Under normal operating conditions, the BIF module exhibited an average temperature rise ~8.6 times lower than that of a normal LIB. Furthermore, it reduced the uneven thermal deviation between the cells by ~5.3 times more than LIB. This study provides a detailed exploration of the BIF and covers everything from components to practical applications. With further improvements, this technology can significantly enhance fire safety and prevent the thermal degradation of batteries in the real world.

Validation and application of an automated multitarget LC-MS/MS method for drugs of abuse testing using exhaled breath as specimen

Aerosol microparticles in exhaled breath carry non-volatile compounds from the deeper parts of the lung. When captured and analyzed, these aerosol microparticles constitute a non-invasive and readily available specimen for drugs of abuse testing. The present study aimed to evaluate a simple breath collection device in a clinical setting. The device divides a breath sample into three parallel “collectors” that can be individually analyzed. Urine was used as the reference specimen, and parallel specimens were collected from 99 patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Methadone was used as the primary validation parameter. A sensitive multi-analyte method using tandem liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry was developed and validated as part of the project. The method was successfully validated for 36 analytes with a limit of detection of 1 pg/collector for most compounds. Based on the validation results tetrahydrocannabinol THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are suitable for qualitative analysis, but all other analytes can be quantitively assessed by the method. Methadone was positive in urine in 97 cases and detected in exhaled breath in 98 cases. Median methadone concentration was 64 pg/collector. The methadone metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) was detected in 90 % of the cases but below 10 pg/collector in most. Amphetamine was also present in the urine in 17 cases and in exhaled breath in 16 cases. Several other substances were detected in the exhaled breath and urine samples, but at a lower frequency. This study concluded that the device provides a specimen from exhaled breath, that is useful for drugs of abuse testing. The results show that high analytical sensitivity is needed to achieve good detectability and detection time after intake.

Pattern of drug abuse testing and association with medical complications: A single tertiary care experience

Pattern of drug abuse testing and association with medical complications: A single tertiary care experience

Effects of a structured educational program on nursing students' level of knowledge and awareness toward child neglect and abuse: A quasi-experimental evaluation.

Nurses have a key role in the recognition, reporting, and channelization of child abuse and neglect. Nurses should have sufficient knowledge about the presentation of child abuse and neglect. They also need to understand their role in reporting any instance where they detect cases of abuse and neglect. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a structured Child Neglect and Abuse Educational Program (CNaA-EP) on the level of knowledge and awareness of nursing students about child neglect and abuse. This study conducted with nursing students used a pretest-post-test quasi-experimental design. The third-year nursing students were divided into two groups: experimental (n = 25) and control groups (n = 30). The intervention group received CNaA-EP. In both groups, pretests were performed using the "Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Scale," and "Child Abuse and Neglect Knowledge Test" The posttest was conducted 1 week after the 14-week CNaA-EP course was completed. Numbers, percentages, chi-square test, t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Fisher's exact test were conducted using SPSS 22.00 software. The education group's scores of child abuse/neglect awareness (t = -2.768 p < 0.05) and child abuse/neglect knowledge (t = -12.416 p < 0.01) were significantly higher than those of the control group. After the education program, a significant difference was found between the education and control groups on the core measures. A child neglect and abuse education program was an effective method of educating nursing students on knowledge and awareness of child abuse and neglect. For this reason, education programs should be planned and implemented to increase awareness about abuse and neglect problems that threaten children's health and development.