Drug Detection System Research Articles

Machine Learning Model Training and Practice: A Study on Constructing a Novel Drug Detection System

Drugs, AIDS and terrorism are the three major public hazards in the world. Drug abuse seriously endangers social security and human life and health. The World Drug Report 2023 shows that the continued record supply of illicit drugs and increasingly flexible trafficking networks are exacerbating the global crisis and posing challenges for health services and law enforcement responses. The number of people injecting drugs worldwide in 2021 is estimated to be 13.2 million, 18% higher than previous estimates. At present, the world drug control situation is very serious, and it is necessary to increase the means to solve the drug problem and curb the spread of drugs, and efficient and accurate drug detection technology plays a very important role in drug control work. NPS, also known as "planning drugs" or "laboratory drugs", is a drug analogue obtained by the chemical structure modification of controlled drugs by criminals in order to evade the crackdown. It has similar or stronger excitatory, hallucinogenic, narcotic and other effects with controlled drugs, and has become a third-generation drug popular in the world after traditional drugs and synthetic drugs. Therefore, through the drug detection technology based on artificial intelligence machine learning technology, the current development of AI as a "drug detector" and the future space are analyzed.

Identification and reduction of hazardous drug surface contamination through the use of a novel closed-system transfer device coupled with a point-of-care hazardous drug detection system.

Minimizing hazardous drug (HD) contamination is critical for protecting the health of healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients. Alarmingly, widespread HD contamination has been documented across a variety of clinical settings. Quantitative wipe sampling presents significant time and cost barriers, resulting in routine monitoring adherence rates around 25%. Closed-system drug transfer devices (CSTDs) and qualitative point-of-care tests can be implemented to overcome these barriers. In this study, we tested the effects of the BD PhaSeal Optima (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a recently introduced CSTD, on HD contamination at 2 chemotherapy infusion centers. Wipe samples were taken at 29 workstations at each location prior to and a year following CSTD implementation. Additionally, traditional liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) analyses were compared against a novel lateral flow immunoassay HD testing device (BD HD Check; Becton, Dickinson and Company) to determine the validity of the qualitative assay. We found a 46% reduction in HD contamination after incorporating the CSTD into clinical workflows. Across time points and sites, HD contamination reported by the BD HD Check device was 91% accurate against LCMS/MS and 98% accurate within its limits of detection. Collectively, the evaluated CSTD and lateral flow immunoassay device may help to reduce HD contamination and provide real-time measures of contamination, respectively. As part of a multifaceted approach, these devices may help minimize barriers to routine monitoring, ultimately improving the safety of HCWs and patients.

AI-Powered Drug Detection System Utilizing Bioactivity Prediction and Drug Release Tracking

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning technologies have played an emerging trend aiding in the creation of new medicines. Simply said, deep learning algorithms and artificial neural networks have brought a new level of sophistication to this field. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence through Machine Learning have been used in this area, and its use is supported by historical data. Additionally, freshly created modelling algorithms relied heavily on unique data mining, duration, and management strategies, which were compared to gauge overall efficiency. This paper suggests the AI powered Drug Detection System using Bioactivity Prediction and Drug Release Tracking. The experimental findings show that the suggested systems effectively recognize the illegal drug advertisements. Datasets with millions of posts gathered using the Google+ API have been used to meticulously verify both the methods. The experimental evidence shows that both approaches can be used to accurately identify medicines.

Evaluation of Current Hazardous Drug Exposure Control in Community Pharmacy.

Purpose: To evaluate effectiveness of current hazardous drug exposure control practices in community pharmacies through identification of commonly contaminated surfaces. We also assessed the decontamination effectiveness of 5 different cleaning agents. Methods: This study was prospective and nonrandomized and conducted in 2 phases. In phase 1, 15 common areas used in the dispensing process were tested at each of 4 pharmacies in Toronto Ontario, Canada. Testing was conducted using the BD® HD Check System, a rapid, point-of-care, hazardous drug detection system that is able to identify contamination with methotrexate (MTX) and cyclophosphamide (CYP) and doxorubicin. In phase 2, 5 different cleaning agents (70% isopropyl alcohol, Lysol® spray, Ecolab® retail multiquat sanitizer, Ecolab retail multisurface and glass cleaner with peroxide, and Ecolab QSR heavy-duty degreaser) were tested for their ability to eliminate contamination. Results: All 4 pharmacies tested positive for contamination with MTX (25.8% of surfaces). Contamination with CYP was less frequent, with only 3 sites and 18.2% of surfaces testing positive. Of the 5 cleaning agents tested, only Ecolab QSR heavy-duty degreaser was able to eliminate contamination with MTX. None of the agents were successful against CYP. Conclusions: The results illustrate an unacceptable prevalence of hazardous drug contamination in community pharmacy settings. The BD HD Check System can serve to rapidly detect common high-risk areas for surface contamination. Decontamination protocols against MTX may include Ecolab QSR heavy-duty degreaser. Novel agents must be identified to remove contamination caused by CYP.

HIGH SENSITIVITY IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHIC TEST FOR DETECTION OF ILLICIT DRUGS IN ORAL FLUID: A FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS OF ABUSE

Purpose: Illicit drug use poses a great threat to the integrity of our society and can lead to major problems such as traffic and workplace accidents, homicides, theft, terrorism mongering and suicide to name a few. Among the variety of commonly used drugs-of-abuse, cannabis, cocaine, opiates, amphetamine and its derivatives have been the most reported. Oral fluid drug testing has been gaining interest as an accurate screening method for the detection of illicit drugs in suspects under influence. In this study, the accuracy of NARCOTEC oral fluid drug-detection system was evaluated in comparison with the cut-off values. Methods: A handheld device (NARCOTEC version 01.02, Morpho Biotec Limited, London, UK), NARCOTEC test, was used to interpret a total of seven illegal drugs (benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines, opiates, methamphetamine / MDMA, amphetamine, ∆9-THC and cocaine) test results. For the positive control tests, the cassettes were opened and 80 µL of each positive control solution was pipetted onto the appropriate sample pad lane and allowed 3-5 mins to migrate to the end of the nitrocellulose membrane before the cassettes were read by the handheld device. For the negative control tests, the negative control solutions were pipetted at 80 µL to each of the three lanes without any distinction and allowed 3-5 mins to flow before the cassettes were read by the handheld device (Figure 2). 40 positive and 40 negative control tests were performed and read by the handheld device. Finally the accuracy of the analysis for each analyte was determined. Results and conclusion: Positive and negative control samples were each assayed in 40 different replicates. Among the 80 tests, only BZD yielded one false-negative result within the positive control samples. In this study, NARCOTEC drug detection system was able to detect seven illicit drugs (benzodiazepines, opiates, methamphetamine/MDMA, amphetamine, ∆9-THC and cocaine) with a 99% accuracy and within as little as 5 min. This indicates that NARCOTEC can be safely used for point-of-care drug tests including roadside tests, forensics screening, workplaces, immigration offices, air controllers, pilots and travel ports.

Key Issues and Comments on an Investigation of a Methamphetamine Offender by Police - Focusing on the Replacement Compulsory Urine Sampling by Saliva Test -

본 연구에서는 메스암페타민 투약사범 수사사례와 최근 대법원 판례를 분석하고, 주요 논점인 강제채뇨를 둘러싼 법리를 소개하고 이에 대한 논평을 제시하였다. 아울러, 타액 검사를 통한 강제채뇨 대체방법을 설명하고 생체시료 감정에 관한 정책적 제언을 도모하였다. 대법원 판결은 ①강제채뇨는 피의자에게 강제력을 사용해서 도뇨관(catheter)을 요도를 통하여 방광에 삽입한 뒤 체내에 있는 소변을 배출시켜 소변을 취득‧보관하는 행위이고, ②범죄수사를 위해서 부득이하다고 인정되는 경우에 최후의 수단으로 허용되며, ③의료인이 시행하여야 하고, ④감정허가장을 통해서 가능하지만 압수‧수색의 방법으로도 가능하며 원칙적으로 압수‧수색영장을 발부받아야 한다는 취지로 정리할 수 있다. 이 판결은 실무에서 혼선을 초래했던 강제채뇨의 허용요건과 방법, 법적 절차(영장의 종류), 유형력 행사 및 경찰장구사용의 적법성에 관한 가이드라인을 제시하였다는 점에서 긍정적으로 평가할 수 있다. 하지만 위 판결의 중요한 전 제조건인 강제채뇨가 투약사범 수사를 위해서 부득이하다고 인정되는 최후의 수단이라는 점은 납득하기 어렵다. 왜냐하면, 인권침해 정도가 비교적 경미한 타액 검사 등으로 이를 대체할 수있기 때문이다. 프랑스 등 유럽국가에서는 2005년경부터, 국내에서는 2008년부터 타액 검사를 통해서 강제채뇨를 대체할 수 있는 방안이 논의되어 왔고, 항공종사자들에 대한 약물검사는 상대적으로 인권친화적인 기법으로 시행하고 있으며, 현재 타액 검사 키트(kit)와 장비는 누구나 손쉽게 구할 수 있는 상황에서 경찰 등 형사사법기관이 치안분야 과학기술 트렌드에 시의 적절하게 대응하지 못하고 있다고 평가할 수 있다. 결과적으로 생체시료 감정에 관해서 ①소변은 대상자가 자의로 제출할 경우에 한하여 검체로 활용하도록 규정하고, ②타액 활용 키트 및 장비(drug detection system, DDS)를 활용하는 시스템을 도입하고, 소변감정과의 민감도 (cut-off level) 등을 비교검증하며, ③장기적으로 모발감정시간을 최소한 체포시간(48시간) 이내로 단축시킬 수 있는 분석법을 유효화(method validation) 하는 동시에 모발을 이용한 검사 키트를 개발할 것을 제언한다.In this study, we analyzed the case of the methamphetamine offender investigation by police and the case of the Supreme Court. And we introduced and commented on the legal principles surrounding compulsory urine sampling. In addition, we suggested the alternative compulsory urine sampling through saliva test and policy suggestions on biological material analysis. This Supreme Court ruling can be evaluated positively in that it has presented guidelines on the acceptance requirements and methods of compulsory urine sampling, legal procedures(type of warrant), the exercise of type power, and the legality of police equipment use. But, it is hard to understand that compulsory urine sampling is the last resort that is considered necessary to investigate drug offenders. With some saliva test kits and device sold in the U.S., we can check whether or not marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamine, methamphetamine and pencyclidine are used. If some kits or equipments are introduced to confirm the use of saliva in Korea, the method of investigation of drug offenders can be improved in a way that reduces human rights and increases efficiency. The following items can be suggested as solutions and alternatives for the issues. First, urine shall be prescribed to be used as a specimen only if the subject submits it voluntarily. Second, we should introduce a system that utilizes oral fluid drug test kits and equipments, and compare the cut-off level of with urine sensitization. Finally, in the long term, it is recommended to study methods that can reduce hair analysis time to less than 48 hours in the long term, and to develop a test kit using hair.

A Multi-channel System for Qualitative Explosive and Drug Detection

It is well known that under blue LED/laser illumination a class of synthetic conjugated polymers can create fluorescence, and after absorbing a certain class of explosive vapors the fluorescence will be quenched thus the explosives can be detected. The unsolved problems are how can we detect drug, TATP and nitro aromatic explosives with the same device, how can we distinguish different explosives and drugs, and how can we avoid false alarms; solving these problems are crucial for world security. We have developed a new synthetic conjugated polymer with single molecule layer and coated on porous silicon with large surface area to increase quenching signal at least one order, based on this new film a small handheld explosive detector with sensitivities of 0.1 pg for TNT and 0.1 ng for black gun powder are obtained. Many explosives and drugs (such as TNT, RDX, PETN, black gun powder, cocaine, etc.) have been tested, from their quenching curves and our data base we are able to distinguish them qualitatively and avoid false alarms. Therefore we believe our detector can be used not only for battle field but also for airports, government entrances and other security check points. Last year, after face to face competition, our device was selected as the only security detector for the G20 summit held in Hangzhou, China. Here, we will give our detailed designs to let readers develop detectors by themselves to counter terrorism in the world and save lives.

DeepScreen: An Accurate, Rapid, and Anti-Interference Screening Approach for Nanoformulated Medication by Deep Learning.

Accuracy of current efficacy judgment methods for nanoformulated drug remains unstable due to the interference of nanocarriers. Herein, DeepScreen, a drug screening system utilizing convolutional neural network based on flow cytomerty single‐cell images, is introduced. Compared to existing experimental approaches, the high‐throughput system has superior precision, rapidity, and anti‐interference, and is cost‐cutting with high accuracy. First, it can resist most disturbances from manual factors of complicated evaluation progress. In addition, class activation maps generated from DeepScreen indicate that it may identify and locate the tiny variation from cell apoptosis and slight changes of cellular period caused by drug or even nanoformulated drug action at very early stages. More importantly, the excellent performance of assessment on two types of nanoformulations and fluorescent drug proves the fine generality and anti‐interference of this novel system. All these privileged performances make DeepScreen a very smart and promising system for drug detection.

Development of a cellular biosensor system for genotoxicity detection based on Trp53 promoter.

To develop a mouse cell biosensor system for the high-throughput genotoxicity detection of chemicals, such as environmental pollutants. We developed a novel reporter vector pGL4-GFP, wherein the firefly luciferase reporter gene in the pGL4.82 vector was replaced by the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene from the pAcGFP1-N1 vector. To construct the reporter pGL4-p53-GFP (p53 promoter linked to GFP), a fragment containing the p53 gene promoter was generated by amplifying a region from -481 to +180 of mouse genomic DNA isolated from mouse tail tissue. We developed a mouse cell biosensor system for the high-throughput genotoxicity detection of new drugs by stably integrating the reporter plasmid of pGL4-p53-GFP into the mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Various genotoxic agents were used to treat this biosensor system. The resulting fluorescence was directly observed under a fluorescence microscope, and the GFP protein level was measured through Western blot analysis. The biosensor system was treated with genotoxic agents, such as doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and benzo(a)pyrene. The GFP protein expression was significantly increased in cells exposed to genotoxic agents but negatively responded to the non-genotoxic agent dimethyl sulfoxide, thereby proving the specificity and sensitivity of the biosensor system. This novel in vitro biosensor system can be especially useful in genotoxicity detection.

Detection of Illicit Drugs by Trained Honeybees (Apis mellifera).

Illegal drugs exacerbate global social challenges such as substance addiction, mental health issues and violent crime. Police and customs officials often rely on specially-trained sniffer dogs, which act as sensitive biological detectors to find concealed illegal drugs. However, the dog “alert” is no longer sufficient evidence to allow a search without a warrant or additional probable cause because cannabis has been legalized in two US states and is decriminalized in many others. Retraining dogs to recognize a narrower spectrum of drugs is difficult and training new dogs is time consuming, yet there are no analytical devices with the portability and sensitivity necessary to detect substance-specific chemical signatures. This means there is currently no substitute for sniffer dogs. Here we describe an insect screening procedure showing that the western honeybee (Apis mellifera) can sense volatiles associated with pure samples of heroin and cocaine. We developed a portable electroantennographic device for the on-site measurement of volatile perception by these insects, and found a positive correlation between honeybee antennal responses and the concentration of specific drugs in test samples. Furthermore, we tested the ability of honeybees to learn the scent of heroin and trained them to show a reliable behavioral response in the presence of a highly-diluted scent of pure heroin. Trained honeybees could therefore be used to complement or replace the role of sniffer dogs as part of an automated drug detection system. Insects are highly sensitive to volatile compounds and provide an untapped resource for the development of biosensors. Automated conditioning as presented in this study could be developed as a platform for the practical detection of illicit drugs using insect-based sensors.

Application of programmable bio-nano-chip system for the quantitative detection of drugs of abuse in oral fluids

ObjectiveThere is currently a gap in on-site drug of abuse monitoring. Current detection methods involve invasive sampling of blood and urine specimens, or collection of oral fluid, followed by qualitative screening tests using immunochromatographic cartridges. While remote laboratories then may provide confirmation and quantitative assessment of a presumptive positive, this instrumentation is expensive and decoupled from the initial sampling making the current drug-screening program inefficient and costly. The authors applied a noninvasive oral fluid sampling approach integrated with the in-development chip-based Programmable bio-nano-chip (p-BNC) platform for the detection of drugs of abuse. MethodThe p-BNC assay methodology was applied for the detection of tetrahydrocannabinol, morphine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, methadone and benzodiazepines, initially using spiked buffered samples and, ultimately, using oral fluid specimen collected from consented volunteers. ResultsRapid (∼10min), sensitive detection (∼ng/mL) and quantitation of 12 drugs of abuse was demonstrated on the p-BNC platform. Furthermore, the system provided visibility to time-course of select drug and metabolite profiles in oral fluids; for the drug cocaine, three regions of slope were observed that, when combined with concentration measurements from this and prior impairment studies, information about cocaine-induced impairment may be revealed. ConclusionsThis chip-based p-BNC detection modality has significant potential to be used in the future by law enforcement officers for roadside drug testing and to serve a variety of other settings, including outpatient and inpatient drug rehabilitation centers, emergency rooms, prisons, schools, and in the workplace.

Simultaneous detection of 93 conventional and emerging drugs of abuse and their metabolites in urine by UHPLC-MS/MS.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are becoming increasingly popular worldwide in recent years, some of which have been reported to cause considerable harm and even fatalities. Currently, simultaneous screening for a comprehensive panel of conventional and novel drugs of abuse is not widely available in most clinical laboratories. The aim of this study was to establish a chromatography/mass spectrometry-based analytical system for the simultaneous detection of conventional drugs of abuse and NPS in urine. Sample preparation entails enzyme digestion and solid phase extraction; analytes were then detected by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with multiple reaction monitoring. Forty-seven conventional drugs (28 parent drugs, 19 metabolites) and 46 NPS analytes (44 parent drugs, two metabolites) are covered by the established method, which has been validated according to international guidelines. The method was then applied to 964 urine samples collected from drug abusers and the results revealed the presence of two NPS - TFMPP and methcathinone - as well as conventional drugs of abuse. To conclude, an LC-MS/MS method has been established that allows the simultaneous detection of over 90 conventional as well as novel psychoactive substances and metabolites in urine samples. The method was successfully applied to authentic specimens revealing the presence of conventional as well as novel drugs of abuse in the local population.

Development of a Fish Cell Biosensor System for Genotoxicity Detection Based on DNA Damage-Induced Trans-Activation of p21 Gene Expression.

p21CIP1/WAF1 is a p53-target gene in response to cellular DNA damage. Here we report the development of a fish cell biosensor system for high throughput genotoxicity detection of new drugs, by stably integrating two reporter plasmids of pGL3-p21-luc (human p21 promoter linked to firefly luciferase) and pRL-CMV-luc (CMV promoter linked to Renilla luciferase) into marine flatfish flounder gill (FG) cells, referred to as p21FGLuc. Initial validation of this genotoxicity biosensor system showed that p21FGLuc cells had a wild-type p53 signaling pathway and responded positively to the challenge of both directly acting genotoxic agents (bleomycin and mitomycin C) and indirectly acting genotoxic agents (cyclophosphamide with metabolic activation), but negatively to cyclophosphamide without metabolic activation and the non-genotoxic agents ethanol and D-mannitol, thus confirming a high specificity and sensitivity, fast and stable response to genotoxic agents for this easily maintained fish cell biosensor system. This system was especially useful in the genotoxicity detection of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a rodent carcinogen, but negatively reported in most non-mammalian in vitro mutation assays, by providing a strong indication of genotoxicity for DEHP. A limitation for this biosensor system was that it might give false positive results in response to sodium butyrate and any other agents, which can trans-activate the p21 gene in a p53-independent manner.

Modelling an Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Diffraction System for Drug Detection

A system for drug detection using X-ray diffraction is currently being developed by the DILAX collaboration. A simulation program for modelling the response of an energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction system has been developed, with the two-fold aim of selecting possible configurations prior to experimental tests and of generating data for statistical models for prediction of drug content. Simulated data showed a good agreement with experimental results. The data showed that the main factor affecting the shape of the diffraction pattern is the thickness of the sample. Scatter angle and detector energy resolution have a smaller effect on the diffraction pattern. This suggests that cheaper, room-temperature detectors can be used for a drug detection system without any loss in sensitivity and specificity.

Application of the Cozart DDS system to postmortem screening of drugs of abuse in vitreous humor

The analysis of drugs of abuse in human specimens is essential in forensic medicine. This study evaluated the use of Cozart DDS for postmortem screening of some drugs of abuse in vitreous humor (VH) prior to forensic autopsies. The Cozart DDS is an on-site drug detection system that has been validated for oral fluid. Seventy-one VH specimens were obtained from cadavers. Causes of death included injury, drug poisoning, natural disorders, and traffic accidents. The samples were tested for cannabis, cocaine, opiate, amphetamine, and methamphetamine. Thirty-three of 71 samples were positive for drugs of abuse (42% for cocaine, 28% for cannabis, 26% for opiates, and 3% for methamphetamine). The positive specimens for opiates and methamphetamine were reexamined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS); benzoylecgonine (cocaine product) was detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). All positive results for cocaine or its products and opiates by the Cozart test were confirmed by MS analysis, whereas one positive result for methamphetamine was negative by MS. The Cozart DDS system is generally a useful screening test for VH specimens prior to autopsies, because of its simplicity and rapidness.

Stability of Drugs of Abuse in Oral Fluid Collection Devices With Purpose of External Quality Assessment Schemes

As the stability of drugs of abuse in oral fluid can affect drug testing results, we evaluated this parameter together with recovery for the principal drugs of abuse in two collection devices typically used to ship oral fluid samples to testing laboratories. Two different samples were prepared using Cozart Drug Detection System and Intercept oral fluid collection devices with 600 ng/mL of 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) and cocaine and 240 ng/mL of Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH). Samples were sent at ambient temperature by courier to the participating laboratories (n = 19) the same day of preparation. Samples were analyzed upon reception (about 48-72 hours after shipment). Percent coefficients of variation, calculated using robust mean and robust standard deviation, were around 30% for all analytes, except for THCCOOH in both samples (between 50% and 80%) and THC in 1 sample (50%). Percent coefficients of variation were also high (between 50% and 70%) for morphine and benzoylecgonine, formed after 6-MAM and cocaine spontaneous hydrolysis. On average, 9%-12% 6-MAM was converted to morphine and between 26% and 41% cocaine to benzoylecgonine. Good recoveries were observed for the acid metabolite of THC in both collection devices, whereas THC was always scarcely recovered. Depending on the collection device used, obtained results may confound the interpretation and estimation of blood drug concentration, given an oral fluid drug concentration and subsequent consideration of time elapsing from drug consumption.

Evaluation of the Cozart DDSV Test for Cannabis in Oral Fluid

Saliva or "oral fluid" has been presented as an alternative matrix to establish drug exposure. The noninvasive collection of an oral fluid sample, which is relatively easy to perform and can be achieved under close supervision, is one of the most important benefits when testing for driving under the influence of drugs. Moreover, the detection of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in oral fluid is a better indication of recent use than a positive urine test, so there is a higher probability that the subject is experiencing pharmacological effects at the time of sampling. Twenty-five subjects (5 free and 20 addicts from a heroin detoxification center) were included in a study to evaluate the potential application of a new device, the Cozart DDSV (drug detection system visual), to detect cannabis in oral fluid. The time cannabis was last smoked was recorded by the medical staff after interview with each subject. Samples were collected with the Cozart DDS Oral Swab and diluted with the Cozart DDS buffer as proposed by the manufacturer. The Cozart DDSV test was conducted on site at the time of collection, and the remainder of the sample retained for confirmation analysis by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after methylation of THC (limit of quantitation 0.5 ng/mL). All 25 samples were analyzed by GC/MS. On-site results were obtained within 10 minutes. The 5 drug-free subjects were negative for cannabis, irrespective of the method. From the 20 subjects declaring that they had smoked cannabis between 30 minutes and 24 hours previously, the DDSV device identified 8 positive subjects (with THC concentrations in the buffer in the range 15-219 ng/mL), whereas 18 subjects tested positive using GC/MS. THC concentrations in the Cozart buffer using GC/MS analysis ranged from 0.7 to 219 ng/mL. These concentrations represent about one third the authentic THC concentrations in oral fluid due to the dilution by the liquid of the device. Given the results, the DDSV device was considered as an acceptable tool to detect cannabis abuse in oral fluid within a period of 2-3 hours after smoking.

Establishment of an HPLC identification system for detection of counterfeit steroidal drugs

A set of simple HPLC methods employing UV detection were developed for detection of counterfeit drugs by the qualitative and quantitative analysis of nine steroidal drugs, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, norethisterone, norgestrel, methyltestosterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, progesterone, testosterone propionate and nilestriol. The methods were based on studies of the relationships between the retention factors ( k) of the nine compounds and the percentages of water to methanol in the mobile phases on a reverse phase Alltima C 18 column giving reliable separation of the compounds under three sets of chromatographic conditions. The methods were validated using statistical tests and were used on nine commercial samples for detection of possible counterfeit drugs.

Performance Evaluation of Thermal Desorption System (TDS) for Detection of Basic Drugs in Forensic Samples by GC-MS

Stir bar sorptive extraction is an innovative sample extraction technique that can be used to process blood, urine, and tissue samples for routine drug screening in the forensic toxicology laboratory. The Gerstel Twister desorption unit (TDU) system is a multifunctional desorption unit capable of determining the presence of analytes from liquid samples after extraction using the Twister stir bar. The TDU desorption system was evaluated for use in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for determining the presence of basic drugs in forensic samples. Human blood fortified with known quantities of drugs was used to evaluate sample diluents, extraction time, injection parameters and recovery. Case specimens containing drugs typically encountered in forensic samples were evaluated using the desorption method and compared with a liquid-liquid extraction method followed by GC-MS analysis. This evaluation demonstrated that the TDU desorptive method worked equally as well as the routine extraction method for the detection of basic drugs in screening forensic samples. In addition, the described technique avoids the use of extraction solvents and the subsequent centrifugation, transfer, and concentration steps required of liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction methods.

Classifying threats with a 14-MeV neutron interrogation system

SeaPODDS (Sea Portable Drug Detection System) is a non-intrusive tool for detecting concealed threats in hidden compartments of maritime vessels. This system consists of an electronic neutron generator, a gamma-ray detector, a data acquisition computer, and a laptop computer user-interface [Strellis et al., 2003, Proceedings of the 2003 ONDCP International Technology Symposium, San Diego, CA]. Although initially developed to detect narcotics, recent algorithm developments have shown that the system is capable of correctly classifying a threat into one of four distinct categories: narcotic, explosive, chemical weapon, or radiological dispersion device (RDD). Detection of narcotics, explosives, and chemical weapons is based on gamma-ray signatures unique to the chemical elements. Elements are identified by their characteristic prompt gamma-rays induced by fast and thermal neutrons. Detection of RDD is accomplished by detecting gamma-rays emitted by common radioisotopes and nuclear reactor fission products. The algorithm phenomenology for classifying threats into the proper categories is presented here.