Point-Of-Care Drug-Checking: Assessing the Rhode Island Drug Supply Using FTIR Spectroscopy to Detect Fentanyl, Xylazine and Other Substances.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The illicit drug supply constantly fluctuates, with new adulterants and unexpected mixtures creating uncertainty. Point-of-care drug-checking services are vital in reducing overdose risk and other harms by providing real-time analysis, harm reduction education and links to care. This study aimed to characterise the local drug supply using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, complemented by Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) for additional context, from drug residues collected through a drug-checking program within a Rhode Island harm reduction site.

Methods

From January to May 2023, 100 samples were analysed using FTIR and sent for additional qualitative and semi-quantitative testing via LC-QToF-MS. Substan

SUBMITTER: Ujeneza M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12947298 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature