Researchers from the University of British Columbia have developed a more efficient method for identifying emerging "designer drugs" in the community. Their study demonstrates the use of high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze urine samples, revealing molecules from new designer drugs missed by conventional tests. This approach enhances public health and safety by swiftly identifying substances, potentially saving lives, and guiding clinical responses to drug-related emergencies. Designer drugs, unregulated and modified versions of existing substances, pose health risks and have proliferated in the market. The study reanalyzed urine samples collected in British Columbia from 2019 to 2022, using mass spectrometry to detect new drugs. This retrospective analysis uncovered synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants that initial screening had missed, highlighting the potential of the method to rapidly respond to emerging drugs in the community. This discovery will be crucial for identifying new drugs popping up on the street, allowing healthcare officials to treat patients effectively. With drug addiction on the rise in America, this discovery will aid in decreasing overdose, and saving lives.
Article link
Additional link
No comments:
Post a Comment