To keep the information precise and to attempt to interpret some of the associated technical details, the methods have been broken down into subheadings. This may require community partnerships or a serious cost-benefit analysis or both. More discriminatory methods carry a much larger price tag to invest in the proper equipment. This is due to the fact that some clinics may be able to easily access more discriminatory methods, through direct funding or industry partnership, whereas some clinics may have to rely on less precise testing methodologies and equipment due to lack of funding or support. Therefore, any of the following methods may be suitable on a case-by-case basis. Not all of these methods are easily accessible in a point-of-care framework, as some require high technical knowledge and/or a laboratory setting. As such, these methods have been proven to be effective in the analysis of unknown (forensic) examination of illicit substances and are therefore also the best methods to use in identifying unknown substances. Scientific Working Groups consist of scientific subject-matter experts who collaborate to determine best practices and develop consensus standards. The following methods have been validated by the Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG). Please note that the legal issues surrounding, and the service models of, drug testing are beyond the scope of this paper. ![]() In this paper, we use the term “drug testing” to refer to the forensic testing of illicit substances in their intended consumption form. We will conclude with recommendations for point-of-care testing of illicit substances. The goal of this paper is to describe the most common methods of testing chemical substances in both laboratory and point-of-care settings. While there are certainly legal hurdles to overcome when it comes to drug testing, there are three primary advantages to testing drugs before they are consumed: short- and long-term adverse effects (including overdose and fatality) can be avoided by the person using the substance other institutions (such as hospitals) and public health authorities can be made aware when a lethal or novel substance begins to circulate and, a global picture of drugs in circulation can be generated. In Canada, the Standing Committee on Health recommended that the Government of Canada grant exemptions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act so that drug testing could occur at designated sites. More recently, in Canada, drug testing is becoming more common at music festivals. Indeed, various approaches to drug testing have been around, even in North America, for decades. ![]() Drug, pill, and substance testing are increasingly being used as a harm reduction strategy throughout the world to decrease the risk of adverse effects. Harm reduction sites and/or clinics are increasing in number and service provision across the world, making it crucial to provide point-of-care workers with the tools and knowledge necessary to provide proper care for people who use drugs. Given the current opioid crisis in Canada and around the world, harm reduction agencies are seeking to help people who use drugs to do so more safely. ![]() Lower tech options, such as spot/color tests and immunoassays, are limited in their use but affordable and easy to use. It would be prudent for agencies or clinics that can obtain the funding to contact the companies who produce these devices to discuss possible usage in a harm reduction setting. The goal of this paper is to describe the most common methods for testing illicit substances and then, based on this broad, encompassing review, recommend the most appropriate methods for testing at point of care.īased on our review, the best methods for point-of-care drug testing are handheld infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and ion mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry is the current gold standard in forensic drug analysis. While these technologies have been used for years in Europe (Nightlife Empowerment & Well-being Implementation Project, Drug Checking Service: Good Practice Standards Trans European Drugs Information (TEDI) Workgroup, Factsheet on Drug Checking in Europe, 2011 European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, An Inventory of On-site Pill-Testing Interventions in the EU: Fact Files, 2001), they are only now starting to be utilized in this context in North America. Many harm reduction agencies are exploring techniques to test illicit drugs to identify and, where possible, quantify their constituents allowing their users to make informed decisions. Given the current opioid crisis around the world, harm reduction agencies are seeking to help people who use drugs to do so more safely.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |