This webinar will present the results of the evaluation of Direct Sample Analysis Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry to provide rapid identification of eighteen fentanyl analogues and related synthetic opiates.
As of March 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration placed two fentanyl analogs (beta-hydroxythiofentanyl and butyryl fentanyl) under Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act due to their imminent threat to public health. In June 2017, Acetyl Fentanyl was placed into Schedule I. These drugs elicit analgesic effects similar to heroin making them desirable drugs to abuse. Novel fentanyl analogs and designer opiates are expected to be more prominent in forensic casework in the near future. Many legal jurisdictions are acting to deal with the threat these compounds pose and have enacted changes in how criminal cases involving these drugs are handled. These drugs can be seen in forensic casework either alone or can be mixed with other drugs of abuse such as heroin. It is therefore necessary to have an efficient methodology to identify these compounds. In this study, Direct Sample Analysis Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (DSA-TOFMS) was evaluated to provide rapid identification of eighteen fentanyl analogues and related synthetic opiates. Further, we will discuss policies surrounding the use, abuse, and analysis of these drugs.