Rapid handheld test for detecting dangerous opioids and drug contaminants
Development and validation of a novel point-of-care technology for rapid non-targeted identification of emerging opioid and other drug threats
A fast, easy-to-use device that helps people who use drugs and harm-reduction workers see if fentanyl, carfentanil, nitazenes, or benzodiazepine adulterants are present in a sample.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177883 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are building a portable, point-of-care device that can quickly scan a tiny drug sample and flag unexpected high-potency opioids and common adulterants. The device will use non-targeted analytic methods so it can identify new or changing drug threats rather than just a single drug. Developers will validate the device against standard laboratory tests and pilot it at community drug-checking sites so people can try it in real-world settings. The team will update detection libraries as new compounds appear and train harm-reduction staff to use the tool safely.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who use unregulated street drugs and the harm-reduction or drug-checking programs that serve them.
Not a fit: People who do not use illicit or unregulated drugs, or who only take prescribed medications, are unlikely to benefit directly from this device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could help people avoid accidental overdose by revealing dangerous contaminants before use.
How similar studies have performed: Existing tools like fentanyl test strips and laboratory mass spectrometry have reduced harm but have limits, and portable non-targeted detection for emerging synthetic opioids is relatively new and not yet widely proven.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Werb, Daniel M — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Werb, Daniel M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.