Overview
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 analogs and related synthetic opioid.
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 opioids 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 analogs and related synthetic opioids. Further, we will discuss policies surrounding the use, abuse, and analysis of these drugs.
A certificate of completion is available for all who register and attend this webinar.
Presenter
- Sabra R. Botch-Jones, MS, MA, D-ABFT-FT
Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence webinar has been provided by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this webinar are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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