Method for detecting fentanyl levels found at VIU

A team of researchers from Vancouver Island University have made a breakthrough that could save lives in B.C.’s opioid epidemic.

Led by chemistry professor Chris Gill, researchers have developed a drug-testing method that, within minutes, could tell an opioid user whether the drugs they’re about to take contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.

A sample of the drug is analyzed using a paper spray mass spectrometer, which breaks down the molecules to identify which toxic substances are in the drug and how much, down to a tiny fraction of a per cent.

“We can tell not only what’s there in a contaminated drug sample, but how much is there,” said Gill, co-director of VIU’s applied environmental research laboratories. “And in harm reduction, it’s important to let the patient know what’s present in their drugs sample to hopefully modify behaviour in the hope of preventing deaths and overdoses.”

Carfentanil is so potent, one crystal is enough to cause an overdose, Gill said.

“So trace detection is key.” The rapid drug testing strips currently used only give a positive or negative reading for the presence of fentanyl or carfentanil, which might not be enough to deter someone from consuming the drugs, Gill said.

Mass spectrometer technology is already being used to detect chemicals in other substances, for example in environmental testing, but Gill’s team partnered with Island Health, LifeLabs and consulted with the B.C. Centre on Substance Use to apply the method to harm-reduction drug testing.

About 85 per cent substances sold as heroin or opioids have fentanyl in it, said Dr. Paul Hasselback, medical health officer with Island Health.