Technologies
Drug checking services in BC currently use Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry in combination with fentanyl and benzodiazepine test strips to check drugs. Substance on Vancouver Island offers additional technologies that are helpful for looking at complex samples.
You can learn more about why we use these technologies in our Drug Checking Evidence Report.
About FTIR spectroscopy
FTIR spectrometers use infrared light to measure a sample. Different substances absorb the light in different patterns. Technicians are trained to interpret the results and can identify up to five or six components. This includes active ingredients, and cuts or buffs. The FTIR has limit of detection of about five to ten percent, therefor it is important to remember that some drugs can be can be missed by FTIR and still impact health outcomes.
About immunoassay (test) strips
Because of the limits of FTIR spectroscopy, technicians also use fentanyl and benzodiazepine strips, which are more sensitive to their target compounds. Test strips provide only binary information on presences or absences of target compounds but does not specify the substance or amount.
Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are more sensitive to fentanyl and fentanyl analogues than the FTIR. Though they may not be able to detect all fentanyl analogues including potent ones like carfentanil when present in trace amounts.
Benzodiazepine test strips (BTS) are sensitive to a number of benzodiazepines, but not all. Benzodiazepines can contribute to or complicate opioid overdoses, even when present in small amounts
