Chrom-Free Innovative Solutions for the Drug Abuse Crisis: Moving Mass Spec into the Frontlines of Toxicology Screening

Discover the rapid, chromatography-free detection and characterization of novel nitazene analogs using DART-MRM, a highly effective tool in forensic drug analysis. Learn about DART-MS for high-throughput screening of various novel psychoactive substances (NPS), with a focus on its sensitivity, selectivity, and practical applications in public health and law enforcement.

Enhance your expertise in cutting-edge forensic techniques and stay ahead in the evolving landscape of synthetic opioids and NPS detection.

Talk #1: Rapid Detection of Novel Nitazene Analogs: Presumptive Identification of N-Pyrrolidino Butonitazene via DART-MRM

Speaker: Josh DeBord, Senior Scientist, CFSRE

This presentation documents the rapid detection and preliminary characterization of a novel nitazene analog within seized drug samples. An initial GC-MS screening revealed an unexpected peak, prompting further investigation using Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) paired with Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM). The DART-MRM analysis enabled real-time determination of the parent ion and its most favorable fragmentation transitions. The resulting ion profiles were consistent with the theoretical fragmentation pattern for N-Pyrrolidino Butonitazene, supporting its presumptive identification. Additionally, the data hint at the potential presence of a second nitazene analog, warranting additional study. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of DART-MRM as a flexible, rapid, and high-throughput tool in forensic drug analysis, enhancing the ability to identify emerging synthetic opioids and informing both public health and law enforcement interventions.

Talk #2: Rapid Screening of Emerging NPS Using DART-MS: Sensitivity, Selectivity, and Easy Target Adaptation

Speaker: Terry Bates, Quantera Analytical 

The rapidly evolving landscape of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) presents an urgent and ever-present challenge for forensic labs. This talk explores the use of Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) as a rapid, chromatography-free approach for detecting synthetic cannabinoids, designer benzodiazepines, nitazenes, synthetic cathinones, novel stimulants, dissociatives, and other emerging NPS. We will discuss the underlying principles of DART-MS and why it is a natural fit for high throughput NPS screening. Key performance characteristics including sensitivity, selectivity, ruggedness, and the ease of incorporating new target analytes will be highlighted to demonstrate its practical utility in routine laboratory workflows. Real-world case examples will illustrate how DART-MS can streamline routine screening and support timely public health and law enforcement.