RADIAN ASAP with LiveID – Fast, Specific, and Easy Drug Screening

Significance of the Topic

Forensic laboratories face growing sample volumes and a rising diversity of illicit and novel psychoactive substances. Rapid, reliable screening is crucial to improve case throughput, support enforcement actions, and prevent analysis backlogs.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study assesses the feasibility of RADIAN ASAP, a compact ambient ionization mass spectrometer, paired with LiveID 2.0 software for fast, specific drug screening. A panel of 67 certified reference materials (CRMs), pharmaceutical and over-the-counter preparations, and over 60 real case samples seized at events were analyzed to evaluate identification accuracy, speed, and specificity.

Methodology

Samples were diluted in methanol or methanol–water and introduced via a simple glass capillary dipping procedure. Direct analysis employed full-scan mass spectrometry over m/z 50–600. To enhance specificity, spectra were acquired simultaneously at four cone voltages (15, 25, 35, 50 V), generating precursor and product ion fingerprints. LiveID 2.0 matched acquired data to a reference library in near real time, reporting an average match factor.

Instrumentation

RADIAN ASAP Direct Mass Detector featuring an atmospheric solids analysis probe for ambient ionization. Nitrogen heating and corona discharge enable rapid desorption and ionization. LiveID 2.0 Software provides automated spectral matching against a starter library of common drug substances.

Main Results and Discussion

Among 67 CRMs at 50 µg/mL, 40 library compounds yielded 39 correct identifications above the match factor cutoff of 850, with factors ≥877. Specificity was 92.6%, with only two false positives attributed to absent library entries causing related-compound proposals. Desolvation at 600 °C improved match factors for certain analytes. Analysis of seized samples showed rapid detection of MDMA and ketamine, with results available within one minute. RADIAN ASAP data correlated well with established high-resolution LC-HRMS screening.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Minimal sample preparation and direct analysis
• Fast screening with results in under one minute
• Enhanced specificity via multi-voltage spectral acquisition
• Real-time library matching for automated reporting
• Compact, cost-effective instrumentation suitable for triage workflows

Future Trends and Opportunities

Expansion of spectral libraries will improve identification of emerging substances. Integration with laboratory information management systems and advanced data analytics, including machine learning, may further streamline workflows. Coupling ambient ionization screening with confirmatory HRMS or chromatography will support comprehensive forensic analysis.

Conclusion

RADIAN ASAP combined with LiveID 2.0 offers a rapid, user-friendly screening solution with high specificity and minimal sample prep. Its compact footprint and real-time library matching make it a promising tool for forensic and drug control laboratories to improve throughput and sample triage.

References

1. Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs. Recommendations, Edition 8, 13 June 2019.
2. ASTM International. ASTM E2329-17: Standard Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs, 2017.
3. Waters Corporation. RADIAN ASAP Brochure, 2021.
4. Waters Corporation. UNIFI Forensic Toxicology Screening Solution Brochure, 2020.
5. Rosano TG; Wood M; Ihenetu K; Swift TA. Drug Screening in Medical Examiner Casework by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MSE-TOF). Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 2013;1–14.