SOFT: ANALYSIS OF DRUG-INFUSED PAPERS BY ASAP-MS

Importance of the Topic

The smuggling of drug-infused papers into correctional facilities poses a significant challenge to prison security and inmate health. Rapid and reliable detection of both traditional drugs and potent novel psychoactive substances (NPS) is critical for maintaining order, reducing violence, and optimizing medical resource deployment.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study assessed the performance of the RADIAN™ ASAP Mass Detector, which relies on Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe-Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS) coupled with LiveID software, as a fast screening tool for detecting drug-infused paper materials. The main goals were to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, sample preparation methods, and the impact of paper substrates and inks.

Instrumentation

• RADIAN™ ASAP ion source (Waters Corporation)
• LiveID™ spectral library matching software
• High-resolution mass spectrometer for data acquisition

Methodology

Paper substrates (white paper 80 gsm, newspaper, greeting card, envelope, glossy magazine) were spiked with 17 common drugs and selected NPS using two infusion approaches:

• Pipetting: 50 µL of reference solution (0.2 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL) deposited onto 1×1 cm squares, dried 30 min.
• Soaking: 4×4 cm sections immersed in 1 mg/mL solution, dried 30 min; sampling via 6 mm hole punch.

All samples were extracted by sonication in 500 µL methanol for 5 min. ASAP-MS analysis applied four cone voltages (15, 25, 35, 50 V) to generate protonated species and characteristic fragments. LiveID matching used a threshold score of 800/1000 for positive identification.

Main Results and Discussion

• All target analytes were correctly identified in triplicate at 1 mg/mL, with mean match scores between 853 and 996.
• Lower concentration (0.2 mg/mL) yielded slightly reduced but still acceptable scores (>800).
• Hole-punch samples produced lower match scores than full squares but remained above the threshold.
• Extraction times beyond 5 min did not improve results, supporting a rapid workflow.
• Paper type and presence of inks (ballpoint pen, printed text/image) had negligible impact on match factors.
• Isomeric interferences (e.g., isotonitazene/protonitazene) can arise but are manageable by follow-up LC-MS/MS confirmation.

Practical Benefits and Applications

This ASAP-MS approach offers a user-friendly, chromatography-free screening that delivers results in under two minutes per sample. It streamlines prison intake testing, supports forensic investigations, and reduces the burden on confirmatory laboratories by pre-identifying suspect materials.

Future Trends and Applications

Expanding spectral libraries to cover emerging NPS, integrating quantitative algorithms, and developing portable ASAP-MS platforms will further enhance in-field screening capabilities. Coupling rapid screening with automated data reporting and secure chain-of-custody documentation can improve operational efficiency in correctional and law enforcement settings.

Conclusion

The RADIAN™ ASAP-MS with LiveID software demonstrates robust, rapid, and accurate screening of drug-infused paper samples. Its simplicity, speed, and minimal sample preparation make it an effective frontline tool for reducing illicit drug access in prison environments.

Reference

1. Centre for Social Justice. Drugs in Prison. London: Centre for Social Justice; 2015.
2. Ford LT, Berg JD. Analytical evidence to show letters impregnated with novel psychoactive substances are a means of getting drugs to inmates within the UK prison service. Ann Clin Biochem. 2018;55(6):673–678.
3. Norman C et al. Detection and quantitation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in infused papers from prisons in a constantly evolving illicit market. Drug Test Anal. 2020;1–17.
4. Wood M. RADIAN ASAP with LiveID—Fast, Specific, and Easy Drug Screening. Waters Application Note Library Number 720007125EN.