Seized Drug Screening with RADIAN™ ASAP

Significance of the Topic

The increasing volume and diversity of seized drug samples pose significant challenges to forensic laboratories, which must deliver reliable results under tight time constraints.
Rapid, selective screening techniques are essential to reduce analytical backlogs and support law enforcement.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the RADIAN™ ASAP direct mass spectrometry system for the rapid screening of 229 seized drug samples collected at music events and night-time venues.
Results were compared with a confirmatory high-resolution MS screening method involving a 15-minute chromatographic separation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample groups comprised powders, pills, and capsule contents, extracted in methanol with sonication and diluted prior to analysis.
RADIAN ASAP employed an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) with a dip sampling technique, analyzing each sample in triplicate across four cone voltages to generate a spectral fingerprint.
Data processing was performed in real time using LiveID™ 2.0 with a library match threshold of 850.
Confirmatory screening used a 15-min UHPLC separation on the Waters Xevo™ G3 QTof with data-independent MSe acquisition.

Main Results and Discussion

RADIAN ASAP achieved 100% sensitivity for true positives, identifying seven compounds among 229 samples, with MDMA detected in 73.9% of cases.
Positive identifications correlated well with the HRMS screening, and reproducibility was demonstrated by consistent match scores across replicates and sample groups.
Minor discrepancies were attributed to differences in library content and analyte concentration levels.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Minimal sample preparation and direct analysis without chromatography
• Fast analysis time, under two minutes per sample
• Enhanced specificity via in-source fragmentation and library matching
• Compact benchtop footprint suitable for forensic laboratories

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Expanding and updating reference libraries will enable detection of emerging psychoactive substances.
Integration of ASAP screening with automated workflows and data analytics may further improve throughput.
Combining direct MS techniques with complementary separation methods could broaden applicability to complex mixtures.

Conclusion

The RADIAN ASAP system offers a rapid, reliable, and easy-to-use screening platform for seized drugs, effectively reducing laboratory backlogs while maintaining high specificity and sensitivity.

Instrumentation

• RADIAN™ ASAP Direct Mass Detector
• LiveID™ 2.0 Library Matching Software
• Xevo™ G3 QTof Mass Spectrometer

References

1. UNODC, World Drug Report 2023. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2023.
2. Wood M. RADIAN ASAP with LiveID—Fast, Specific, and Easy Drug Screening. Waters Application Note 720007125, 2021.
3. Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG) Recommendations, Edition 8.1, 2022.
4. Mistry N, Calton LJ, Cooper J. The Ultimate Forensic Toxicology Screening Companion—Xevo™ G3 QTof. Waters Application Brief 720008033, 2023.
5. Lee E, Cooper J, Martin N, Wood M. Updating the RADIAN ASAP Seized Drug Reference Library. Waters White Paper 720007838, 2023.