How paper spray mass spectrometry facilitated harm reduction drug checking

Importance of the Topic

Illicit opioid overdoses have surged in recent years, driven largely by fentanyl and its analogs in unregulated drug supplies. Rapid, accurate information on drug composition empowers people who use drugs to make safer decisions and reduce preventable harm. Conventional field methods such as FTIR and immunoassay strips lack the sensitivity and quantitation required to detect trace-level toxicants, highlighting the need for a more powerful point-of-care drug checking approach.

Objectives and Study Overview

The Applied Environmental Research Laboratories at Vancouver Island University developed the HarmCheck street-level testing program to screen for fentanyls, opioids, and unexpected contaminants in illicit drugs. This case study evaluated paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) as a high-throughput, field-deployable method for rapid quantitative analysis, requiring minimal training and delivering immediate feedback to clients.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Drug samples were deposited onto disposable paper substrates and analyzed with a Thermo Scientific VeriSpray PaperSpray ion source coupled to a TSQ Fortis triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. A custom 24-sample plate and an automated plate loader enabled processing of up to 240 samples unattended. Deuterated internal standards ensured accurate quantitation. The Thermo Scientific TraceFinder software handled acquisition, data processing, and report generation in a single workflow.

Key Results and Discussion

Over an eight-month pilot during the early COVID-19 period, the team performed more than 1 700 tests. Fentanyl was detected in 75 % of samples, at concentrations from 0.44 % to 38 %. Trace-level compounds such as carfentanil were quantified reliably below 1 %. Unexpected impurities, including the fentanyl precursor 4-ANPP, were identified in the majority of opioid samples, revealing variable synthesis quality. The rapid 1–2 minute analysis time and high throughput supported timely reporting to reduce overdose risk.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Rapid analysis in 1–2 minutes per sample
• Quantitative detection at trace levels for potent opioids
• Disposable sampling strips eliminate cross-contamination
• No liquid chromatography simplifies workflow and training
• Automated data processing and report output
• Flexible analyte panel to address emerging drug threats

Future Trends and Applications

The HarmCheck model has expanded to a fixed site in Victoria and a mail-in testing service for rural communities. Since October 2021, over 7 000 tests have been conducted. Future developments include real-time web-based result delivery, extension of the program to additional regions, and continuous updating of the analyte library to capture novel psychoactive substances.

Conclusion

Paper spray mass spectrometry delivers a robust, field-deployable solution for street-level drug checking. Its speed, sensitivity, and quantitative capabilities enhance harm reduction services by providing accurate drug composition information that supports safer use and reduction of overdose fatalities.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug Overdose Epidemic. 2022.
2. Sun Y, Bao Y, Kosten T, Strang J, Shi J, Lu L. Challenges to opioid use disorders during COVID-19. Am J Addict. 2020;29:174–175.
3. Borden SA, Saatchi A, Vandergrift GW, Palaty J, Lysyshyn M, Gill CG. A new quantitative drug checking technology for harm reduction: Pilot study in Vancouver, Canada using paper spray mass spectrometry. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2022;41:410–418.