Can we Change the Paradigm of Seized Drug Analysis with New Innovations in Mass Spectrometry?

The increase in the number and diversity of drugs of abuse is a major concern; it also presents significant challenges for forensic laboratories who are involved in the analysis of seized substances and are under time pressure to produce results quickly.

A two step approach of an initial presumptive color chemistry test followed by a secondary specific GC/MS analysis is widely used in forensic laboratories around the world. Many laboratories also utilize FTIR and other spectroscopy methods in their drug identification workflows. Recently there have been a number of developments in direct ionization mass spectrometry and high resolution mass spectrometry which can overcome some of the challenges faced by forensic laboratories such as inconclusive color tests, unavailability of color tests for newly emerging drugs and time consuming GC/MS methods.

In this webinar, Waters scientists will introduce two different mass spectrometer systems and discuss how these could fit into seized drug analysis workflows and improve sample throughput and enable a wider range of drugs to be detected and identified. The webinar will be interactive, and we look forward to a lively and interesting discussion on innovations for seized drugs analysis. Don’t hesitate to ask your questions prior during the registration process!

Presenter: Nayan Mistry (Senior Clinical Application Scientist, Forensic Toxicology, Research & Development, Waters Corporation)

Nayan joined Waters in 2009 and is part of a global team dedicated to the development of applications and analytical solutions for Forensic Toxicology.

Nayan’s key focus is on toxicology screening and he has expertise with both nominal mass and accurate mass-based screening.

Nayan plays a key role in the development of these solutions and in the expansion of associated libraries.

His favourite aspect of the role is customer support - Nayan is involved in global customer support and training and has presented his work at conferences worldwide.

Presenter: Emily Lee (Application Scientist, Waters Corporation)

Emily Lee is an Application Scientist at Waters Corporation. Emily is part of a global team dedicated to the development of applications and analytical solutions for Forensics and Toxicology. Emily has gained experience in the use of various Waters mass spectrometry technologies for the analysis of forensic and toxicologically relevant analytes. Prior to working at Waters, Emily has experience working in forensic toxicology laboratories, with high sample turnover and fast turnaround times. Emily was involved in many aspects of day-to-day laboratory operations including sample extraction, analysis, method development and validation, analytical troubleshooting and reporting. Emily also gained a MSc in Forensic Science (Toxicology) at the University of Huddersfield.