Researchers at the University of Waterloo have actually presented a quickly, lifesaving blood test that spots opioids like fentanyl in less than 3 minutes, a crucial improvement in combating the opioid crisis.
The screening approach has the ability to analyze blood samples in half the time compared to alternative methods.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have actually produced an ingenious blood screening method that recognizes powerful opioids faster than traditional approaches, with the possible to conserve lives.
The approach, the most recent effort by Waterloo scientists and business owners to lead health development in Canada, can at the same time evaluate 96 blood samples that might consist of opioids such as < period class =(***************************************** )aria-describedby ="tt" data-cmtooltip ="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>fentanyl</div><div class=glossaryItemBody>Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is used to treat severe pain, such as pain from cancer or surgery, and is typically administered via injection or transdermal patch. Fentanyl can also be used recreationally, and its use has been linked to a significant increase in opioid overdose deaths in recent years. Due to its high potency, fentanyl can be dangerous even in small doses, and its use should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider.</div>" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex ="0" function ="link" > fentanyl(**************** )in under 3 minutes– two times as rapidly as other strategies.(********** )
Picture of the microfluidic open user interface system.Credit:University ofWaterloo
“The difference between our blood testing method and traditional methods used in laboratories and hospitals is that we can do it faster and reach the same conclusion,” statedEmirNazdraji ć, a postdoctoral fellow inWaterloo’sDepartment ofChemistry and co-author of a research study that information the brand-new method.
“Let’s say someone who has overdosed is in the emergency room, and doctors need to quickly determine what they’ve taken to treat them effectively. The speed of our method can be lifesaving.”
AResponse to aGrowingCrisis
In2022, over 70,000Americans passed away of overdoses from fentanyl, an opioid that is50 times more effective than heroin.About 7,000 individuals pass away from fentanyl yearly inCanada, almost one-third of which happens inBritishColumbia, which is amongst the worst rates per capita inNorthAmerica
When utilizing theWaterloo- created approach, the scientists put a percentage of blood in a96- well plate with a phosphate buffer.The well plate is then put in a device that upsets the samples, and a strong stage microextraction( SPME) probe is presented to boost the drugs of interest.(****************************************************************************************** )sample is then evaluated by a mass spectrometer combined to a microfluidic open user interface, with outcomes offered in about90 seconds.
“There is a high demand for rapid screening methods using mass spectrometry (MS) that can decrease the turnaround time, cost, and limits of quantitation of existing methodologies,” stated(********************************************************************************************************************** ).Janusz Pawliszyn, matching author of the research study and a teacher in(************************************************************************************** )’sDepartment ofChemistry“Our method targets not only fentanyl but other drugs and certain types of diseases.”
Reference:“Rapid Analysis of Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues from Whole Blood Using SPME Coupled to the Microfluidic Open Interface” byEmirNazdraji ć,Daniel A.Rickert and Janusz(**************************************************************************************************** )29December2023, AnalyticalChemistry
DOI:10 1021/ acs.analchem.3 c04354
