Frequently Asked Questions on Drug Checking

What is a confirmatory lab?

Confirmatory testing has been shown to be a vital element in the implementation of a drug checking service. Confirmatory testing with laboratory-based, gold-standard technologies allows for a more refined analysis of samples collected at point-of-care drug checking and to gain more insight into the drug supply. The highly sensitive technologies in confirmatory laboratories can detect trace amounts of substances as well as provide quantification information that is not possible with various forms of testing technology.

It is advised for technicians and programs to utilize a confirmatory laboratory to ensure accurate sample analysis, scan interpretation and further diagnosis of unidentifiable substances. Programs participating in the DUHDC program utilize a confirmatory lab to ensure staff can interpret initial results accurately.

What type of technology is used in the drug checking program?

The programs utilize a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy machine and innumoassay test strips (fentanyl and xylazine) to test samples.

Why should I check my drugs?

It is important to check your drugs because even if you trust your source, unexpected and dangerous substances may still be present in your drugs. Drug checking can provide information about what is in a substance, allowing you to make better-informed decisions and use more safely. Checking your drugs can help reduce the risk of harm and potential overdose.

What can drug checking tell me?

Drug checking can provide important information about the substances you plan to use, and can help identify up to 4-5 substances and cutting agents that may be present in a sample. This information can help reduce the risks associated with substance use and allow you to make more informed decisions. However, it's important to note that drug checking can't tell you everything about a substance and doesn't guarantee safety.

How much is needed for testing?

Small residual amounts of substances are needed for testing (5mg-10mg) which is about the size of a match head.

The "chocolate chip cookie effect" refers to when different parts of a drug sample can contain varying amounts of the substance and its adulterants or contaminants. This can occur becasue drugs are not accurately mixed, leading to some parts of the sample containing higher or lower concentrations of the substance and other substances. As a result, drug checking may only be able to provide information about the small portion of the sample that is tested, and other parts of the sample may have different compositions.

What kind of drugs can be tested with the FTIR Spectrometer?

Various types of drugs can be detected, including psychedelics like MDMA and MDA, stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, opioids like heroin and fentanyl, as well as others like ketamine, PCP, steroids, and pharmaceuticals like Xanax and Oxycodone.

* Note that the machine cannot test organic matter like cannabis or mushrooms, drugs in foods like candies or brownies, or drugs that are active at extremely low levels, such as LSD. We also cannot reliably identify substances mixed in liquid, and we cannot guarantee that all parts of the sample are the same throughout*

What are the limitations of the FTIR Spectrometer?

While the FTIR Spectrometer is a powerful tool, there are some limitations to what it can do. For example, it cannot separate each individual component and measure their amounts, and any percentages given are estimates. 

Is this service confidential?

It’s completely confidential; personal information will not be shared information to outside programs or agencies. Participating programs will collect some basic information for overall supply surveillance. The data acquired will inform our program, partners and to update community members on contaminated and new/novel substances found in New York.

1 Harper L, Powell J, Pijl EM. An overview of forensic drug testing methods and their suitability for harm reduction point-of-care services. Harm Reduct. J. 2017;14:52.