ResearchProjects

New psychoactive substances (NPS) such as fentanyl analogs, synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”) continue to emerge at an alarming rate. More advanced toxicology methods are needed to detect exposures and most toxicology studies rely on biospecimens from those who have been hospitalized.

The study utilized saliva test methods, which can test for exposure to over 900 drugs. Those reporting recent use of a drug were offered to enroll in the toxicology module. These participants took an online follow-up survey the following day to assess immediate drug effects.