Fentanyl analysis

Fentanyl has become a nationwide pandemic. A Schedule II controlled substance, the drug and its analogues can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin.

The drug can be administered in many ways, from injection or oral consumption to smoking or snorting. Similarly, a wide variety of clandestine formulations appear, including powder, transdermal patches, or even lollipops. Some illegal operations mix fentanyl powder with heroin, crack cocaine, or oxycodone to increase their potency.

By all accounts, fentanyl abuse is a serious and growing problem. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and defense attorneys rely on fast, accurate, independent, and comprehensible analytical results. This burden becomes even more significant when only trace quantities or residues of the suspected fentanyl exist. In many cases, these traces are undetectable by traditional methods of testing.

Microtrace has the expertise and instrumentation to handle these and a wide range of other fentanyl testing and analyses.

Full Service Fentanyl Analysis Lab

Microtrace provides an unparalleled range of experience and analytical methods for weighing, identifying and quantifying fentanyl and related drugs. These range from assisting clients with te review of opposing laboratory reports, analysis or reanalysis, reporting, and expert testimony. Our results are intended to withstand the scrutiny of scientific and legal review while at the same time being presented in a manner that is comprehensible to a lay audience.

Typical analyses of suspect fentanyl or analogues begins with a survey of the sample or residue by stereo microscopy. Depending upon our examination of the nature and condition of the sample, further analysis may include microchemical methods, Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography – High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS or UPLC-HRMS), or a range of other state-of-the art analytical tools at our disposal.

Fentanyl Trace Residues

In some circumstances, only a trace of suspected fentanyl remains, or little more than an allegation exists. Microtrace has had great success searching for and definitively identifying the presence or absence of trace drug products and residues.

Independent Laboratory

Microtrace is an independent laboratory that specializes in the characterization and identification of small particles and unknown substances through a combination of modern and traditional microscopical and microchemical techniques. As an independent laboratory, we preform analyses for both sides of the courtroom.  Over three decades, we have assisted criminal investigations and pharmaceutical industries with a wide variety of analytical support, which includes trace evidence analysis, unknown materials identification, drug development and testing, active and inactive ingredient identification, and contaminant isolation, identification, and sourcing.

At Microtrace, our experts conduct fentanyl analysis and testing in our purpose built, ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. Microtrace combines state of the art equipment with decades of international experience researching, analyzing, teaching, and testifying about a wide variety of licit and illicit drugs.

Licensed for Drug Testing

Microtrace maintains a DEA license that permits analysis of licit and illicit drugs from all schedules (1, 2N, 3, 3N, 4, and 5), which includes all controlled substances.

Microtrace’s scientists conduct all analysis and testing in our purpose built, ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.

Fentanyl Submissions

Please contact us to discuss the specific needs of your project before submitting fentanyl or suspected fentanyl products. Microtrace holds a DEA license for all classes of controlled substances; we can assist with the 222 Form, if necessary. We also ask that a completed project submission form accompany all pharmaceutical submissions.

Our laboratory’s standard turn-around-time is 7-10 business days. However, Rush (2-3 days) and Ultra-Rush (same-day) options may be available.

Related Standardized Methods for Fentanyl

ASTM D4774 – 11(2017)

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