Working with community

Let’s be clear: The best drug checking happens at point of care in harm reduction programs. We are proud to support with a low cost “confirmatory” lab testing. (Although we believe FTIR and GCMS are equal and tell us different things.)

If you’re interested in drug checking generally, check out the Drug Checkers Guild drop-in hours at Remedy Alliance For The People. They meet second and fourth Wednesdays 4pm EST/3pm CST/1pm PST (link to zoom).

Our mail-based paradigm also meets the needs of groups without access to drug checking equipment, and those living under antiquated laws preventing drug checking. User unions can use drug checking to answer their own questions to protect their communities. For health departments, we can turn samples around quicker than crime/tox labs during an overdose outbreak. Our model can also help universities with underutilized lab equipment get involved in harm reduction services. This video shows how it all comes together in North Carolina.

Our Lab

A Thermo Exactive gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) is used for analysis, housed in the Department of Chemistry at UNC. The instrument is unique in that it provides both gas chromatography separations, as well as high resolution/accurate mass measurements. This allows chemical formula confirmation of opioids, byproducts, and fillers in the samples. This platform allows for a more sensitive analysis with substance identification that is definitive. We are a full service chemistry lab with DEA authorization to handle Schedule 1-V controlled substances. However, we do not work with law enforcement.

Our lab meets all laboratory-standard certifications and is subject to mandatory inspections from regulatory agencies: DEA, NC DHHS, etc. Our chemists are required to maintain GLP training and certification.