Rapid In-Field Screening for Fentanyl Analogs Using Coiled Microextraction and Portable GC/MS

Importance of the Topic

Fentanyl and its analogs have contributed to a dramatic rise in opioid-related fatalities and illnesses worldwide. Rapid, reliable field screening methods are needed to reduce sample transport delays, ease laboratory backlogs, and enable first responders to safely detect these potent substances on site.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates a combined approach using Custodion® Coiled Microextraction (CME) syringes and the Torion® T-9 Portable GC/MS system for in-field screening of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin, and related cutting agents. The goal is to achieve positive identification in under eight minutes from sample collection to result.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample collection employed an inertium-treated coiled wire within a CME syringe. Analytical standards were applied to the wire or field residues were dissolved in methanol or acetonitrile. After solvent evaporation, the wire was directly thermally desorbed into the portable GC/MS.

• Injection: Splitless via Custodion CME syringe
• GC Column: MXT-5 capillary, 5 m × 0.1 mm, 0.4 μm film
• Oven Program: 50 °C to 300 °C at 2 °C/s, 60 s hold
• Carrier Gas: Helium at 0.2 mL/min
• Transfer Line: 250 °C
• Ionization: In-trap Electron Impact
• Mass Analyzer: Toroidal Ion Trap, range 41–500 Da
• Library Matching: Wiley Designer Drug 2017 via deconvolution software

Main Results and Discussion

All target analytes were detected and positively identified: carfentanil exhibited a clear pseudomolecular ion at m/z 395, fentanyl showed [M+H]+ at m/z 337, and adulterated heroin containing 5 % fentanyl was distinguished in a single run. Analysis of residues from clandestine glassware confirmed the presence of synthesized fentanyl, with spectral comparisons demonstrating expected variations between toroidal ion trap and quadrupole references.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Deploying the CME-GC/MS approach offers:

• Rapid on-site identification within eight minutes
• Minimal user interaction and single-handed sampling to improve safety
• Reduced sample transport and laboratory backlog
• Broad detection capability for NPS, opioids, explosives, and chemical threats

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing developments may include expanding spectral libraries to cover emerging psychoactive substances, integrating machine learning for automated interpretation, coupling with ion mobility or ambient sampling techniques, and miniaturizing system components for greater portability in remote environments.

Conclusion

The combination of Custodion CME syringes and the Torion T-9 Portable GC/MS provides a fast, user-friendly, and reliable platform for field screening of fentanyl analogs and related compounds. This method addresses the urgent need for rapid forensic analysis at the point of seizure and supports timely decision making in public safety and law enforcement.

References

1. World Health Organization. The Selection and Use of Essential Medicines 2017.
2. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. World Drug Report 2017.
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5. National Academies of Sciences. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States. 2009.