Press Release: University of Bath Unveils Groundbreaking Portable Drug Detection Device
Bath, UK – A revolutionary portable device capable of detecting dangerous street drugs at extremely low concentrations has been developed at the University of Bath. Currently being trialled by drug-checking services in the UK, Norway, and New Zealand, this innovation aims to combat the alarming rise in drug overdoses globally.
Designed similarly to an ultraviolet spectrometer, the device identifies difficult-to-detect substances such as benzodiazepines and synthetic opioids, which significantly contribute to overdose cases. Offering on-the-spot analysis, it reveals both the chemical composition and concentration of substances, allowing for rapid crowd safety assessments.
Professor Chris Pudney, who leads the initiative, highlights the potential life-saving capabilities of this technology. “By revealing the precise composition of substances, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with dangerous, adulterated drugs,” he stated. The device is user-friendly, allowing non-experts to operate it with just a push of a button, thus enabling immediate identification of hazardous drugs even in minute concentrations.
Trials in various contexts have demonstrated the device’s efficacy. For instance, Devon & Cornwall Police used it to quickly analyze suspicious pills linked to fatalities, resulting in drug warnings released within 36 hours of overdose incidents. Similarly, New Zealand’s drug-checking services are incorporating the technology, optimistic about its potential to enhance safety protocols.
As overdose deaths in England and Wales rise—reaching 4,907 in 2023—the demand for such technology has never been more critical. “People may unknowingly consume drugs contaminated with far more dangerous and addictive substances,” Professor Pudney warned, urging for accessible drug-checking services that empower users to make informed choices.
With its easy-to-use design and rapid results, this portable detection device represents a progressive step toward community harm reduction in the ever-evolving landscape of drug use.
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