UBC lab testing new portable drug-checking device

published on March 16, 2023 in DATAC

A research lab at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is currently testing a new, portable drug-checking device that could help to identify smaller concentrations of drug components.

The laboratory, led by Dr. Jason Hein, associate professor in the Chemistry Department, is testing a novel version of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instruments to identify drug concentrations below 5%.

“We are hoping to lower the barriers associated with this high-quality analytical technology and translate it into drug-checking,” said graduate student Sara Guzman in her interview with CBC News. “It will increase sensitivity but also effectiveness and reduce human error.”

The technology being tested by the Hein lab was developed by the U.S.-based company Axcend. Furthermore, the Hein lab plans to eventually provide the service for free to drug-checking sites and distributors working with clinics…