New device detects 40 types of drugs in just 3 minutes

Photo illustration: Nova Medical Centers

According to researchers, the device can detect 40 types of drugs, including stimulants and cocaine, in just three minutes. This will help improve the efficiency of drug crime investigations.

When police find a suspected drug user, they will ask the suspect to take a urine test and arrest him if the test result is positive.

Normally, urinalysis is performed by researchers at the Institute of Forensic Science Research. However, due to staffing constraints, the tests often take a long time, leading to delays in investigations.

"Many police officers are requesting on-site urine tests," said Katsura Zaitsu, a professor at Kindai University who worked at the forensic investigation department of Osaka Prefectural Police for 10 years.

Current conventional testing equipment requires components to separate substances in the sample and handling requires specialized knowledge. Meanwhile, the new equipment can perform tests without such components. Police at the scene can request a test and get results in 3 minutes, helping to speed up the investigation process.

In emergency situations, the new device could also help identify human health problems caused by overdoses of certain drugs and suggest appropriate treatment.

A joint development partner, Shimadzu Corporation, has put the device into practical use.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thiet-bi-moi-phat-hien-40-loai-chat-ma-tuy-chi-trong-3-phut-20240406093109218.htm