Fingerprint testing method for cocaine developed.

Researchers from Surrey have developed a testing method which uses fingerprints to distinguish whether a person has handled cocaine or consumed it and published their findings in the Scientific Reports journal.

The fingerprint test works by examining for a molecule, formed in the body when cocaine is consumed, called benzoylecgonine through high resolution mass spectrometry; by checking for this it can detect if someone has taken the substance or not.

Dr Min Jang, Surrey’s Department of Chemistry, stated: “A fingerprint is a great way to test for drugs as it is so quick and efficient to collect. Using our methodology, it is possible to analyse a fingerprint sample for drugs in less than 2 minutes.”

Based on n existing technology developed by Intelligent Fingerprinting, the new method involves taking fingerprints from patients who had taken cocaine during the previous 24 hours. Participants were then asked to wah their hands with soap and water before another set of fingerprints were taken.
Samples were then taken from non-drug users, that had handled street cocaine. The results showed that Benzoylecgonine was not present in samples from drug non-users, even after they washed their hands after touching it. This has shown that a similar process could be used for testing for metabolites to ensure patients are receiving the correct dosage of prescribed medication.

“We are excited about the possibilities for fingerprint drug testing,” said Surrey’s Dr Catia Costa. “In addition to illicit drugs, we have found that we can detect pharmaceutical drugs in fingerprints and we are keen to see if we can use this to help patients to check that their medication is being delivered at the right dose.”