The University of the Philippines Manila’s Drugs of Abuse Research Laboratory has acquired a cutting-edge drug detection machine worth ₱30 million, funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The advanced technology enables the detection of drugs and psychoactive substances through hair analysis, enhancing the laboratory’s ability to identify hard-to-trace substances.
Breakthrough in Drug Detection
The newly acquired machine, the Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF MS), allows for precise identification of drug or substance intake within the past month.
“This advanced equipment is particularly valuable for detecting designer drugs and new psychoactive substances that cannot be identified using traditional methods,” said Laboratory Manager Joanna Toralba.
Toralba noted that while existing gold-standard equipment remains effective, newer technologies like the LC-QTOF MS are essential to stay ahead in the detection of evolving substances.
Hair Analysis for Long-Term Detection
Hair analysis provides a unique advantage for substance detection because certain compounds remain in hair indefinitely. Toralba explained the process:
- Sample Collection: Hair is cut close to the scalp to analyze recent drug intake, as hair grows approximately one centimeter per month.
- Preparation and Analysis: Hair samples are cleaned, powdered, and transformed into liquid form before the machine analyzes up to 1,300 compounds simultaneously.
“Wherever there’s hair, we can collect a sample,” Toralba said, highlighting the flexibility of the method.
Applications Beyond Illegal Drugs
The machine is not limited to detecting illegal substances. It can also identify pharmaceutical drugs, offering applications in:
- Emergency medical care
- Rehabilitation programs
- Forensic investigations
“This technology doesn’t just detect illegal substances—it can also identify pharmaceutical drugs a person has taken,” Toralba added.
Advancing Research and Public Safety
The new equipment positions the UP Manila lab as a leader in advanced drug detection research in the Philippines. The data it generates can be pivotal for public health, safety, and legal proceedings.
With its precision and versatility, the LC-QTOF MS is a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and other psychoactive substances.