Advances in Analytical Methodologies for Detecting Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS): A Review.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) have historically been difficult compounds to analyze in forensic toxicology. The identification, detection and quantitation of these analytes and their metabolites has been difficult due to their rapid emergence, short life span and various potencies. Advancements in analytical instrumentation are fundamental to mitigating these NPS challenges by providing reliable identification and sensitivity.

Seized drug reporting of NPS helps to guide regional toxicological practice: A 17 month review between 2022 and 2023.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are everchanging and plague forensic laboratories who must identify an unending variety of emerging substances and evolve current methodologies to detect these substances. Identifying potential regional NPS targets and timely examining trends in seized drug data could help mitigate the burden laboratories face. Over 17 months, NPS seized drug data were processed and categorized from three laboratories located across the United States to determine any NPS regional similarities and prevalent NPS drug categories: the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center (SCRFSC), and the Orange County Crime Laboratory (OCCL).

Iron chelation using subcutaneous infusions of diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA).

The iron chelating ability and potential toxicity of subcutaneous infusions of the calcium and zinc salts of diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) have been assessed in metabolic balance studies in 2 iron-loaded thalassaemic patients. Infusions of calcium DTPA were locally well tolerated and the drug was as effective as desferrioxamine in mobilising iron. However, daily infusions in the 1st patient also produced symptomatic zinc depletion which could not be controlled by simultaneous oral zinc supplements.

Abnormal red-cell metabolism of pyridoxine associated with beta-thalassaemia.

Red-cell conversion of pyridoxine to pyridoxal phosphate was studied in control subjects, and patients with heterozygous and homozygous beta-thalassaemia. In 7% of control subjects the rate of pyridoxine conversion was well below the range found in the other control subjects (5.0-8.