Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Summary
Development and validation of new analytical or data tools for seized drug analysis require demonstration of the approach's ability to accurately detect the components of complex, realistic drug mixtures. However, gaining access to these types of samples, or the data from these types of samples, can be difficult. To help address this gap, the Characterized Authentic Drug Samples (CADS) project aims to: 1) source authentic seized drug samples from collaborating forensic laboratories, 2) characterize the samples using a variety of analytical tools, and 3) make available small amounts of the samples, as well as the corresponding data, to researchers and practitioners. Providing access to authentic drug samples and data will help to accelerate technology development and better ensure developed approaches are fit-for-purpose. It will also provide a mechanism for laboratories to obtain samples to assist in validation and implementation efforts.
Description
Characterized Authentic Drug Samples for Research & Validation
Project Overview
The CADS project aims to provide academic researchers, forensic practitioners, and industry with curated and characterized panels of authentic seized drug samples for research, development, validation, and implementation purposes. In addition to making authentic samples available, the CADS project also provides all raw and processed data collected from these samples to the community to aid in the development of new algorithms or data processing approaches. Currently the CADS project is focusing on sourcing and characterizing samples of powders and pills from collaborating forensics laboratories across the country.
The goal of CADS is, to the extent possible, fully characterize the chemical makeup of sourced samples in a qualitative fashion. Quantitative characterization of samples is currently not being completed. Characterization tools that are being used include:
- Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) (positive and negative ionization modes)
- Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
- Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Color Tests (to include Cobalt Thiocyanate, Dille-Koppanyi, Ehrlich's, Froehde, Marquis, Mecke, Libermann, and Simon's)
- Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFI) Test Strips (to include amphetamine, benzodiazepine, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetmiane, nitazene, opiate, and xylazine)
Obtaining Samples or Data
CADS panels can be requested through the NIST Store. Links to the individual panels are provided below and will be updated as additional panels become available. Each panel consists of 24 samples. Approximately 10 mg of material per sample is provided.
Note: Due to limited supplies, entities can only request one of each panel. Entities are required to have a DEA license with the appropriate Schedule(s). A DEA-222 form will be required to be submitted and processed prior to shipment.
Panel 1: Panel 1 is expected to be available in late-2024 / early-2025. Email DrugID [at] nist.gov (DrugID[at]nist[dot]gov) to be notified of the release.
Panel 2: Panel 2 is expected to be available in mid-2025.
Reports of analysis, which contain detailed information on the chemical makeup of the sample and summary results from the analysis, for all samples can be found on the NIST Data Repository.
Raw and processed data for all samples, as well as method parameters information can also be found on the NIST Data Repository.
If you would like to be notified when new panels are released, email DrugID [at] nist.gov (DrugID[at]nist[dot]gov).
If you are a forensic laboratory who would be willing to provide samples to include in future panels, email DrugID [at] nist.gov (DrugID[at]nist[dot]gov).
Panel Makeup
Below is the chemical makeup of the samples provided in each panel. Only drugs and cutting agents are reported here. For the complete chemical makeup, see the reports of analysis on the NIST Data Repository.
CADS Panel 1 - Expected Release in Late-2024 / Early-2025
| Sample | Drugs & Cuttings Agents | Sample | Drugs & Cuttings Agents |
|---|---|---|---|
| CADS 001 | Bromazepam | CADS 013 | 1cP-LSD |
| CADS 002 | Heroin | CADS 014 | Methamphetamine |
| CADS 003 | 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Caffeine, Cocaine, Ketamine, Salicylic Acid | CADS 015 | Methamphetamine |
| CADS 004 | Lorazepam | CADS 016 | Tianeptine |
| CADS 005 | Fentanyl, Lidocaine, Metamizole | CADS 017 | α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone |
| CADS 006 | Cocaine, Procaine | CADS 018 | Acetaminophen, Protonitazene |
| CADS 007 | Cocaine, Levamisole | CADS 019 | Cocaine, Levamisole |
| CADS 008 | Ketamine | CADS 020 | 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-benzylcathinone |
| CADS 009 | 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine | CADS 021 | FUB-AMB |
| CADS 010 | Acetaminophen, Fentanyl, Metamizole | CADS 022 | N-ethyl Pentedrone |
| CADS 011 | Acetaminophen, Fentanyl, Metamizole, Xylazine | CADS 023 | Deschloro-N-ethyl Ketamine |
| CADS 012 | Acetaminophen, Fentanyl, Metamizole | CADS 024 | Tramadol |
CADS Panel 2 - Expected Release in Mid-2025.
To be determined.
This project is part of the Collaborative Hub for Emerging Drug Data, Analysis, Research, and Standards (CHEDDARS). Please direct any questions to DrugID [at] nist.gov (DrugID[at]nist[dot]gov).
Note: ANY MENTION OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS WITHIN WEBPAGES IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY; IT DOES NOT IMPLY RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY NIST.