USA. Saving lives by testing illicit drugs for secret, often-deadly ingredients
USA. Saving lives by testing illicit drugs for secret, often-deadly ingredients
In a toxicology lab at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, a team of Brown University researchers has been testing samples labeled "biohazard" to discover the precise nature of their toxicity. The bags contain drug residue from discarded drug paraphernalia collected from harm reduction organizations in local communities.
Once samples are tested, findings are disseminated through print flyers, social media posts and emails from the Rhode Island Department of Health. Results are also made available on PreventOversodeRI.org, the state's overdose dashboard developed through a partnership with the Brown School of Public Health. Sample donors are contacted and provided with information regarding the contents of the residue they submitted for testing. The results can be a surprise—to the sample testers and sample donors alike. (Brown University, USA, 29.07.2022)
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-07-illicit-drugs-secret-often-deadly-ingredients.html