Harnessing Wastewater Surveillance for Illicit Narcotics and Opioids Monitoring

The United States continues to face a severe drug overdose epidemic, with opioid-related deaths accounting for a significant majority. Projections suggest that the number of drug overdose deaths may reach alarming levels in 2023. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl and the increased use of stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine contribute to the escalating crisis, affecting communities nationwide. Obtaining accurate and actionable data is vital for effective coordination, strategy development, and community preparedness in the face of the opioid crisis. However, current data collection methods, such as overdose-death data and self-reporting surveys, may not provide a comprehensive understanding of drug use trends. Challenges in data collection, including delays and stigma surrounding drug use, hinder the effectiveness of prevention strategies and policies.

Wastewater surveillance offers a unique opportunity to gather unbiased and accurate data on narcotics consumption at the community level. By analyzing composite wastewater samples, this approach detects narcotic compounds and estimates drug consumption prevalence. The technique also serves as an "emergency indicator" for the presence of concerning drugs like fentanyl and its analogues. This enables timely resource allocation and effective emergency response. Importantly, this method respects individual anonymity while providing near real-time information on drug use in communities. By empowering stakeholders with comprehensive and timely data, it facilitates informed decision-making and targeted interventions to address local drug-related crises.

This presentation explores the significant potential of wastewater surveillance as a valuable tool for comprehending the prevalence and dynamics of substance abuse disorders within communities. The comprehensive process of wastewater surveillance for opioids and illicit narcotics is elaborated upon, emphasizing both the parallels and distinctions in comparison to COVID-19 wastewater surveillance. Utilizing LC-MS/MS technology and SPE clean-up techniques, this approach enables the accurate identification of drug consumption indicators at parts-per-trillion reporting limits. The evolution of Eurofins' wastewater surveillance solutions is examined with regard to the ability to address immediate public health needs while also serving as a versatile platform to tackle future public health crises.

Original Airdate:  Tuesday, June 20, 2023
 
Length:  60 minutes 

Presenter: Adam Gushgari & Thep Phomsopha - Eurofins Environment Testing