University of Lincoln develops new testing methods for legal highs

The University of Lincoln is fast becoming one of the leading facilities for research into drug detection methods. A research group from the university is currently exploring new ways to identify the substances within 'legal highs'. Whilst these substances are not currently covered by misuse of drugs laws at this time, they are often dangerous, unapproved forms of medication.

The fight against legal highs has been continuing throughout the world for a number of years, with some of the substances being banned. Out of the European Union as a whole, legal highs are more prevalent in Britain than in any other member country. With governments throughout the globe constantly seeking to upgrade legislation on these substances, new ways to identify them have been needed.

One method for identification of legal highs, developed by a research group at the School of Life Sciences at Lincoln University, is now being used in laboratories throughout the world following its inclusion in the United Nations manual. The microcrystalline test is being used by a range of drug analysis laboratories to identify benzylpiperazine (BZP). This substance is often used to achieve similar effects to those experienced upon ingesting ecstasy.

Leonie Elie, a researcher from the School of Life Sciences, said: “In microcrystalline testing you compare shapes of crystals obtained from unknown substances to those developed with known standards. Forensic scientists have been using this technique with confidence for many decades but the knowledge is lost when it doesn’t get passed on to the newer generations.

"Unfortunately, nowadays most drug analysis labs seem to prefer using instrumental techniques rather than relying on empirical methods like microcrystalline testing. With our modernising approach we can continue to show how reliable this seemingly simple method is.”

This form of testing samples is incredibly quick as it is purely a case of observing a chemical reaction that forms crystals between the reagent and the sample. The type of reagent used depends upon what the sample is suspected to be.