Fentanyl Analog Independent Detector (FAID)
Category: Analytical/Test
Developers: Sandia National Laboratories
Product Description:This hand-portable detector identifies both known and unknown fentanyl analogs. It will enhance the ability of first responders, law enforcement and border security personnel to interdict materials that traditional detection technologies might miss and to protect themselves from inadvertent exposure to these toxic compounds. The Fentanyl Analog Independent Detector (FAID) technology is a tool designed to enhance the interdiction of fentanyl class compounds at our borders and airports, safeguarding the nation’s warfighters and law enforcement officers from exposure to these toxic chemicals. FAID is a hand-portable detector that streamlines the detection process by eliminating the need to create a signature library for each individual fentanyl analog. Instead, it detects the common backbone structure of fentanyl molecules, which is present across all analogs. This technique not only reduces the frequency of false alarms in the field but also allows FAID to identify new analog formulations for which detection signatures are not yet available. Expected users of FAID include the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection, who will screen packages and materials entering the U.S. at transit points such as mail sorting facilities and ports of entry. First responders and law enforcement can utilize this instrument to protect themselves and others from exposure to these dangerous chemicals, as well as to assist in legal investigations and locate stores of illicit material. Sandia researchers have demonstrated that fentanyl analogs decompose into a small number of characteristic chemicals, akin to identifying the “fingerprint” of fentanyl class compounds. This approach has been tested against more than 30 fentanyl analogs, both in pure form and in the presence of 1,000 times greater concentrations of common cutting agents such as baby formula, acetaminophen and procaine. The system has a total cycle time of less than 10 minutes, weighs under 10 pounds with a full day’s supply of batteries, and has a sensitivity estimated at less than 1 microgram, enabling trace detection of fentanyl analogs on the outside of packages or near production facilities.
Developers: Sandia National Laboratories
Product Description:This hand-portable detector identifies both known and unknown fentanyl analogs. It will enhance the ability of first responders, law enforcement and border security personnel to interdict materials that traditional detection technologies might miss and to protect themselves from inadvertent exposure to these toxic compounds. The Fentanyl Analog Independent Detector (FAID) technology is a tool designed to enhance the interdiction of fentanyl class compounds at our borders and airports, safeguarding the nation’s warfighters and law enforcement officers from exposure to these toxic chemicals. FAID is a hand-portable detector that streamlines the detection process by eliminating the need to create a signature library for each individual fentanyl analog. Instead, it detects the common backbone structure of fentanyl molecules, which is present across all analogs. This technique not only reduces the frequency of false alarms in the field but also allows FAID to identify new analog formulations for which detection signatures are not yet available. Expected users of FAID include the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection, who will screen packages and materials entering the U.S. at transit points such as mail sorting facilities and ports of entry. First responders and law enforcement can utilize this instrument to protect themselves and others from exposure to these dangerous chemicals, as well as to assist in legal investigations and locate stores of illicit material. Sandia researchers have demonstrated that fentanyl analogs decompose into a small number of characteristic chemicals, akin to identifying the “fingerprint” of fentanyl class compounds. This approach has been tested against more than 30 fentanyl analogs, both in pure form and in the presence of 1,000 times greater concentrations of common cutting agents such as baby formula, acetaminophen and procaine. The system has a total cycle time of less than 10 minutes, weighs under 10 pounds with a full day’s supply of batteries, and has a sensitivity estimated at less than 1 microgram, enabling trace detection of fentanyl analogs on the outside of packages or near production facilities.
