Real-time findings of definitive testing results for Novel Psychoactive Substances from urine specimens analyzed by Aegis Sciences Corporation
About this Dashboard
This interactive tool empowers clinicians, public health officials, policymakers, and the public with critical data to address the evolving landscape of synthetic and designer drugs. By providing real-time, actionable information, this resource will assist the user in staying informed about substance use trends and allow for the development of enhanced response strategies.
What to Know:
- Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds, which are often synthetic and illicitly-manufactured, that mimic the effects of traditional illicit or prescription drugs. While these substances are, at times, federally or internationally banned, they are often designed to avoid detection and regulation.
- Use of these substances can be difficult to detect as highly specialized definitive testing is required to identify their use. NPS can be described by numerous terms, including designer or synthetic drugs, legal highs, or research chemicals labeled ‘not for human use.’
- The rise of NPS and Designer Drugs has created significant clinical challenges, including increased risks for adverse events and overdose, that require a new approach to substance use monitoring.
For more information, contact: info@aegislabs.com
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Overview of Drug Classes Included in Dashboard
Designer Opioids
These substances are much more potent than morphine and many are more potent than illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). Fentanyl analogs have been the most detected substances over the last decade but, most recently, more new nitazene analogs have been introduced than new fentanyl analogs.
Designer Benzodiazepines
Designer benzodiazepines are intended to mimic the effects of prescription benzodiazepines, while evading drug regulation or traditional drug testing methods. They are often formulated as counterfeit versions of common prescription benzodiazepines.
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are intended to mimic the effects of marijuana, however, they can be much more potent and cause adverse health effects.
Synthetic Stimulants
These substances typically cause stimulant effects, with some also causing severe psychosis. More recently, non-cathinone stimulants have been introduced, with analogs of amphetamines, methylphenidate and phendimetrazine being detected.
Hallucinogens/Dissociatives
Most hallucinogens and dissociatives are intended to produce mind-altering effects or to enhance thoughts, emotions, or senses. In some cases, they can lead to erratic or dangerous behaviors.
NPS-Other
Other substances of concern include tianeptine, phenibut, xylazine, and medetomidine. Tianeptine and phenibut are sold as supplements and are used to blunt the effects of opioid withdrawal or anxiety, respectively. Xylazine and medetomidine are often adulterants in illicit opioid formulations intended to increase the effects of opioids. These two substances, which produce CNS depression, are not opioids and therefore do not respond to naloxone reversal.
Aegis Adopts Self-Regulatory Standards for Novel Psychoactive Substance Testing
Since 2021, Aegis Sciences Corporation has provided expansive industry-leading NPS testing to help clinicians better understand drug use patterns and deliver informed care. To stay current with the rapidly changing landscape of new and emerging drugs, Aegis has committed to bi-annual NPS test menu updates to, at a minimum, include the tier one and tier two recommendations established collaboratively by the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) and the Society of Forensic Toxicologist (SOFT) NPS Committee.
Disclaimer
This dashboard provides aggregated results of urine specimens tested for specific substances based on medically necessary orders placed by treating providers. All data is from an aggregated dataset of de-identified data to comply with HIPAA regulations, ensuring no protected health information (PHI) is shared.
The data included in the dashboard is based on the date results were reported back to the ordering provider. Reported findings are reflective of testing that was performed at the time of order placement. Test offerings for NPS at Aegis undergo periodic updates. It is possible that positive findings from testing validated and implemented within the date range of reported data may change as analytes are added to and removed from testing.
The dashboard is solely inclusive of findings from testing that was requested on individual urine samples by healthcare providers. State-level data is reported based on the location of the clinical setting from which the specimens were collected.
The results reflect only the substances ordered for testing by medical providers and are based on definitive testing methods validated in accordance with the standards set by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The information is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
