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Characterized Authentic Drug Samples (CADS)

Summary

Development and validation of new analytical or data tools for seized drug analysis require demonstration of the approach's ability to accurately detect the components of complex, realistic drug mixtures. However, gaining access to these types of samples, or the data from these types of samples, can be difficult. To help address this gap, the Characterized Authentic Drug Samples (CADS) project aims to: 1) source authentic seized drug samples from collaborating forensic laboratories, 2) characterize the samples using a variety of analytical tools, and 3) make available small amounts of the samples, as well as the corresponding data, to researchers and practitioners. Providing access to authentic drug samples and data will help to accelerate technology development and better ensure developed approaches are fit-for-purpose. It will also provide a mechanism for laboratories to obtain samples to assist in validation and implementation efforts. 

Description

The letters CADS in bold at the top. Beneath in blue text says "Characterized Authentic Drug Samples for Research & Validation".  There are some design elements at bottom and left (lines and hexagons).

Characterized Authentic Drug Samples for Research & Validation

Project Overview

The CADS project aims to provide academic researchers, forensic practitioners, and industry with curated and characterized panels of authentic seized drug samples for research, development, validation, and implementation purposes. In addition to making authentic samples available, the CADS project also provides all raw and processed data collected from these samples to the community to aid in the development of new algorithms or data processing approaches. Currently the CADS project is focusing on sourcing and characterizing samples of powders and pills from collaborating forensics laboratories across the country. 

The goal of CADS is, to the extent possible, fully characterize the chemical makeup of sourced samples in a qualitative fashion. Quantitative characterization of samples is currently not being completed. Characterization tools that are being used include:

  • Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) (positive and negative ionization modes)
  • Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
  • Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)
  • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
  • Color Tests (to include Cobalt Thiocyanate, Dille-Koppanyi, Ehrlich's, Froehde, Marquis, Mecke, Liebermann's, and Simon's)
  • Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFI) Test Strips (to include amphetamine, benzodiazepine, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, nitazene, opiate, and xylazine)

Obtaining Samples or Data

CADS panels can be requested through the NIST Store. Links to the individual panels are provided below and will be updated as additional panels become available. Each panel consists of 24 samples. Approximately 10 mg of material per sample is provided.

Note: Due to limited supplies, entities can only request one of each panel. Entities are required to have a DEA license with the appropriate Schedule(s). A DEA-222 form will be required to be submitted and processed prior to shipment.

 

Panel 1: Panel 1 is expected to be available in late-2024 / early-2025. Email DrugID [at] nist.gov (DrugID[at]nist[dot]gov) to be notified of the release.

Panel 2: Panel 2 is expected to be available in mid-2025.

 

Reports of analysis, which contain detailed information on the chemical makeup of the sample and summary results from the analysis, for all samples can be found on the NIST Data Repository.

Raw and processed data for all samples, as well as method parameters information can also be found on the NIST Data Repository.

 

If you would like to be notified when new panels are released, email DrugID [at] nist.gov (DrugID[at]nist[dot]gov)

If you are a forensic laboratory who would be willing to provide samples to include in future panels, email DrugID [at] nist.gov (DrugID[at]nist[dot]gov)


Panel Makeup

Below is the chemical makeup of the samples provided in each panel. Only drugs and cutting agents are reported here. For the complete chemical makeup, see the reports of analysis on the NIST Data Repository.

CADS Panel 1 - Expected Release in Late-2024 / Early-2025

SampleDrugs & Cuttings AgentsSampleDrugs & Cuttings Agents
CADS 001BromazepamCADS 0131cP-LSD
CADS 002HeroinCADS 014Methamphetamine
CADS 0033,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Caffeine, Cocaine, Ketamine, Salicylic AcidCADS 015Methamphetamine
CADS 004LorazepamCADS 016Tianeptine
CADS 005Fentanyl, Lidocaine, MetamizoleCADS 017α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone
CADS 006Cocaine, ProcaineCADS 018Acetaminophen, Protonitazene
CADS 007Cocaine, LevamisoleCADS 019Cocaine, Levamisole
CADS 008KetamineCADS 0203,4-Methylenedioxy-N-benzylcathinone
CADS 0092-FluorodeschloroketamineCADS 021FUB-AMB
CADS 010Acetaminophen, Fentanyl, MetamizoleCADS 022N-ethyl Pentedrone
CADS 011Acetaminophen, Fentanyl, Metamizole, XylazineCADS 023Deschloro-N-ethyl Ketamine
CADS 012Acetaminophen, Fentanyl, MetamizoleCADS 024Tramadol

CADS Panel 2 - Expected Release in Mid-2025.

To be determined.


This project is part of the Collaborative Hub for Emerging Drug Data, Analysis, Research, and Standards (CHEDDARS). Please direct any questions to DrugID [at] nist.gov (DrugID[at]nist[dot]gov)

Note: ANY MENTION OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS WITHIN WEBPAGES IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY; IT DOES NOT IMPLY RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY NIST. 

Created October 30, 2024, Updated December 3, 2024