Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines are just a few of the many different controlled substances that Swedish researchers have found can be detected by a commercially available breathing test device. A control group of 47 individuals, who had taken a variety of drugs less than 24 hours prior, were tested to check the accuracy of the device. The test successfully detected drugs in 87% of the people. The device would allow police officers to test suspected drug users and DUI offenders at the scene of the arrest and then later confirm the results via blood test.
The science behind the device requires the suspect to breathe into a mouthpiece that is attached to a micro-particle filter. The micro particles in the breath are separated from the saliva, deposited onto the filter, which is then sealed and stored. The particles would then be taken to a lab and tested using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
