Testing equipment detects 40 types of drugs in just... 3 minutes

A research team from Kindai University and Japan's Aichi Prefectural Police have developed a fast and highly accurate urine testing device to detect illegal drug users.

According to researchers, the device can detect 40 types of drugs, including stimulants and cocaine, in just 3 minutes. This will help improve the efficiency of drug crime investigation.

The test gives results in 3 minutes, helping to speed up the investigation process. (Illustration photo: Nova Medical Centers)

When the police detect a suspect using drugs, they will ask the suspect for a urine test and arrest if the test result is positive.

Typically, urine analysis is performed by researchers at the Forensic Science Research Institute.

However, due to limited personnel, tests often take a long time, leading to delays in the investigation.

Having worked at the Forensic Investigation Department of the Osaka Prefectural Police for 10 years, Professor Katsura Zaitsu at Kindai University said: 'Many police officers are requesting on-site urine tests.'

Current conventional testing equipment requires components to separate substances in the sample, and processing requires specialized knowledge.

Meanwhile, the new device can perform tests without such components. Police present at the scene can request tests and have results in 3 minutes to help speed up the investigation process.

In emergency situations, the new device can also help identify human health problems caused by overdose of certain drugs and recommend appropriate treatment.

A joint development partner, Shimadzu Corporation, has put the device into practical use.