Benzodiazepines and Opioids in Blood and Oral Fluid
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparison of benzodiazepine and opioid concentrations in blood and oral fluid
IRAS ID
215233
Contact name
Ann-Sophie Korb
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 17 days
Research summary
Benzodiazepines and opioids are two of the most commonly abused drug groups in Scotland which are often taken concurrently. They are often found in drug related deaths.
In 2015, there were 706 drug-related deaths in Scotland. Of these, benzodiazepines were implicated in or potentially contributed to the cause of death in 191 cases (27%) and were present in an even greater number. Opioid drugs (including morphine, heroin, codeine, dihydrocodeine, methadone) are at an all-time high with 86% of drug related deaths in Scotland having one or more opioid drug implicated in the cause of death.(1)
Benzodiazepines sold on the street may be diverted pharmaceuticals or illicitly manufactured. Users who buy benzodiazepines in this way can often be sold a substance other than what they believe it to be such as a newer, alternative benzodiazepine or a mixture of benzodiazepines.
The first aspect of this study is to investigate the types of benzodiazepines being used by drug users and the concentrations found recreationally for which there is no literature. This will be achieved by testing blood and oral fluid (OF) samples for a range of benzodiazepines including newer benzodiazepines using validated analytical methods. Knowing the concentrations of these drugs in living individuals will aid in the interpretation of post-mortem concentrations.
In addition this study will use the an oral fluid collection device for the collection of oral fluid, and for the detection of opioids and new benzodiazepines.
Patient care will not be affected by the participation in this study and the results of the analyses will not be included in patients/participants medical records.(1) National Records of Scotland, "Drug-related Deaths in Scotland in 2015", 2016
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0329
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion