A ground-breaking study published in De Gruyter’s Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine introduces a novel method for gathering data on drug usage directly from smartphone surfaces. This innovative technique could significantly enhance public health protection and optimise the treatment of patients suspected of drug overdoses.

Gathering accurate data on the usage of drugs, particularly illicit ones, poses challenges due to their illegal status. Traditional methods like wastewater analysis or anonymous surveys coupled with toxicological tests (blood or urine) are often either invasive or imprecise. Théo Willeman and his team from Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, France, propose using smartphones—a device frequently handled by many—as a less invasive and more convenient way to monitor drug consumption.

During the study, participants at techno and trance music events in France were asked to complete a questionnaire about their drug use and then allowed researchers to dry swab their smartphones. These swabs were analysed through liquid chromatography, identifying a range of substances including MDMA, cocaine, THC, ketamine, LSD, methamphetamine, CBD, heroin, and mescaline.

The findings suggest that smartphones can indeed serve as an effective tool for non-invasively assessing drug use. Despite some potential limitations—like the unknown stability of drug molecules on phone surfaces or possible contamination from multiple handlers or environmental sources—the research serves as a vital proof-of-concept. Continued studies could address these uncertainties and further refine this method.

Highlighting the urgency of this research, Willeman referenced the U.S. opioid crisis, which was declared a public health emergency in 2016. He emphasised the importance of developing new tools for toxico-epidemiological studies to aid medical teams in managing drug-related emergencies effectively.