Characterization of fentanyl headspace using solid phase microextraction: Effects of sampling height and humidity at fixed volume and temperature

Abstract

The rapid increase in illicit manufacturing of fentanyl and deaths due to fentanyl overdoses within the past few years has led to concerns for the safety of individuals unknowingly encountering it. In order to develop safer methods of field detection of fentanyl, understanding and observing fentanyl headspace is important. This study was conducted to determine the best sampling height for detecting fentanyl in fentanyl headspace. The headspace was sampled using solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers at about 1 cm, 4 cm, 7 cm, and 9 cm from the fentanyl source. The samples were analyzed through manual injection of the SPME fibers on a gas chromatography – mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The relative abundance of fentanyl, 4-anilino-N-phenethyl-piperidine (4-ANPP), N-phenethyl-4-piperidone (NPP), and N-phenylpropanamide (NPPA) on these samples was measured. No 4-ANPP was detected throughout this study. It was determined that sampling at a further distance from the fentanyl source increased the amount of fentanyl and NPP detected, while distance had little effect on NPPA abundance. It was also determined that an increase in humidity increased the amount of fentanyl and NPP detected within the range of 30-45% humidity.