NIST Study Tracks Changes in Fentanyl Additives Across US Regions
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology released a study documenting how harmful substances mixed into illicit fentanyl change over time and differ between eastern and western regions of the U.S.
The 2 1/2-year study analyzed 4,563 samples of drug residues collected nationwide between January 2024 and June 2026. The number of additives in samples has risen. In early 2024, one to two additives were typically found in a drug sample. Now six or more compounds are more common. Researchers said more additives make it both more difficult to analyze samples and more difficult to treat a drug overdose.
Researchers identified regional differences. Samples from the eastern part of the U.S. contained more types of additives. Western samples had fewer additives but those additives appeared in higher concentrations than in the eastern supply. Animal tranquilizers including xylazine were much more common on the East Coast.
Xylazine is being replaced by medetomidine, a more potent veterinary sedative that can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. An industrial chemical called BTMPS, used in manufacturing plastics, has shown up in samples from both regions since summer 2024. BTMPS can cause eye inflammation and burning.
Researchers used Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry to identify trace compounds in seconds. The technique bypasses a step required by conventional mass spectrometer systems, which take tens of minutes to identify components because material must be vaporized and pass through a coated column.
The study is part of the Rapid Drug Analysis and Research program. The program provides near-real-time data to frontline responders. NIST said it enables officials to plan more effective treatments for people who have consumed fentanyl because most harmful compounds are not opioids and require additional medical treatment.
