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Drug-checking machine now available in Prince George

Drug checking is an evidence-informed harm reduction tool that allows people to check what is in their drugs
Hanna Petersen
Hanna Petersen
Two Doors Down
Two Doors Down is the drop-in centre for the POUNDS project. Hanna Petersen

A new drug checking machine is now available to help people who use drugs make more informed choices and to help save lives.

A new Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) drug checking machine is now operational in Prince George in partnership with the POUNDS Project (Preventing Overdose Undoing Stigma).

The FTIR machine will allow trained staff at the POUNDS Project location in downtown Prince George to do advanced drug checking in the community including fentanyl and benzo testing.

Drug checking is an evidence-informed harm reduction tool that allows people to check what is in their drugs. The machine can test a range of substances including opioids, stimulants and other psychoactive drugs such as MDMA.

The POUNDS Project said drug checking is one of many harm reduction tools to help keep individuals in the community safer and it strives to be a safe and inclusive space for all people who use drugs.

The support is offered to individuals who occasionally consume, those who do on the weekend, and folks who use substances daily and Individuals from any walk of life are welcome to visit Two Doors Down (1126 Third Avenue) to use the new service.

“B.C. is using every tool in our toolbox to tackle the ongoing public health emergency and prevent future deaths due to the toxic drug supply,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

“Drug checking technology has the power to reduce poisoned drug deaths and save lives. I am grateful that this cost-effective drug-checking machine is coming to Prince George as an additional tool in our response to the drug-poisoning crisis.”

Drug checking services using the FTIR machine will be available six days a week. In the mornings from 10 am to 2 p.m. from Wednesday-Saturday and in the evenings 4 pm to 8 pm Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays), at the POUNDS project, 1126 Third Ave.

Appointments can be made outside these hours by texting or calling 250-301-3285. Clients can use the drug checking service and use the OPS after the check is done or drop off samples and pick up the results at a later time.

The FTIR works by analyzing drug samples by shining a light on it and measuring how that light is absorbed.

The analysis can tell what is in the sample, including what the primary components of the substance are and also if there are any adulterants. The technician may also be able to provide an estimate of the concentration levels of a substance.

Once the analysis is complete, results are provided to the client along with related harm reduction information to help them develop a safety plan to help prevent overdose.

Sample analysis can also improve the timeliness and accuracy of toxic drug alerts issued to communities, to create broader awareness around specific substances that are flagged.