Teams from Surrey University, the National Physical Laboratory, Forensic Science Ireland and Intelligent Fingerprinting have devised a new fingerprinting method to detect cocaine use.

Using high resolution mass spectrometry, the fingerprinting method reveals traces of benzoylecgonine, which is a molecule manufactured in the body when cocaine is consumed. According to researchers, this approach can distinguish between those who have recently ingested cocaine and those who have only handled cocaine.

To demonstrate how the test works, the team fingerprinted participants who had reported using the substance in the 24 hours prior to checking into a drug rehabilitation facility. Fingerprints were collected and then collected again after participants were instructed to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water. Researchers detected the substance both before and after they washed their hands.

A duplicate process was conducted with participants who had not ingested the substance but who had handled it prior to fingerprinting. The researchers discovered that both before and after the participants had washed their hands, no trace of benzoylecgonine appeared in the participants’ fingerprints.

The research team believes that the quick and efficient fingerprint test is not limited to testing for the use of illegal substances. Rather, the fingerprinting could potentially inform medical personnel whether or not a patient is receiving correct doses of prescribed medications.

The method is detailed in Scientific Reports.