Point-of-collection testing for screening of psychoactive substances among drivers of Kerala, India

Abstract

Abstract One of the important risk factors for road traffic crashes is driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). This study aimed to check the prevalence of drugs of abuse (DOA) among the goods carriage drivers associated with the southern state of India, Kerala. Roadside point-of-collection testing (POCT) of oral fluid collected from the participants on the major highways was done using the Evidence MultiSTAT DOA Oral Fluid II Assay kits and the Evidence MultiSTAT analyzer. Out of the total samples (n= 249), 53 (21.29%) were positive for one or more DOA. A high prevalence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (10.04%) and synthetic cannabinoids were detected in the samples. The use of ketamine, alpha-PVP, LSD, methamphetamine, opiate, 6-MAM, benzodiazepines I, methadone, PCP, tramadol, and amphetamine were also detected in oral fluid samples and their frequency of use was ranging between 4.02-0.80%. Confirmatory analysis using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry showed excellent agreement with the results of the screening test. This was the first qualitative study conducted among drivers in India for the detection of DOA. Scientific studies are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of strategies for reducing psychoactive substance use by drivers before or while driving.