NIOSH 9111 & 9109 Method for Drug Residue Analysis

Introduction to NIOSH: 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the CDC, is dedicated to researching and preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. Their methods, including NIOSH 9111, are crucial for assessing occupational health hazards like drug residue exposure.

Understanding NIOSH 9111 Method: NIOSH 9111 is a sampling and analytical method designed for detecting methamphetamine and other illicit drugs using wipe samples. This method, included in the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, 5th edition, employs methanol as the preferred solvent for sampling efficiency.

Scientific Validation: Research supports the efficacy of NIOSH 9111 in detecting drug residues. Studies have demonstrated that the method effectively identifies methamphetamine and other drugs of interest with high sensitivity and specificity. The use of methanol as a solvent ensures efficient recovery of residues, essential for accurate quantification and compliance with regulatory limits.

Field Sampling Procedure: Trained technicians conduct field sampling using wipes moistened with methanol on a 10×10 cm template. This ensures standardized sampling across various surfaces prone to drug residue contamination.

Laboratory Analysis Process: Samples collected in the field undergo meticulous analysis in the laboratory. This involves extracting drug residues from the wipes and analyzing them using advanced techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. These methods provide precise measurements of drug residue concentrations.

Sampling Techniques: ResTech Labs strongly recommends coordinating with an accredited facility or your local government agency for all drug residue sampling requirements.

Benefits and Applications: Employing NIOSH 9111 ensures reliable data for occupational safety assessments, regulatory compliance, and forensic investigations. It supports proactive measures to mitigate drug residue risks in workplaces and residential settings.