Does the preparation for intravenous administration affect the composition of heroin injections? A controlled laboratory study

Aims To study whether the preparation procedure, and its acidic heating conditions, used by heroin users to prepare for intravenous administration affects final composition of fluid be injected. Methods Samples from different seizures illegal provided Norwegian police were prepared adding water ascorbic acid before under controlled conditions in laboratory. Further, three with amounts or citric relative their diacetylmorphine content. Pure base salt was also submitted procedure applying two intensities. The product after analysed diacetylmorphine, 6-acetylmorphine morphine using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Results After preparation, a decrease 19.8% (25th 75th percentiles = −29.2 −15.3) initial content observed. Both increased but, due low product, still represented 83.9% 77.3 88.0) sum these opioids solution. loss during caused an increase concentration morphine, depending on intensity applied. affected quantity type added relation purity level dissolved being proportional amount acid, but not sample high purity. Conclusions Preparation injection appears change active metabolites, purity, conditions. These circumstances can contribute unintentional variations potency injected solution, therefore affect outcome injection.