A new disorder — Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome — has emerged, marked by microcephaly, distinctive facial features, cleft palate, and congenital anomalies in newborns exposed to fentanyl during pregnancy.¹ 

 Researchers and clinicians are at the forefront of understanding and addressing this urgent public health challenge. Detecting fentanyl exposure in newborns is now essential for: 

• Establishing Causality: Only with accurate testing can we confirm prenatal fentanyl exposure as the cause of this newly–recognized syndrome, differentiating it from genetic or other drug-related conditions.¹ 

• Uncovering Mechanisms: Early biochemical testing has revealed transient cholesterol metabolism abnormalities in affected infants, suggesting fentanyl may act as a teratogen by disrupting fetal cholesterol synthesis — a novel and critical area for research.¹ 

• Guiding Future Interventions: Systematic detection enables longitudinal studies to assess long-term neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes, informing clinical care and public health policy.¹ 

• Responding to an Epidemic: With fentanyl use rising, the potential impact of Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome is significant. Proactive detection is vital for quantifying prevalence, identifying at-risk populations, and shaping effective prevention strategies.¹ 

 Your detection can drive the discovery of mechanisms, outcomes, and solutions for Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome — but only if newborn fentanyl exposure is reliably detected and documented. 

USDTL is here to support you and your organization. We offer state-of-the-art, evidence-based toxicology testing for fentanyl and its metabolites in multiple mother and newborn specimens, including POCT and central laboratory testing options for maximum accuracy and detection. 

References 

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11613603/ 

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What is DMT?

DMT, or N, N-Dimethyltryptamine, is a potent hallucinogen that is both synthesized in labs and found naturally in various plants and animals. DMT is renowned for its intense psychoactive properties. It is the primary psychedelic compound in the South American plant brew known as ayahuasca, which has been used for centuries in religious and spiritual practices. DMT is classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States. However, certain protections exist for its use in religious ceremonies and research.¹

Effects of DMT

When consumed, DMT induces a range of desired and undesired effects. Among the most common desired effects are vivid hallucinations, dissociation from the body, alterations in mood, and significant changes in perception. Users often report experiencing a profound shift in consciousness, a sense of connection to the universe, altered visual and auditory experiences, and intense emotional states. However, there are also unwanted effects, such as nausea, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate.¹

In extreme cases, DMT use has been linked to severe reactions, including seizures, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest.⁶ These more dangerous outcomes are rare but have been reported to poison control centers, highlighting the risks associated with the substance.^1,6

History of DMT

The use of DMT dates back centuries, with indigenous South American tribes using brews like ayahuasca in religious ceremonies.¹ The brew contains two primary ingredients: Psychotria viridis, a shrub rich in DMT, and Banisteriopsis caapi, a vine that contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).^2,4 These MAOIs prevent the rapid breakdown of DMT in the body, allowing for the prolonged and intense effects of the brew.²

In the 1930s, ayahuasca began to make its way into urban Brazil, where it was used in religious environments.⁴ The first synthesis of DMT occurred in the 1950s, and by the 1960s, its hallucinogenic properties were widely recognized.¹ DMT’s popularity increased in the United States in the 1960s as a recreational drug. However, in 1971, the passage of the Controlled Substances Act led to DMT being classified as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal for most uses.¹

DMT Today – The Resurgence of Psychedelics

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics, including DMT. This revival includes both recreational use and the exploration of DMT’s therapeutic potential.^2,3 With a relatively short duration of action, DMT is considered a more appealing alternative to other psychedelics that have longer-lasting effects.³ It is also becoming increasingly available, both for recreational use and through religious practices, such as ayahuasca ceremonies.⁶

Despite its rise in interest, the use of DMT remains relatively low compared to other substances. However, recent statistics show a gradual increase in its use, especially among individuals who use other substances. From 2007-2014, tryptamine use (which includes DMT) increased from 0.2% to 0.7%, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.⁵ Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in ayahuasca-related calls to poison control centers, particularly between 2005 and 2015, further demonstrating the growing prevalence of DMT-related incidents.⁶

 References

1. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/dmt.pdf​
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6088236/pdf/fnins-12-00536.pdf​
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10850177/​
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11114307/pdf/PCN5-2-e146.pdf​
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6182767/#:~:text=Prevalence%20of%20DMT%20and%20other,to%2015.5%25%20(p%20%3D%20.​
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27896660/

 Learn more about Psychedelics.

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