Equipping University of the Philippines’ research laboratory to boost country’s drug enforcement activities

Challenge

As the previous drug test kits were only able to identify a small number of drug types, the University required a new laboratory with more advanced testing instruments and research capabilities.

The University also needed to work with a business partner who could help them to better understand the latest related instruments and technologies available in the market for drug research purposes.

Approach

DKSH supported the University with the sourcing and installation of instruments and tools for the industry-leading DARL facility. Among the technology used was Agilent’s Liquid Chromatography QTOF Mass Spectrometer System, the first of such system implemented in the local market.

The lab is now able to identify and analyze many more types of drugs including those not previously known to the government. It can also distinguish the drug’s signature composition by helping researchers pin down exactly what it contains and the proportion of each of its ingredients.

Result

The biggest impact the new lab offers is to help produce test kits that will enable law enforcement agencies to identify more than 100 types of drugs. This will be a significant increase from the present capabilities.

It will also reduce test results waiting time from weeks to a mere few days. This means that authorities will now be able to file criminal cases against suppliers of drugs at a much faster pace.