The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) is using the RXSpec700z portable counterfeit drug analyser from ASD to support its anti-counterfeiting activities.
The MHRA team's research is focusing on identifying and characterising counterfeit drugs using a range of spectroscopic techniques.
The portable RXSpec700Z combines a research-grade near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectrometer, a reflectance accessory for tablets and capsules and a laptop with intuitive library software contained within a rugged briefcase.
The high resolution and extended wavelength range of the RXSpec700Z ensures complete Vis-NIR analysis of the suspect sample's active ingredients and excipients, including a colour measurement.
The RXSpec700Z is designed to be used in the field by non-technical operators.
It features rugged styling and dual battery/mains power.
Samples are kept in place using the sampling accessory and repeatable analysis can then be carried out.
No sample preparation is required and the non-destructive analysis ensures any evidence is left intact and uncompromised.
The RXSpec software allows operators in remote locations, such as pharmacies or warehouses, to save and send data securely over the internet to the central laboratory for review, removing the need to package up samples and send them back for analysis.
A NIR drugs library created using a laboratory-based spectrometer from another instrument manufacturer will be transferred to the RXSpec700Z.
