Commentary. Fentanyl-related death and the underreporting risk

Abstract

Novel synthetic opioid overdose deaths have been rising largely worldwide as a result of fentanyl adulteration in the illegal drug supply. Interpretation of post mortem analytical results concerning fentanyl can be challenging in particular due to redistribution phenomena. Lacking of resources, infrastructures and expertise to perform forensic toxicological investigation when an unknown drug or complex mixture of drugs is suspected can affect failure in exactly reporting cause in drug related death. Public safety and public health entities are called working together to enhance the timeliness and accuracy of the analytical characterization and toxicology testing of novel synthetic opioids.

Keywords: Fake heroin; Fentanyl; Forensic toxicology; Syntethic opioid.