Press Release – Bromazolam Oral Fluid Testing

Press Release
September 23, 2024
Kalamazoo Michigan

Forensic Fluids Laboratories Inc.(FFL), based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is now testing for Bromazolam in Oral Fluid. Bromazolam is a designer benzodiazepine which was first synthesized in the 1970s but was never marketed as a pharmaceutical product. It was first detected in the international illicit drug market in 2016 with levels of detection increasing since 2022.

Bromazolam is similar to Xanax with hypnotic (sedative) and antidepressant properties but with much greater potency, thus raising concerns regarding its potential for misuse and fatal outcomes, particularly when combined with opioids such as fentanyl. Bromazolam in the illicit drug supply is surfacing in multiple states according to the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (Bromazolam Prevalence Surging Across the United States). Warnings in the form of public health advisories and media releases have been issued in Indiana (Indiana Department of Health), Michigan (Lethal New Drug Isn’t Headed to Michigan… It’s Already Here), Illinois (Fake Xanax pills hospitalize Chicago-area trio, CDC warns of ‘bromazolam’ risks), and Ohio (Tranq-Dope and Benzo-Dope in the Ohio Illicit Drug Supply). 

FFL is working alongside our partners in child protective services, law enforcement, drug treatment courts, SUD/MAT clinics, coroner offices, and the healthcare community – to identify, monitor, and educate them about the dangers of Bromazolam in the illicit drug supply around our nation.

Forensic Fluids Laboratories is a toxicology lab specializing in Oral Fluid (saliva-based) drug testing and has been a public health partner since 2005. Forensic Fluids Laboratories performs Oral Fluid testing for substances of abuse and for medication monitoring throughout the United States.