Ongoing, recruitingHuman Pharmacology (Phase I)- OtherInterventional

Nitrous oxide detection - A study in healthy volunteers to help victims of nitrous oxide related crimes

This research study is investigating how quickly 'laughing gas' (nitrous oxide) leaves the body after someone has inhaled it. We're looking at various body samples like blood, breath, and saliva to see how long it can be detected. The goal is to help police and forensic experts better identify if someone has been given nitrous oxide, especially in cases where it might have been used in a crime. This study involves healthy volunteers and is an important step in developing more reliable tests for detecting this gas, making it harder for criminals to get away with using it.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Human Pharmacology (Phase I)- Other

Sponsor

Aarhus Universitet

Enrolment target

Start

22 Oct 2024

Nitrous oxide intoxication

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding how our bodies deal with 'laughing gas', officially known as nitrous oxide. You might have heard of it being used by dentists for pain relief or sometimes in whipped cream chargers. Unfortunately, it can also be misused, sometimes in serious situations like crimes.

The main aim of this research is to find out exactly how long nitrous oxide stays in a person's system after they've breathed it in. We're testing different ways to detect it, such as in blood, breath, and even saliva. By understanding how long these traces remain, we can help develop better and more reliable tests that police and forensic scientists can use. This means it would be easier to prove if someone has been exposed to nitrous oxide, which is really important for helping victims and bringing criminals to justice.

In this study, healthy volunteers will breathe in a small amount of nitrous oxide as part of the experiment. We'll then carefully measure how long it takes for the gas to disappear from their bodies. This information is crucial for improving detection methods and making sure that if nitrous oxide is used illegally, it can be identified accurately and quickly.

Key takeaways

Study aims to find out how long 'laughing gas' (nitrous oxide) stays in the body.
Results will help police and forensic experts detect its use in crimes.
Healthy adult volunteers (18+) are needed.
Participation involves breathing in nitrous oxide and giving samples (blood, breath, saliva).
You can leave the study at any time.
This research does not involve new medications, but rather observing how the body processes nitrous oxide.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy adult volunteers to take part. This means we are welcoming people who are 18 years old or older. There is no upper age limit, as long as you are generally healthy.

Both men and women are welcome to participate. The most important thing is that you are in good health, as confirmed by the study doctors, because we want to make sure the results are not affected by other health conditions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you generally in good health?
Are you a man or a woman?
Are you willing to provide blood, breath, and saliva samples?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will first have a health check to make sure you are suitable. You'll then be asked to breathe in a controlled amount of nitrous oxide. After this, the research team will take samples of your blood, breath, and saliva at different times to see how long the nitrous oxide stays in your body. They might also check your urine. You won't take any other medication as part of the study, except for paracetamol or oxygen if medically needed. The total time you'll spend participating in the study, including all visits and measurements, will be explained fully before you decide to join.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part in this study include contributing to important research that could help victims of crime and improve forensic detection methods. You might also learn more about your own health through the initial checks. There are some potential risks, such as temporary dizziness or lightheadedness from the nitrous oxide, or minor discomfort from blood tests. You will be closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. We want to assure you that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and this will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Denmark

Common questions

What is 'laughing gas'?

'Laughing gas' (nitrous oxide) is a gas often used by dentists to help people relax. It can also be found in things like whipped cream dispensers, but it can be dangerous if misused.

Why is this study important?

This study is important because it helps us understand how long 'laughing gas' stays in the body. This information can then be used by police and forensic experts to improve tests for detecting its use in crimes.

Who can take part in this study?

Healthy men and women aged 18 years and older can take part. You will need to have a health check to make sure you are suitable.

Will I be given any medicine?

You will breathe in a small, controlled amount of nitrous oxide for the study. You might be offered paracetamol or oxygen if absolutely needed for your comfort or safety, but not as part of the main study measurements.

What happens if I change my mind?

You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.