Resource Hub
Application Notes & Snapshots
Trace Chemical Detection for Customs Inspection
Enhance border security with fast, accurate chemical detection for customs inspections. Discover how MX908 handheld mass spectrometer streamlines trace drug identification and boosts operational efficiency at ports of entry.
Drug Detection at the Border: How VipIR and MX908 Work Together to Elevate Customs & Border Screening
Discover how VipIR and MX908 work together to elevate border drug detection with rapid screening and advanced chemical identification—helping customs agents triage faster, identify threats confidently, and protect ports of entry without slowing commerce.
Why are Fentanyl and Fake Pills so Deadly
Download this infographic to increase your knowledge about fentanyl awareness and review survey results conducted by Dynata.
Brochures & Flyers
Trace Identification of Nitazenes
This mission brief covers the advantages of using MX908 for the trace identification of nitazenes.
Identify Pesticides at Illegal Marijuana Grows
With the addition of the pesticide capabilities, the MX908 provides critical identification of toxic pesticides in the field, allowing users to act immediately, while keeping themselves safe.
CBRN History Overview
Chemical warfare agents have evolved greatly over the last 100 years, download this timeline flyer to learn more.
Operational Impact of Fourth Generation Agents and Pharmaceutical Based Agents
The MX908 handheld mass spectrometer is the only device able to detect and identify both A-Series Agents and PBAs at trace levels in solid, liquid, vapor, and aerosol forms.
MX908 Brochure
Download the MX908 brochure to learn about this portable mass spectrometer for real-time detection of explosives, narcotics, and chemical warfare agents.
Novichoks Mission Brief
Review this one sheet on Fourth Generation Agents that the MX908 can detect and identify at trace levels.
Expanded Capability for Toxic Aerosol Detection and Identification
Review the mission brief to learn how MX908 with Aero allows users to detect and identify aerosolized threats at trace levels.
Fentanyl Mission Brief
Review this one sheet on MX908 detection and identification of fentanyl and its thousands of analogs.
Case Studies
Trace Drug Identification at the Border: 3 Scenarios from the New Zealand Customs Service
Whether using trace identification features for drug traffickers, deploying vapor capabilities to analyze threats or implementing the explosive functionality to assess risk to the public, the New Zealand Customs Service has seen tremendous benefit from 908 Devices’ MX908.
Chilean Border Agents Foil Multiple Narcotics Smuggling Attempts with MX908
Explore how advanced detection technology is helping stop drug smuggling at airports through real-world case studies from Chilean customs.
Identifying Dangerous Materials in Mail
Learn what are the commonly seized substances in everyday mail and how our MX908 is utilized as a screening tool to keep employees safe from harmful substance exposures. A simple swab of a package can reveal the contents inside.
Identifying a Synthetic Cannabinoid Imbedded in Paper
Read our latest case study on how MX908 aids correctional staff to proactively identify drugs at nanogram levels via trace detection on difficult samples, such as drugs imbedded in paper.
Identifying Smuggled Khat
Suspicious of a possible drug shipment, officers ran the samples in the MX908 Drug Hunter Mission Mode which returned multiple alarms for cathinone, an active drug substance in khat.
Aerosolized Fentanyl During Decontamination
Download this case study on Canadian Decon Solutions’ encounter with fentanyl and how MX908 with Aero provided real-time intel at the point of need.
Analysis Comparison of Fentanyl
Read how the sensitivity of MX908 enables the identification of fentanyl and its analogues down to 0.1%, even in a complex mixture.
Podcasts
Hazmat, Detection, and the Hidden Threats We Face
Dr. Mark Norman joins The Firefighters Podcast to talk about the evolution of hazmat detection – from lab tech to tools you can take to the field.
The HazMat Guys Podcast, Part 2: Measuring Aerosols
Listen to Episode 291, Part 2 of the HazMat Guys Podcast on Aerosols. The guys discuss common techniques used to measure aerosols and how to keep safe while responding to aerosolized threats.
The HazMat Guys Podcast, Part 1: What are Aerosols?
Listen to Episode 290, Part 1 of the HazMat Guys Podcast to learn more about aerosol threats and the challenges they pose to responders.
Published Articles
Identifying Chemicals Precisely Through Trace Analysis is Now a Reality, Opening New Doors for Customs Officers
This article, authored by our own John Johnson, was originally published in WCO News, Issue 3/ 2023. This article introduces MX908 which enables field officers to analyze trace materials left on any items and obtain the specific name of a trace-level substance. Not only can they confirm or allay their suspicions rapidly, but they can also proceed to physical inspection with all the precautions needed.
Prioritizing Officer Safety in the Field as Fentanyl Fatalities Rise
Originally published in the online edition of Evidence Technology Magazine, Jan 2022.
Multi-Mission Threat Detection in Real Time
This article originally appeared in CBNW Magazine, January 2022.
The Procurement Pendulum Swings Back
908 Devices is advancing CBRN defense with portable, high-precision detection tools like the MX908—trusted globally for rapid field identification, real-time intelligence, and mission-ready support.
Catching a RedWave
Explore how 908 Devices’ acquisition of RedWave Technology is revolutionizing chemical detection with advanced mass spectrometry and FTIR solutions, expanding capabilities for public safety and military applications.
The Current State of the Opioid Crisis & Other Emerging Threats
This article examines the evolving opioid crisis, highlighting the need for advanced detection technologies and coordinated prevention efforts to combat synthetic opioid crisis.
Trace Detection Tools for Synthetic Opioids
As the synthetic opioid crisis evolves, detection technologies are being enhanced to ensure that synthetic opioids can be detected, categorized, and/or identified.
Specification Sheets
MX908 Beacon Specification Sheet
MX908 Beacon remote area monitoring for identification of aerosol and vapor CWA’s and PBA’s.
MX908 Specifications for Priority Drugs
With the enhanced selectivity of HPMS, users can conduct field analysis of unknown substances at trace levels to generate actionable intelligence in real time.
MX908 Specifications for Corrections
MX908 provides trace identification (nanogram/invisible level) of many drugs commonly smuggled into corrections facilities.
MX908 Specifications for Hazmat
With MX908, elite federal, military and civilian responders have the quick, confident intelligence they need to ensure the safety of their team and the public.
MX908 Specifications for EOD
Detection and ID of priority threats from military and commercial grade explosives, to homemade energetics and relevant precursors.
Tech Notes
Multi-Mission Threat Detection with Handheld HPMS
Download this tech note to learn more about how MX908 utilizes high pressure mass spec.
Next-Generation Handheld High-Pressure Mass Spectrometry
Download tech note 1.0 to learn about MX908 with APCI Dual-Polarity Source for Threat Detection and Identification.
Analysis of Fentanyl and Its Analogs with a Handheld API Mass Spectrometer and In-Source CID
In this work we report on the results of optimization of an insource CID sequence and subsequent characterization of the handheld API mass spectrometer/algorithm performance for the analysis of both neat and heavily cut samples containing various fentanyl analogs.
Aerosol Detection and Identification with MX908
Read this tech note full of field test data to understand how the MX908 with Aero works when detecting aerosolized chemicals.
Testimonials
A Conversation with Christina Baxter About Fentanyl
Dr. Christina Baxter is the CEO of Emergency Response TIPS, LLC and a partner in Hazard3, LLC which provides practical, evidence-based solutions for emergency response.
A Conversation with Christina Baxter About Aerosol Hazards
Dr. Christina Baxter is the CEO of Emergency Response TIPS, LLC and a partner in Hazard3, LLC which provides practical, evidence-based solutions for emergency response.
Conversations with Patrick Glynn, Christina Baxter, and Michael Gray
A trio of industry experts shares their perspectives on the MX908.
Videos
MX908 Beacon Product Video
Watch this video to see how MX908 Beacon can be deployed to provide remote area monitoring to provide real-time identification of airborne hazards.
Interview: RSK Media Interviews Kevin J. Knopp
RSK Media, Rizwan Chaudhrey, visited Boston and met with 908 Devices CEO, Kevin J. Knopp. Topics included key business drivers, the RedWave Technology acquisition, and the future of life sciences.
MX Files – Episode 2: Destruction of Evidence
Watch this episode of the MX Files to see how the MX908 identified trace levels of residue left from drug evidence before it was destroyed.
MX908 Product Video
Watch our MX908 product video for a full product overview including applicable applications for use – law enforcement, hazmat, explosives and more.
MX Files – Episode 1 – Aerosolized Fentanyl
Join us for this episode of the MX Files featuring Canadian Decon Solutions and a story about an encounter with fentanyl.
Benefits of the MX908 with Aero
Watch this video to learn the benefits of MX908 with aero module for vapor and aerosol chemical detection and identification.
MX908 Demo – Trace Analysis of Suspected Explosive
Quick demonstration of how MX908 can identify a trace explosive quickly by a simple swab of outside of a bottle.
MX908 Demo – Trace Analysis of Explosive Residue at an HME Lab
MX908 Demo – Trace Analysis of Suspect Vehicle
MX908 Demo – Trace RDX Demonstration
MX908 Demo
Startup and Vapor Mode Demo
Trace Sampling Demo
Mission Mode Intro
MX908 with Aero
MX908 with Aero enables operators to detect and identify aerosolized threats, such as Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) and Pharmaceutical-based Agents (PBAs), which represent a critical gap in existing chemical detection solutions.
Webinars On Demand
The New MX908 Beacon for Area Monitoring
We recently caught up with The HazMat Guys Podcast to discuss what’s new from 908 Devices for area monitoring missions.
Beyond Detection: The Imperative for Advanced Trace-Level Identification of Synthetic Opioids
This webinar explores strategies for implementing MX908 for HIDTA and Counterdrug initiatives.
Empowering Field Operations: Integrated Chemical Analysis
This webinar is designed for emergency response teams, defense personnel, and security professionals needing quick, accurate integrated chemical analysis.
Improving Substance Detection and Identification in Correctional Facilities
Watch this webinar to learn more about MX908 for Corrections Screening and pairing with RaySecur’s MailSecur system for robust narcotics identification in correctional facilities.
Simplifying Everyday Hazmat Calls with Advanced Technology
From routine calls such as carbon monoxide and odor detection, to more complex incidents involving multiple chemical substances learn how hazmat response tools like XplorIR and MX908 allow responders to work smarter.
Unmasking Nitazenes: Novel Substances Joining Fentanyl in the Synthetic Opioid Landscape
This webinar explores the emerging threat of nitazenes, their parallels to the fentanyl crisis, and how the MX908 enhances detection and analysis for law enforcement, forensic professionals, and medical examiners.
Unlocking Public Safety Grants and Funding in 2025
This webinar will equip you with the tools to maximize funding and navigate the evolving grant process.
In Their Words: How One Corrections Team Stops Drugs at the Gate
This webinar features corrections professionals sharing real-world strategies for contraband detection, highlighting tools like the MX908, K9s, and advanced mail screening protocols.
Maximizing Decon Efficiency: Solutions for Dangerous Drugs
Watch this webinar to learn how First Line Technology and 908 Devices products work together to provide robust decon solutions.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Navigating Emerging Drugs for Law Enforcement
Learn about diverse drug classifications and why new substances, such as xylazine and medetomidine, are emerging more frequently. Stay ahead of the curve and navigate these emerging drug trends.
Grant Writing Strategies for Public Safety
Are you seeking to enhance your department’s resources or make a significant impact on the fentanyl epidemic? Watch this webinar to learn about law enforcement grant writing and applications, to aid in acquiring technologies that are used on the front lines for public safety.
Deadly Drug Investigations
This webinar provides an overview of the rise of the opioid epidemic in the U.S.. Through the use of real-life case studies, you will learn how to safely respond and investigate the scene of an overdose.
Suspect Fentanyl Mail Analysis and Best Practices
Watch our quick webinar on suspect fentanyl mail analysis to learn best practices on utilizing MX908 for screening suspected mail.
Responding to Chemical Warfare and Pharmaceutical Based Agents
A must watch for CBRN first responders. Receive the latest info on dangerous chemical threats, chemical warfare, and pharmaceutical based agents.
Trace Identification of Fentanyl, Synthetic Cathinones, and Other Drugs in Corrections
Watch this on demand webinar to learn more about the challenges associated with the increased presence of drugs and how to protect officers and inmates from potential exposures.
Field Detection of Pesticides: Suicide, Seizures, and Sickness
Watch this new on demand webinar as we explore the dangers of illegal marijuana grow operations and how to detect and identify toxic pesticides used in the cultivation process.
Responding to Emerging Threats: Detect, Decon, and Verify
Watch this webinar to learn more about the latest tactics, detection techniques, and procedures related to current and emerging threats. From fentanyl to unconventional chemical threats this is a must-watch for any first responder.
Expert Roundtable: Trends in Illicit Drug Identification
Learn from a panel of law enforcement experts as they discuss challenges in keeping pace with an evolving drug landscape, and how they use new technology to detect and identify drugs in the field.
The Modern Day Challenges of Law Enforcement in Drug Detection
Presented by Patrick Glynn, Detective Lieutenant, Drug Control Unit, Quincy Police Department
Novel Applications for EOD
Learn how the MX908 is capable of identifying a wide range of explosives, including commercial, military, and homemade variants.
Aerosol Hazard Management 101 with The Haz Mat Guys
In this webinar you’ll learn the definition and properties of aerosol threats, aerosol hazards and the challenge they present to first responders, why aerosols have been traditionally difficult to detect and identify with legacy technologies, and how to respond to and protect yourselves and the public from aerosol threats.
Emerging Chemical Threats: Novichoks, The Newcomers
This webinar focuses on England’s “Salisbury Incident”, dangers of chemical weapons, and the importance of preparedness in dealing with Novichok threats.
The Expanding Value of Technology in Investigations and Court
Watch this on demand webinar to learn how MX908 technology can be leveraged in investigations and court.
White Papers
The Emerging Threat of Nitazenes in the Synthetic Opioid Crisis
Discover how nitazenes—synthetic opioids up to 40x stronger than fentanyl—are fueling a new wave in the overdose crisis. Learn about detection challenges, real-world case studies, and advanced tools like the MX908 in this essential whitepaper.
White Paper: Area Monitoring for Chemical Warfare and Pharmaceutical Based Agents
Learn more about area monitoring and how MX908 Beacon is the only area monitor on the market to identify chemical warfare agents, etc.
The MX908 Advantage in the Presence of Cutting Agents
Read our latest whitepaper to see how MX908 performed in a study of the most common cutting agents found around the world and, when combined with Reachback analysis, improved the false positive rate from <2%, to 0%.
White Paper: Pesticide Detection and Identification at Illegal Marijuana Grows
With pesticides posing an imminent danger for wildlife in the area, responding law enforcement also find themselves potentially exposed to the hazardous chemicals
Using MX908 in Investigations and Court
Users can conduct field analysis of unknown substances at trace levels to generate actionable intelligence in real time to assess threat levels, establish probable cause, and prioritize investigatory resources accordingly, all while reducing operator exposure.
Actionable Information from High Pressure Mass Spectrometry
The detection and identification of chemicals with HPMS carries sufficient information to warrant definitive action, medical treatment and communication.
Trace Detection in the Field Expedites Prosecution
Mass spectrometry is classified as a Category A technique by the Scientific Working Group on Seized Drug Analysis (SWGDRG) and ASTM 2329-17 and has been admissible in court for more than 50 years. Download to read more.
Aerosol Hazard Management 101
Read this white paper to learn more about the hazard posed by aerosolized chemicals. You will learn about aerosols and their properties and how to successfully address them in the field.
Operational Response to Fourth Generation Agents
Read this whitepaper written by Christina Baxter Ph.D., to prepare responders with commercially available solutions to detect, identify, decontaminate, destroy, and confirm the destruction of the A-series agents.
A New Approach to Trace Detection
Today’s emergency responders and security personnel need detection capabilities which address both categories with high sensitivity (the ability to detect threat materials below harmful levels) and high fidelity (the ability to detect reproducibly and reliably).
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