Seized Drugs

The Seized Drugs Section analyzes unknown material for the presence or absence of a controlled substance. The procedures utilized reflect testing guidelines recommended by SWGDRUG (Scientific Working Group for Seized Drug Analysis). A typical seized drug analysis consists of a presumptive screening test, followed by a confirmatory test.

FTIR, Thermo Scientific

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) provides structural information about a substance, thereby allowing for the identification of controlled substances. This structural information is often referred to as a molecular "fingerprint.”

ISQ 7000 Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer and TRACE 1310 Gas Chromatography System

GC/MS, Thermo Scientific

Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) couples a mass spectrometer with a gas chromatograph. Drugs of abuse are rarely found in pure form; therefore, components present in complex mixtures can be separated using gas chromatography, and molecular details about each component can be obtained using mass spectrometry.

RADIAN ASAP Direct Mass Detector, Waters

Rapid Direct Analysis – Atmospheric Pressure Sample Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry (RADIAN-ASAP) is a direct analysis system that uses mass spectrometry technology, designed for a rapid, easy analysis of liquids and solids. RADIAN-ASAP MS is used to screen samples for controlled substances. The fast analysis time of the RADIAN-ASAP can eliminate the need for other lengthy screening techniques.

Presumptive Tests

Presumptive tests are routinely performed using color tests. Color tests provide quick, presumptive screening of drug classes. Other presumptive tests performed in the laboratory consist of the use of instrumental techniques such as Gas Chromatography (GC) and Rapid Direct Analysis – Atmospheric Pressure Sample Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry (RADIAN-ASAP MS).

Cobalt Thiocyanate Presumptive Test

In the video, a presumptive color test is performed by combining a small quantity of a sample with a color test reagent. For this specific example, the color test reagent being used is Cobalt Thiocyanate.

Cobalt Thiocyanate is a reagent that will react in the presence of cocaine. Cocaine Hydrochloride (powdered cocaine) will result in an immediate blue color change, while Cocaine Base (Crack Cocaine) will result in a slow blue change.

Confirmatory Tests

Confirmatory tests provide structural and molecular information to make a conclusive identification of a controlled substance. Instrumental techniques used for confirmatory tests are Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)