Lab Safety Rules for Students

• Report all accidents, injuries, and breakage of glass or equipment to instructor

immediately.
• Keep pathways clear by placing extra items (books, bags, etc.) on the shelves or under
the work tables. If under the tables, make sure that these items can not be stepped on.
• Long hair (chin-length or longer) must be tied back to avoid catching fire.
• Wear sensible clothing including footwear. Loose clothing should be secured so they do
not get caught in a flame or chemicals.
• Work quietly — know what you are doing by reading the assigned experiment before you
start to work. Pay close attention to any cautions described in the laboratory exercises
• Do not taste or smell chemicals.
• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes when heating substances, dissecting, etc.
• Do not attempt to change the position of glass tubing in a stopper.
• Never point a test tube being heated at another student or yourself. Never look into a test
tube while you are heating it.
• Unauthorized experiments or procedures must not be attempted.
• Keep solids out of the sink.
• Leave your work station clean and in good order before leaving the laboratory.
• Do not lean, hang over or sit on the laboratory tables.
• Do not leave your assigned laboratory station without permission of the teacher.
• Learn the location of the fire extinguisher, eye wash station, first aid kit and safety shower.
• Fooling around or "horse play" in the laboratory is absolutely forbidden. Students found in
violation of this safety rule will be barred from participating in future labs and could result
in suspension.
• Anyone wearing acrylic nails will not be allowed to work with matches, lighted splints,
Bunsen burners, etc.
• Do not lift any solutions, glassware or other types of apparatus above eye level.
• Follow all instructions given by your teacher.
• Learn how to transport all materials and equipment safely.
• No eating or drinking in the lab at any time!

Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology

CDSGA - BS Criminology
Name: Date:
Course, Year & Section: Faculty: PCPT CAMILLE A BORJA, RCh

LAB ACTIVITY No. 1

Basic Laboratory Equipment
Objective: To have knowledge on basic laboratory equipment inside the laboratory and know the
functions of each laboratory equipment/apparatus found in a typical chemistry laboratory.
Introduction:
Laboratory equipment refers to the different
tools and equipment that can be seen in a
laboratory. Generally, these tools and
equipment help scientists perform their
experiments.
The Laboratory
• A laboratory, or informally referred to as a
lab, is a controlled place or facility with a
controlled environment / conditions
appropriate to conduct experiments
following scientific methods.
• Laboratories can be found in schools and
universities wherein, generally, students
conduct scientific experiments related to
their studies and fields.
• Laboratories can also be found in industry,
government, and military facilities.
• Depending on what type of laboratory,
there might be apparatuses that are
exclusive to a certain type of laboratory.
• For example, a physics laboratory may
contain a particle accelerator. On the other
hand, a psychologist’s laboratory may be a
facility with one-way mirrors or hidden
cameras for behavioral analysis.
Laboratory Equipment
• In relation to laboratories providing a
controlled environment conducive for
experiments, there are also tools to be
used by scientists/researchers or anyone
who would like to perform an experiment in
a laboratory.
• In general, laboratory equipment points to
the different tools, apparatuses, and
equipment that can be seen and used
inside a laboratory.
• There are no rules in classifying laboratory
equipment. However, these tools can be
grouped according to their uses and the
material used to make them.
Glassware
• In this section, all laboratory equipment
that will be discussed is made from the
same material – glass. However, their uses
may vary.
• The Erlenmeyer Flask is designed for
easy stirring in a way that stirring can be
done by simply swirling the flask by hand.
This is also often used for titrations (a
method of quantitative chemical analysis).
• The Beaker is designed to be able to hold
varying volumes of liquid, and also the
spout allows easy pouring of liquids.
• Test Tubes are generally used to hold and
mix a small volume of liquid samples. This
equipment is also often used in qualitative
analysis.
• The Volumetric Flask, as the name
suggests, measures the (specific) volume
of a liquid sample inside the flask. This tool
also allows easy mixture of solutions as
this is generally paired with a stopper.
• Graduated cylinders are generally used
for measuring different volumetric
measures of a liquid sample. The spout
also allows easy pouring of liquid.
• A glass petri dish is a shallow lidded dish
that is usually used to hold a growth or
culture medium (agar) on which bacteria or
fungi can grow for analysis.
Laboratory Equipment According to Use
Lab Equipment for Heating
• In this section, the laboratory equipment
that will be mentioned is used in the
process of heating.
• A Bunsen burner (which is named
after Robert Bunsen) is a piece of
laboratory equipment mainly used to
produce a single open flame for
heating, sterilization, and combustion.
• A Bunsen burner used in combination with
a tripod stand will be able to create a stable
station for heating things.
Lab Equipment for Measuring
• In this section, all the laboratory equipment
that will be mentioned is used to measure
different measurements such as volume,
mass, weight, temperature, and time.
• Pipettes are typically used to measure and
transfer small amounts of liquids.
• An analytical balance is a precision
measuring instrument typically used in
qualitative chemical analysis. This is also
used in determining the mass of solid
objects, liquids, and many more.
• A laboratory thermometer is usually used
to measure the temperature of substances
and to find out the boiling and freezing
points during experiments.
• A laboratory stopwatch is used to
measure time intervals during an
experiment in order to identify specific
activation and deactivation points.
Lab Equipment for Observing
• In this section, all the laboratory equipment
that will be mentioned is used to allow the
researcher or scientist or the person using
the equipment to have a look at substances
and different materials for observation
and/or analysis.
• In laboratories, microscopes are used to
get a clear, high-quality view of the
substance or sample being observed and
studied.
• In this section, all the laboratory equipment
that will be mentioned is used to allow the
researcher or scientist or the person using
the equipment to have a look at substances
and different materials for observation
and/or analysis.
• In laboratories, microscopes are used to
get a clear, high-quality view of the
substance or sample being observed and
studied.
Materials: Common Laboratory wares inside the lab.
Procedure:
1. Locate each piece of laboratory equipment on the benches in the room.
2. Match the equipment with the description of its function.
Lab Equipment for Holding
• In this section, all the laboratory equipment
that will be mentioned is used to hold
objects and/or other laboratory tools, or to
keep things in their position.
• A test tube rack is used to hold multiple
test tubes in an upright position all at the
same time. Typically, test tube racks are
helpful in organizing test tubes containing
different solutions.
• A retort stand, also known as a ring stand,
is equipment used to support other pieces
of equipment or tools.
• Laboratory tongs, known as crucible
tongs, are used to hold hot crucibles,
flasks, or other pieces of equipment.
• A laboratory tripod is used to support
flasks and/or beakers. This is typically
made of stainless steel or aluminum with
three (3) legs.
Other Laboratory Equipment
• A funnel is used to help with the transfer or
pouring of liquids.
• A filter paper, in laboratories, is used to
separate solid particles from liquids or
gasses.
• A burette is often used for titration or for
dispensing small amounts of liquids.
Burettes, in general, serve the same
purpose as pipettes.
• Desiccators are used to either dry a
substance or to keep a substance from
getting moist. Desiccators contain
desiccants. A desiccant is a substance that
is used to prevent or sustain the state of
dryness of the environment.
• A wash bottle is a plastic bottle with a
nozzle attached to it. This is typically used
to wash glassware such as test tubes and
flasks
 3. Record the name and draw the piece of equipment beside its function
Directions: A number of items that may be used in the laboratory are shown below. Study this
page and decide what may be used for. Use the names of the equipment to answer questions
that follows.

Questions:
Name each piece of equipment that would be useful for each of the following tasks:
1. Holding 100mL of water (ebkare) ________________
2. Measuring 27 mL of liquid (daudgtear ldnreiyc) ________________
3. Measuring exactly 43mL of an acid (rtube) ________________
4. Massing out 120 g of sodium chloride (acbnela) ________________
5. Suspending glassware over the Bunsen burner (rwei zeagu) ________________
 6. Used to pour liquids into containers with small openings or to hold filter paper
(unfenl)________________
7. Mixing a small amount of chemicals together (lewl letpa) ________________
8. Heating contents in a test tube (estt ubet derolh) ________________
9. Holding many test tubes filled with chemicals (estt ubet karc) ________________
10. Used to clean the inside of test tubes or graduated cylinders (iwer srbuh)
________________
11. Keeping liquid contents in a beaker from splattering (tahcw sgasl) ________________
12. A narrow-mouthed container used to transport, heat or store substances, often used when
a stopper is required (ymerereel kslaf) ________________
13. Heating contents in the lab (nuesnb bneurr) ________________
14. Transport a hot beaker (gntos) ________________
15. Protects the eyes from flying objects or chemical splashes (ggloges)________________
16. Used to grind chemicals to powder (tmraor nda stlepe) ________________

Directions: In the word search below are the names of several pieces of lab equipment. As you
find each piece of equipment, record its name on the list.
1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.
 11. 16.
12. 17.
13. 18.
14. 19.
15. 20. bonus
Draw each of the laboratory equipment that is described.
Questions
1. Which laboratory equipment/apparatus can be used to measure liquid quantities?

2. Which laboratory equipment/apparatus are useful when measuring and mixing an acid
and water?

3. What tool or tools would you use to make each of the following measurements?
a. amount of milk in a small glass __________________________
b. length of a sheet of paper ______________________________
c. temperature of a swimming pool ________________________
d. mass of a baseball _____________________________________
Conclusions:

Signature: ____________________
Date completed: _______________
 Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology
CDSGA - BS Criminology
Name: Date
Course, Year & Section: Faculty: PCPT CAMILLE A BORJA, RCh

LAB ACTIVITY No. 2

Drug Testing

Objective: To know the principles behind drug test kits.

Introduction:
A rapid one step screening test kit is used for the simultaneous qualitative detection of
multiple drugs and metabolites in human urine samples. This Dual-Drug One Step
Methamphetamine/Marijuana Screening Test Panel (Urine) is a lateral flow chromatographic
immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Methamphetamine and 11-nor-∆9-
Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (∆9-THC-COOH) in human urine.
This Dual-Drug One Step Methamphetamine/Marijuana Screening Test Panel (Urine)
yields positive results for the various drugs at the respective concentrations used:
Methamphetamine 1000 ng/mL and THC 50 ng/mL. This is the suggested screening cut-off for
positive specimens set by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA, USA).
Urine drug test kits are widely used for drug testing in a variety of settings, including at
home, the workplace, healthcare, and law enforcement. While urine drug testing is generally
reliable and effective, there are some limitations to be aware of. Here are a few examples:

1. False positives: Urine drug test kits may sometimes produce false positive results,
indicating the presence of a drug or metabolite when none is actually present. This can
occur due to a variety of factors, such as cross-reactivity with other substances or
contamination of the sample.
2. Limited detection window: Urine drug tests are generally effective for detecting drug
use within the past few days or weeks, depending on the drug and the individual’s
metabolism. However, they may not detect drug use that occurred further back in time.
3. Invasiveness: Urine drug tests require the individual to provide a urine sample, which
can be invasive or uncomfortable for some people. Additionally, the need for observed
urine collections can be perceived as intrusive or embarrassing.
4. Limited information: Urine drug tests only provide information about recent drug use,
and do not provide information about the individual’s pattern of use or potential
dependence on the drug.
5. Limited sensitivity: Urine drug tests may not detect low levels of some drugs or
metabolites, particularly if the individual has been using the drug infrequently or in small
amounts.

Overall, urine drug test kits are a valuable tool for drug testing, but it’s important to be aware of
their limitations and to use them in conjunction with other testing methods and clinical
assessments as needed.

Materials: Drug Test Kit Urine samples

Procedure:
1. Allow the test, urine specimen, and/or controls to reach room temperature (15o – 30oC)
prior to testing.
2. Bring the pouch to room temperature before opening it. Remove the test device from the
sealed pouch and use it as soon as possible.
3. Place the test device on a clean and level surface. Hold the dropper vertically and
transfer 3 full drops of urine (approximately 100 µl) to the specimen well (S) of the test
device, and then start the timer. Avoid trapping air bubbles in the specimen well (S).
4. Wait for the colored line(s) to appear. Read the results at 5 minutes. It is important that
the background is clear before the result is read. Do not interpret the result after 10
minutes.
Interpretation of result:
POSITIVE:
MET Positive: No line appears in the MET test region (M) of the specific drug test. This
positive result indicates that the Methamphetamine concentration exceeds the
detectable cut-off level (1000 ng/mL)
THC Positive: No line appears in the THC test region (T) of the specific drug test. This
positive result indicates that the Marijuana concentration exceeds the detectable cut-off
level.
NEGATIVE: 3 lines appear. One red line should be in the control region (C) of the drug test,
and two red or pink line should be in the test region (M/T) of the drug test.
INVALID: Control line fails to appear. Insufficient specimen volume or incorrect procedural
techniques are the most likely reasons for control line failure. Review the procedure and
repeat the test using a new test panel. If the problem persists, discontinue using the lot
immediately and contact your local distributor.
**NOTE: The shade of red in the test line region (M/T) will vary, but it should all be
considered as negative whenever there is even a faint pink line.

Question:
1. How do I interpret if the drug test went successfully?

2. Give the three (3) examples of specimen tampering in urine samples, elaborate:
Draw the drug test kit result for the following sample:
1. Sample 1 2. Sample 2

Conclusions:

Signature: ____________________
Date completed: _______________
 Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology
CDSGA - BS Criminology
Name: Date
Course, Year & Section: Faculty: PCPT CAMILLE A BORJA, RCh

LAB ACTIVITY No. 3

Paraffin Casting
Introduction:

A method used for the detection of gunshot residue. This test determines whether a
person has discharged a gun, the Paraffin-Diphenylamine test.

Different names of this test:

1. Lunge’s test
2. Diphenylamine test
3. Dermal nitrate test
4. Gonzales test- the one who improved the test.

• Dr. Gonzalo Iturrios - first used paraffin for collecting gunpowder residues from a
discharged firearm in Cuba where the Paraffin test originated.

• The basis of this test is the presence of nitrates in the gunpowder residue.

• The test is done by applying warm melted paraffin wax on the hands of the alleged
shooter and causing the pores of the skin to open and exude the particles of gunpowder
residue. These particles are extracted by the paraffin cast (made of paraffin wax and
absorbent cotton) and will appear as blue specks when diphenylamine (DPA) reagent
is added to the cast. The specks are generally located on the area of the thumb and
forefingers.

• Time allotment for performing a paraffin cast: 72 hours (3 days) from the time of the
alleged shooting incident. After the specific period, it will be impossible to extract the
gunpowder nitrates.
• Nitrates from pores cannot be removed by ordinary washing of the skin and stay for 72
hours. That is why it is important to conduct the paraffin casting within a specific period.

• Characteristics of positive results for nitrates from gunpowder residue: “Tailing deep
blue specks”. Thus, nitrate from other sources like fertilizers will give the same reaction
of blue color but without the “tailing”. Other substances similar to nitrate known as
oxidizers will also react with the reagent in the same way.

• Substance giving false positive result:

1. Fertilizer
2. Explosives
3. Tobacco
4. Urine
5. Certain cosmetics
6. Food samples
7. Cigarette
 • Paraffin test is NOT conclusive evidence but just corroborative evidence which intends
to support the testimony of eyewitness/es. There are instances where in the person who
actually discharged a gun still gives a negative result because of several factors. Factors
for false negative result:
1. Type of caliber of ammunition
2. Use of gloves
3. Length of the barrel
4. Age of the gun/ efficiency of mechanism
5. Direction of firing
6. Wind direction and velocity
7. Humidity/ percentage moisture in air
8. When 72 hours has already lapsed

• Paraffin wax - is a white, translucent, tasteless, odorless solid consisting of a mixture of

solid hydrocarbons of high molecular weight.

Paraffin Casting

Materials and Apparatus:

Paraffin wax Beaker or casserole
Absorbent cotton Tongs
Bond paper Burner

Procedure:
1. Heat the paraffin wax in a beaker/ casserole until it melts. Allows cooling for a few
minutes so that it will not burn the skin.
2. Let the subject wash hands with water without using any soap or detergent. Wipe the
hands of the subject with clean absorbent cotton.
3. Let the subject place his hands on a clean sheet of bond paper with the palms facing
downward and the fingers closed together. Using a spoon or tong with cotton, pour the
melted paraffin wax on the hands of the subject from the thumb and index fingers and
the dorsal portion to the little finger side of the hands.
4. Cover the hands and fingers thoroughly with paraffin wax and place a thin layer
of absorbent cotton to reinforce the wax.
5. Pour another layer of the wax until absorbent cotton has totally absorbed the wax.
6. Allow the wax to cool and solidify to form a cast before peeling them off.
7. When cooled, direct the subject to move the fingers first and slowly moving his hands
out from the casts.
8. Place on the bond paper the case number, name of the subject, time and date,
technician who took the cast, witnesses and label the and right and left hand.
9. Place another bond paper on top of the paraffin casts and staple together.
10. Place the paraffin casts inside an envelope or a box for proper preservation.

Questions:
1. Were you able to make a paraffin cast?

2. Which hand did you use?

 3. Was it successful? How did you find the experience? Explain.

4. What is the substance used to determine the result for the presence of nitrates from
gunpowder residue in the paraffin cast? What is the expected result for positive?

5. What substances give a false positive result? How do they differ from the positive result?

Conclusions:

Signature: ____________________
Date completed: _______________
 Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology
CDSGA - BS Criminology
Name: Date
Course, Year & Section: Faculty: PCPT CAMILLE A BORJA, RCh

LAB ACTIVITY No. 4

Blood Stain Pattern Analysis

Objective:

To be able to learn the different categories of bloodstain pattern and to be able to learn the flight
characteristics of blood in producing blood patterns.

Introduction:
The success or failure of any criminal investigation often depends on the recognition of
physical evidence left at a crime scene and the proper analysis of that evidence. Crime scenes
that involve bloodshed often contain a wealth of information of the events occur in the scene. The
pattern, size, shape, and the location of such stains may be very useful in the reconstruction of
the events that occurred.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: is the examination of the shapes, locations, and distribution
patterns of bloodstains, in order to provide an interpretation of the physical events which gave
rise to their origin. This is based on the premise that all bloodstains and bloodstain patterns are
characteristic of the forces that have created them.

Materials: artificial blood, medicine dropper, syringe, ruler and protractor, atomizer... etc
Procedure:
Passive Bloodstain
1. Drops
a. Using a dropper, drop two drops of blood at a height of one foot. Repeat and compare
to other substrate such as linoleum, glass tile, rock, paper and wood.
b. Label and photograph with scale.
c. Instead of dropper, use a sharp object and finger and then compare.
Diameter (cm) Diameter (cm)
Diameter (cm)
Spot using Shape using sharp
using finger
dropper object
Paper
Linoleum
Glass
Tile
Rock
Tissue Paper
Wood

d. Height of impact: from a height of 0.5 foot and using dropper, drop perpendicularly a
drop of blood. Measure the diameter, photograph with scale. Repeat the procedure at
different height (1 feet, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet, 7 feet and from second
floor).
 e. Unknown drop: drop a blood in any height and measure the diameter. Compare the
size to measured height of impact to approximate the height of impact.
Height 0.5 ft 1 ft 2 ft 3 ft 4 ft 5 ft 6 ft 7 ft 2nd
floor
Diameter
(cm)
unknown

2. Drips- using bond paper, place 10, 15, 20 and 30 drops of blood on the same spot from a
height of one foot.
No of drop 10 drips 15 drips 20 drips 30 drips
No of satellite
spatter

3. Pool – measure one to two mL of blood and pour in paper

Pool Characteristic Shape Size

Transfer bloodstain
1. Contact – from a blooded sole of a shoe, transfer the blood into a paper. Note the replica
mark.
2. Swipe or smear – from a blooded hand, transfer the blood onto unstained surface and
swipe it to the right. Note the presence of feathered edge.
3. Wipe – from previous blooded object, remove or alter the appearance by wiping the stain
to the right. NiAsa
4.
f. Using a dropper, drop two drops of blood at a height of one foot. Repeat and compare
to other substrate such as linoleum, glass tile, rock, paper and wood.
g. Label and photograph with scale.
h. Instead of dropper, use a sharp object and finger and then compare.

Questions:
1. What is the objective of this experiment?

Conclusions:

Signature: ____________________
Date completed: _______________
 Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology
CDSGA - BS Criminology
Name: Date
Course, Year & Section: Faculty: PCPT CAMILLE A BORJA, RCh

LAB ACTIVITY No. 5

Stencil of Serial Numbers
Objective: To have knowledge of producing a faithful representation of serial numbers.

Introduction:
Serial numbers were placed in objects in order to individualize it from other objects. It is a
serial of numbers, letters, or symbols arranged for proper identification of the said object.
There are two types of methods of placing serial numbers namely stamped, engraved, or
chiseled out. The first is the most used and can be restored using acid etching of the metal to
restore the serial number in case it has been tampered.
Two ways of producing a faithful representation of serial numbers include the direct
method and the tape-lift method. Stencil number is produced before and after conducting acid
etching as part of the evidential collection process.

Materials: onion skin paper, pencil, scotch tape, poly pencil, blue carbon paper

Test samples: serial number from engine and chassis number, firearms, and other objects.

Procedure:

A. Direct method
1. Place the onion skin above the serial number.
2. Using a pencil, shade or scratch the paper above the serial number in one direction.

B. Tape-lift method
1. Using carbon paper, scratch the serial number in one direction.
2. Cut a scotch tape of desired length and place starting on one side on top of the serial
number until all the numbers were covered with tape.
3. Lift the tape gently starting from one side to another.

Table and Results:

Direct method: motorcycle Tape lift method: motorcycle

Chassis serial number Chassis serial number

Make/ type:
Model:
Color:
 Plate number:
Chassis number:

Direct method: four wheels Tape lift method: four wheels

Engine serial number Engine serial number

Make/ type:
Model:
Color:
Plate number:
Engine number:

Direct method: Firearms Tape lift method: Firearms

Chassis serial number Chassis serial number

Make/ type:
Model:
Serial number:
Questions:

1. What is the problem encountered in the conduct of this activity?

2. State the purpose of taking the stencil number prior to the macro etching examination?
Conclusion:

Signature: ____________________
Date completed: _______________