Forensic Drug Analysis

refers to the process of identifying and quantifying

specimens of illegal drugs. These forensic drug tests are
carried out via screening and confirmation for the purpose
of analysis. The results can be used as evidence in a court
of law.
Drug Chemist
A drug chemist is a specialist who conducts chemical
analysis of evidence confiscated during criminal
investigations, which involve dangerous drugs and
clandestine labs.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Drug Specimen

In drug parse, knowing the quantity is knowing its

degree of purity, while knowing the quality simply means
knowing the existence or the presence of dangerous drugs
on the specimen.

Both qualitative and quantitative analyses use the

analytical method of identifying volatile substances and
dangerous drugs.
Steps in Conducting Qualitative Analysis

• Physical Test

This kind of test is performed by describing the physical

properties of a specimen by ocular inspection, weighing, or
through a microscopic exam.
Steps in Conducting Qualitative Analysis

• Chemical (Color) Test

In the chemical test, a specific reagent or series of

reagents is used for a presumptive test. Color reaction is
expected to occur in order to determine the presence of a
dangerous drug. Different reagents are used for different
dangerous drugs and examples include Simons test, Marquis
test, and so on.
 Field Test for Dangerous Drugs
DRUGS TEST USED COLOR REACTION
Opium Marquis Test Purple/Violet
Heroin Nitric Acid Yellow-Green
Morphine Nitric Acid Red Orange
Cocaine Cobalt Thiocyanate Blue
Barbiturates Dille-Kopanyi Test or Violet/Blue
Zwikker Test
Amphetamines Marquis Test Red/Orange-Brown
LSD Para Amino Benzoic Acid Purple
(PABA)/ Van urk test 6
Steps in Conducting Qualitative Analysis

• Confirmatory Test

There are three types of confirmatory tests: thin layer

chromatography (TLC), spectrophotometry, and gas
chromatography mass spectrophotometry.
Steps in Conducting Qualitative Analysis

• Confirmatory Test

a. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

This type of test requires the comparison of Rf

(retention in time values) between the specimen in
question and the standard.
Retention Factor can be defined as the ratio of the distance travelled by solute
to the distance travelled by solvent.
Steps in Conducting Qualitative Analysis

• Confirmatory Test

b. Spectrophotometry (UIV and IR)

Ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UIV) offers conclusive proof
for the positive identification of drugs because other materials
could produce an indistinguishable spectrum. Meanwhile,
infrared spectrophotometry (IR) can specifically identify the
substance. The IR pattern is unique to each compound and can
be considered as being analogous to the “fingerprint” of the
compound being examined.
Spectrophotometry is a branch of electromagnetic
spectroscopy concerned with the quantitative measurement
of the reflection or transmission properties of a material
as a function of wavelength.
Steps in Conducting Qualitative Analysis

• Confirmatory Test

c. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry

This test is performed by combining gas chromatography and
mass spectrophotometry, that is, as the sample emerges from
the gas chromatography, it immediately enters the mass
spectrometer. Then, the sample is exposed to high-energy
electrons, causing the sample to fragment or break a part.
The fragmentation pattern serves as a “fingerprint” of a
chemical substance.
Analysis begins with the gas chromatograph, where the
sample is effectively vaporized into the gas phase and
separated into its various components using a capillary
column coated with a stationary (liquid or solid) phase.
Reporting

A complete laboratory report should be able to indicate all

the necessary information, which includes the following:
the specimen submitted and its description, the time and
date at which the specimen was received by the
authorized personnel, data about the suspect/s, the name
of the requesting party, the findings and conclusion, the
time and date at which the analysis was completed, and
the name and signature of the examiner and the approving
officer.
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