These are minimum requirements applicable to the identification of seized drugs.

It is recognized that the correct identification of a drug or chemical depends on the use of an analytical scheme based on validated methods and the competence of the analyst. It is expected that in the absence of unforeseen error, an appropriate analytical scheme effectively results in no uncertainty in reported identifications.

This practice requires the use of multiple uncorrelated techniques. It does not discourage the use of any particular method within an analytical scheme. Unique requirements in different jurisdictions may dictate the actual practices followed by a particular laboratory.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice describes minimum criteria for the qualitative analysis (identification) of seized drugs.

1.2 Listed are a number of analytical techniques for the identification of seized drugs. These techniques are grouped on the basis of their discriminating power. Analytical schemes based on these groupings are described.

1.3 Additional information is found in Guides E1968, E1969, and E2125 and Practices E2326 and E2327.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E1968 Guide for Microcrystal Testing in Forensic Analysis of Cocaine

E1969 Guide for Microcrystal Testing in Forensic Analysis of Methamphetamine and Amphetamine

E2125 Guide for Microcrystal Testing in Forensic Analysis of Phencyclidine and Its Analogues

E2326 Practice for Education and Training of Seized-Drug Analysts

E2327 Practice for Quality Assurance of Laboratories Performing Seized-Drug Analysis

Keywords

identification; qualitative analysis; seized drugs; Seized-drug analysis;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 11.120.10 (Medicaments)

Citing ASTM Standards

[Back to Top]