Drug Analysis (Presumptive Test) 2

what are the different drug analysis approaches?

* analytical approach
* presumptive tests
* microcrystal tests
* analytical screening
* definitive identification

what are the steps for approaching an analytical approach?

* devise a scheme for analysis
* inventory
* weights
* destructive vs. non-destructive
* number of samples to be tested (exam plan)

what are examples of presumptive tests?

* immunoassays
* drug wipes
* triage kits

what are the different presumptive tests?

* cobalt thiocyanate ( Scott’s Test)
* Duquenois- Levine
* Marquis
* P-DMAB (p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde) Ehrlich reagent

chromophore

a compound that absorbs photons

conjugation

alternating double and single bonds

auxochrome

a group that alters the wavelength and/ or intensity of a chromophore

what color does Cobalt Thiocyanate reagent + Acid (Scott’s) produce?

No blue initially .. pink

blue only after acid is added

The marquis reagent tests for what drugs?

Heroin, opiates, amphetamines

When using the marquis reagent, what color indicates opiates?

Dark blue/ purple

The Duquenois Levine Reagent tests for what drug?

THC - Marijuana ( delta 9- tetrahydrocannabinol)

In the duquenois-levine reagent turns what color when THC is present?

purple/blue color develops initially

purple color extracts into lower CHCL3 layer

what test should be used to test for cocaine?

cobalt thiocyanate : Blue

what test should be used to test for morphine?

marquis : Dark purple/Blue

what test should be used to test for amphetamines ?

marquis : Orange-Red/Brown

what test should be used to test for PCP?

marquis: faint pink

what test should be used to test for Heroin?

Marquis : Dark purple/Blue

what test should be used to test for LSD?

marquis : orange to brown to purple

what test should be used to test for mescaline?

marquis : orange

what test should be used to test for psilocybin ?

marquis : dull orange

what are the most common analytes for microcrystal testing?

cocaine, heroin, amphetamine

what are important things to note about microcrystal testing?

* reactions involve creation of crystalline material
* precipitation creates unique products
* some labs consider microcrystalline testing to be part of identification

How do you perform microcrystal testing?

* reagent is added to small amount of sample
* usually performed on a microscope slide
* results obtained using a compound microscope
* polarized light microscopy may be needed
* photographs should be taken to document findings

what tests are used for microcrystal testing?

* dragendorff Test ( kraut’s reagent)
* mayer’s test

what are the different parts of cannabis sativa L. ( marijuana)

does not include fiber product from stalks ( hemp)

does not include oil or cake from seeds

does not include sterilized seeds

Marijuana characteristics

* also known as cannabis
* ingredients known as cannabinoids
* not alkaloids
* schedule I
* concerned with delta 9 THC

When inspecting marijuana visually, what should be looked for?

* visual inspection/ stereomicroscopy
* organoleptic technique
* weights
* cystolithic hairs ( CaCO3)
* glandular hairs

what happens with thin-layer chromatography Marijuana analysis ?

* extract with organic solvent ( petroleum ether)
* spot TLC plate with 5 microliter amounts
* silica gel plate
* mobile phase :100% toluene
* spray with fast blue bb

characteristics of cocaine

* schedule II
* naturally occurring alkaloid
* from the erythroxylon coca species
* grows at high elevations in Bolivia and Columbia
* have been used for 1000’s of years by natives

What are the characteristics of heroin

* schedule I
* semi-synthetic alkaloid
* acetylation of morphine ( deacetylation)
* morphine obtained from opium poppy plant

what percentage of heroin is crude?

crude opium oozes from plant when slit

25% crude opium are alkaloids

10% of total alkaloid content is morphine

Is black tar heroin pure?

no, Impure : pure heroin is a white solid

what is the analytical scheme for most drugs?

* visual inspection
* weights ( or volumes if dissolved in liquids)
* extractions ( if drug is within a liquid )
* spot test
* FTIR
* GC/MS

what are some additional work-up’s you could possibly do to gain more information on specific drugs?

* derivatization
* use of siloxanes
* TMS ( trimethylsilyl) - addition of siloxyl groups
* bSTFA bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide
* Esterification- addition of ester groups

what are anabolic steroids ?

* human- performance drugs
* usually seen in sporting activities
* body-building
* abuse can lead to excessive aggression
* roid rage

what key information about anabolic steroids should be considered when trying to analyze the drug?

* analysis is not as easy as in other drugs
* biologically derived from cholesterol
* longer GC run times needed
* not many color test are used
* evidence usually in vial ( conformation of product)
* GC/MS (PI/EI) and GC/MS (PI/CI)